The Tb points given to this wine are the world’s most valid and most up-to-date evaluation of the quality of the wine. Tastingbook points are formed by the Tastingbook algorithm which takes into account the wine ratings of the world's 50 best-known professional wine critics, wine ratings by thousands of tastingbook’s professionals and users, the generally recognised vintage quality and reputation of the vineyard and winery. Wine needs at least five professional ratings to get the Tb score. Tastingbook.com is the world's largest wine information service which is an unbiased, non-commercial and free for everyone.
Uutiset
"A strong offering at the basic level from Ayala. Pinot noir leads the blend in fresh and vibrant style. The palate has plenty of wild cherry, peach, nectarine and grapefruit flavor. Neat and crisp finish. Drink now."
92 Points James Suckling
“There’s a firm, chalky edge to this minerally Champagne, and mouthwatering flavors of candied lemon peel, green apple, crystallized honey and biscuit. This has an elegant texture and an overall sense of style.”
92 Points Wine Spectator, Top 100 of 2011
"The NV Brut Majeur comes from an estate just beside Bollinger and is a 40/40 split of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay with the balance Pinot Meunier. Aged 30 months on lees with 7 grams of dosage, it has a crisp, focused, even chiseled style to go with lovely notes of citrus, lemon curd, and white flowers. Drink this vibrant beauty over the coming 5-6 years."
91 Points Jeb Dunnuck
"Light yellow. Lively, sharply focused lemon and green apple aromas pick up deeper melon and peach qualities with air. Spicy and precise on the palate, offering juicy citrus fruit and honeysuckle flavors and a touch of candied fig. Powerful yet lively, finishing with strong punch and building mineral and floral qualities. This suave Champagne has the heft to handle rich foods and the tension to work by itself. "
91 Points Josh Raynolds, Vinous Media
“Now owned by Bollinger, Ayala’s Champagnes have seen great improvement in recent years. This nonvintage Brut is complex, with its dry character given weight by a hint of toast, almonds and a taut aftertaste.”
91 Points Wine Enthusiast
"Luscious ripeness lends this wine a quince-like flavor, feeling round and generous against the chalky briskness of Champagne. For all its fruitiness, this is dry, firm and grounded, a clean aperitif or a first-course wine for a rabbit terrine."
90 Points Best Buy Wine & Spirits Magazine
"(45% pinot noir, 30% chardonnay and 25% pinot meunier; disgorged January, 2013): Light yellow. Aromas of fresh citrus fruits, chamomile and smoky minerals, with a subtle hint of white pepper. Fleshy and smooth on entry, then tighter in the middle, offering juicy blood orange and buttered toast flavors and a touch of bitter cherry pit. Closes on a spicy note, with good mineral cut and lingering spiciness. Pretty tight for an entry-level Champagne; I wouldn't be surprised if this one rewarded some cellaring."
90 Points International Wine Cellar
"The current release of the consistently fine Ayala “Brut Majeur” is composed of a blend of forty percent each of pinot noir and chardonnay and twenty percent pinot meunier. This is from the base year of 2012 and aged for a bit over three years sur latte prior to disgorgement and a finishing dosage of seven grams per liter. The bouquet wafts from the glass in a complex blend of apple, white peach, fresh-baked bread, discreet smokiness, a hint of nutskin and a good base of soil tones. On the palate the wine is full-bodied, crisp and nicely balanced, with a good core, refined mousse and very good length and grip on the complex finish. Good juice. 2017-2030+."
90 Points John Gilman
Viinin Kuvailu
The Story
Brut Majeur is a blend of Pinot Noir (40%), Chardonnay (40%) and Pinot Meunier (20%). Pinot Noir and Chardonnay bring vinosity and delicacy together in a very harmoniously balanced blend. The complement of Pinot Meunier adds a charming touch of fruitiness and liveliness. Ayala Brut Majeur contains about 30% reserve wine and remains on the lees for more than 30 months, twice the legal minimum for Champagne. The dosage is notably low, only 7g/L.
Ayala currently owns 35 acres in Champagne. Thanks to its privileged location in the heart of the Grand Crus of Montagne de Reims and their link to Bollinger, they also have unique access to top quality grapes.
Everything from grape reception to vinification, aging, riddling and disgorgement is done at the Ayala cellars. Brut Majeur is fermented in stainless steel, with a focus on freshness and precision. It spends 2.5 years on the lees and rests in the cellar for at least 3 months after disgorgement.
