97+ points. – Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate

The 2015 is a prestigious vintage Champagne composed of 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay from old vines in Ambonnay. The warm, sunny growing season delivered beautifully ripe fruit, while Francis Egly’s unusually late harvest preserved freshness and avoided the vegetal character sometimes found in 2015. Fermented and matured in oak, it spent around eight years on its lees before its 2024 disgorgement and was finished with only 1 gram per litre dosage.

The wine opens with pear, red plum, black cherry and vibrant citrus, complemented by fresh bread, violets, gentle toast and subtle savoury nuances. Full-bodied, layered and concentrated, it nevertheless remains remarkably elegant, supported by bright acidity, abundant chalky extract, a refined mousse and a long, resonant finish. It pairs superbly with lobster, roast turbot, scallops, duck, truffled poultry, roast pork, foie gras and mature Comté.

The 2015 is a compelling demonstration of Egly-Ouriet’s mastery of ripe vintages. Produced in very limited quantities, it offers generous drinking now but possesses the depth, structure and freshness to evolve beautifully through 2045 and beyond.