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  • Country ranking ?

    164
  • Producer ranking ?

    108
  • Decanting time

    15min
  • When to drink

    now to 2035

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The Story

The first three bottlings released under the special Thiénot x Penfolds label are made with wines produced from the outstanding 2012 vintage. The range includes a blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, as well as two single-vineyard wines from grand cru villages: a Blanc de Blancs from Avize, and a Blanc de Noirs from Aÿ

Nicolas Uriel, Thiénot’s chef de cave, collaborated closely with Gago to create Champagnes expressing, in the words of Gago,...

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Wine Information

Two familial chardonnay prompts immediately unleashed:
• Lemon citrus (front-palate). Lemon ice-cream with cream (mid-palate). Lemon pie, with a honey,

almond accompaniment (back-palate). What ... no lemon sorbet? Anywhere?!
• Sea-spray, saline and brine elements – prompting textural and symbolic inclusion of the seaside

vegetable plant, samphire.
Stepping back with the glass wanting allows the measure of this Avize Blanc de Blancs to...

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Vintage 2013

In short, a rather cold and snowy winter followed by a cool and cloudy spring. 2013 was a late growing season (between two and three weeks later than the ten-year average). Paradoxically, there was no frost damage – although temperatures were lower than usual, they were never extreme in winter or in spring. Gloomy conditions prevailed until June. Summer finally arrived in July and rewarded Champagne with two months of sunny and warm weather. R...

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Tasting note

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Written Notes

A luminous, pale gold hue with shimmering green reflections, exuding youthful vitality and elegance. The bubbles are fine and persistent, forming a delicate, creamy mousse that hints at the champagne’s precision and artistry.

The bouquet opens with vibrant aromas of fresh lemon zest, green apple, and white peach, layered with floral notes of jasmine and orange blossom. As the wine evolves, deeper nuances emerge—almond cream, toasted brioche, and a touch of hazelnut mingle with subtle hints of wet stone and a faint whisper of smoky spice, a Penfolds hallmark.


On the palate, this Blanc de Blancs is a seamless interplay of tension and richness, showcasing both the purity of Chardonnay and the bold character of this unique collaboration. The attack is crisp and vibrant, delivering flavors of Meyer lemon, Granny Smith apple, and underripe pineapple. A creamy mid-palate unfolds with layers of lemon curd, almond praline, and a touch of buttered pastry.

The chalky minerality, so quintessentially Champagne, provides structure and balance, while a thread of salinity adds intrigue. The finish is long and sophisticated, leaving impressions of candied citrus peel, roasted nuts, and a delicate saline note that invites another sip.


This champagne is a harmonious marriage of two worlds: the finesse and elegance of Thienot’s expertise in Champagne and the bold, layered complexity of Penfolds’ Australian legacy. The taut acidity and precise minerality ensure a vibrant backbone, while the extended lees ageing adds depth and creamy richness.


While already a joy to drink, this Blanc de Blancs has the structure and complexity to evolve beautifully over the next 10–15 years. With time, expect the creamy textures to deepen, and the nutty, brioche-like notes to gain prominence, revealing an even more luxurious character.


This champagne’s versatility makes it a dream pairing for a range of dishes. Enjoy it with freshly shucked oysters, citrus-cured salmon, or a classic ceviche for a fresh, vibrant match. For richer pairings, try lobster ravioli in a butter sauce or a truffle-infused risotto. End the evening with a lemon tart or a lightly salted caramel dessert to echo its citrusy and creamy profile.


Score: 96/100

Drink Window: Now–2035+


  • 96p

Bright, light green yellow colour. Fresh and floral nose with brioche and ginger. Dry, creamy texture, refined mousse, mineral palate with oceanic flavours. Round and supple finish. – JL 91 p. (3/2023)

  • 91p
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Information

Origin

Magill, South Australia

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