Adrien Renoir Champagne Grand Cru 'Le Terroir' NV

At just 29 years old, the promisingly talented Adrien Renoir took over from his father Vincent and swiftly set about introducing organic and biodynamic farming, oak vessels for fermentation and ageing, and bottling single lieu dits. Adrien works with 5ha of Grand Cru holdings in Verzy, on the northern edge of the Montagne de Reims, to create powerful, but precise wines. Spending 11 months in barrel and 24 months on the lees, ‘Le Terroir’ shows a fleshy pear and apricot character alongside smoky minerality and buttered brioche. Vinous and textural, complemented by a pinpoint mousse. 94 Points, William Kelley.