Description / Reviews
// 100% Chardonnay (Grands & Premiers Crus - Chouilly, Cramant, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Oger, Cuis and Vaudemange)
Aged for six years on lees before disgorgement in 2025
5g/L dosage
"After a mild sunny fall and winter, 2019 spring turned out dry, rainy and stormy all at the same time. It was followed by a scorching summer with day record-high temperatures and cool nights, giving a dynamic maturation, especially for Chardonnay. The harvest began early September with healthy grapes and the promise of a vintage of rare quality. The wines are balanced, elegant and structured with great ageing potential. On the nose, A/19 unveils elegant aromas of pear, grapefruit and jasmine, followed by honeyed tones. On the palate, the wine is forthright and open with notes of blood orange and pastry. An extremely vivacious wine with beautiful bitter notes and the chalky minerality that is so characteristic of Maison Ayala's signature cuvée." - House Notes
"Light straw colour; the bouquet is highly expressive with scorched herb, nougat and toasted bread aromas, lots of Maillard effect here, the good kinds of aldehydes, and the palate full and rich and round, penetrating every corner of the mouth, with the texture creamy and the flavour long. Lovely balance and drinkability, as well as obvious matured characters. Delicious wine." - 97 Points, Huon Hooke, The Real Review
"An intensely minerally Champagne with wet chalk, fresh quince and basil on the nose. Energetic bubbles and a fine texture lead to a creamy mousse, followed by a long, vibrant finish of candied lemons, spicy grapefruit and a touch of salinity." - 94 Points, James Suckling
"Bright and vibrant in the glass, this new release captures the natural solar intensity of the vintage yet retains terrific freshness and verve. Hints of apricot, tangerine peel, baked apple tart and chamomile resonate effortlessly. Low dosage of 5 grams per liter works well here." - 93 Points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous
