The Wine Advocate | RP 94
Published: Aug 31, 2022
Drink: 2021-2040

When Gilles de Larouziere took the reins chez Henriot and tasted the vins clairs of the 2016 vintage with his team, one cuv?e from Avize stood out from the crowd enough that it seemed to merit a tirage of its own. The result is the 2016 Brut L'inattendue, disgorged after four years on the lees with four grams per liter dosage. It's a demonstrative, expressive Champagne, bursting with aromas of white peach, crisp orchard fruit and confit lemon mingled with subtle hints of buttery pastry, followed by a medium to full-bodied, satiny and attractively vinous palate, its fleshy core of fruit complemented by a pretty pinpoint mousse. Already drinking well, it's testimony to the exciting things happening at this historic house. 

Jamessuckling.com | JS 92
Published: Aug 9, 2022

This first single-vineyard bottling for Henriot has aromas of dried lemons, pears, chalk, sourdough, brown rice and blanched almonds. It's medium-bodied, fresh and fine with creamy bubbles and bright acidity. More delicate and somewhat restrained. 4g/l. Disgorged March 2021. Drink or hold. 

Winemaker

Created by the 8th generation of the Henriot family, represented by Gilles de Larouziere Henriot, L'inattendue (The Unexpected) is an illustration of one of the principles of savoir-faire carried out by the House since its foundation: the cultivation of diversity of the Champagne terroirs. This cuvee reveals a terroir through a singular year and a unique grape variety.