A straw gold colour and very fine bubbles. Its delicate hue comes from to the use of a high percentage of Chardonnay and of the first pressing only. The first aromas reveal the citrus character of the Chardonnay, such as lime and grapefruits. Red fruit aromas then come out, including redcurrant, raspberry, morello cherry - typical Pinot Noir. On leaving the wine to open up, candied fruits, even exotic fruits of Pinot Meunier appear with aromas of banana and pineapple. The palate is lively. The nose is confirmed by the first taste, including citrus, almonds, toasted bread and "brioche"... but also redcurrant jelly, and dark fruits like cherry, fig or blackberry. The palate is full, quite long, with a very clean finish. Elegant, but not without complexity, this wine perfectly illustrates what is "the house style." Blend: 45% Pinot Noir, 33% Chardonnay, 22% Pinot Meunier.
92+ Points, Wine Advocate
Based on the 2015 vintage, the latest release of Paillard's NV Extra-Brut Première Cuvée was disgorged in August 2019. Opening in the glass with delicate aromas of pear, crisp orchard fruit, brioche, white flowers, citrus zest and nutmeg, it's still youthfully tightly wound, with a medium to full-bodied, racy and incisive profile that's impeccably balanced. Elegant and precise to my palate, this is more about potential today, as real complexity is waiting in the wings. The only thing required is a bit of patience.
