Olivier Horiot Champagne Brut Nature Ailleurs 2019 NO20231115 The blend marries 70% standard-char

The blend marries 70% standard-char bourbon with 30% heavy-char bourbon

a classic Ardbeg herbal top note is present

this is fully resolved Right Bank Bordeaux at a moment when older bottles like this are increasingly hard to find

roast chicken

The wine is layered and savory

Olivier Horiot Champagne Brut Nature Ailleurs 2019 NO20231115 The blend marries 70% standard-charThe name Ailleurs translates to elsewhere, and that's exactly what this is: a Horiot Champagne from outside Les Riceys, made from Chardonnay grown beyond the family's home village. Biodynamically farmed and bottled with zero dosage, the 2019 is a vintage Brut Nature from a grower who works with all seven permitted Champagne grape varieties. Where the Riceys cuvees lean toward Pinot Noir's structure, Ailleurs gives Horiot a chance to show what he can