René Geoffroy Expression

35% Pinot Noir, 35% Pinot Meunier, 30% Chardonnay

Dosage: 3-5g/l

From vines around Cumieres and Hautvillers

50% Perpetuum Reserve Start in 1970

Without malolactic fermentation

3years bottle aging

Nicola OKT23: Vinous, polished, pleasant, harmonious, round, a bit of chocolate, nice nutty finish

Expression is a delightful introduction to Geoffroy's portfolio. Fermentation of the base vintage takes place in steel tanks, plus the blend includes up to 50% reserve wines. These come from a Réserve Perpétuelle started back in the 1970s by Jean-Baptiste's father. The grapes for Expression grow in vineyards around Cumières and Hautvillers.

Thirty-five percent each of Pinot Noir and Meunier complement each other with 30 percent Chardonnay to create a fruit-intensive and complex Champagne. Five grams of dosage are perfectly incorporated, playing with the lively freshness that comes from not using malolactic fermentation. The juicy and vinous style makes the reserve wine portion noticeable. Yellow fruit, nut cake, ripe apples and plums characterize the aromatics, accented by the lively perlage. A great aperitif champagne.

TASTING: Ripe and fragrant, with an expressive bouquet that releases beautiful aromas of apples, enhanced with notes of vanilla. On the palate, the attack is refined with a broad range of fruit and a beautifully fresh finish.

Antonio Galloni Vintage NV – 88P: This is a tasty, easygoing effort to drink now and over the next handful of years. The Expression is neither terribly deep nor complex, but it offers plenty of immediacy. Plum, ginger, spice and dried flowers add layers of complexity.

PRESS REVIEWS:

JAMES SUCKLING.COM - Oct 2016 - 92/100
Bettane & Desseauve 2016 : 15/20
Guide Gault Millau 2014 : 15/20
Tyson Stelzer - Australie - 2014 : 93/100
Wine Spectator - USA : 90/100
Stephen Tanzer’s - USA : 91/100