2017 Agrapart Venus Brut Nature Blanc de Blanc Grand Cru (750ml)

Sparkling from Avize, Champagne, France

B-21 Top Recommendation
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Crafted by artisan producer and B-21 favorite Pascal Agrapart in the chalky Cote des Blancs, Champagne Agrapart has enjoyed an under the radar reputation, but with the release of these highly rated 2023 cuvees, that’s about to change. From one of the top grower-producers in the region, these selections from Agrapart offer a rare taste of meticulously crafted, terroir-driven Champagne at a remarkable value that's bound to sell out in a flash.

Now run by the fourth consecutive generation, Agrapart ranks at the top echelons of Champagne, earning a 3-star rating in the Revue de Vin du France alongside only 7 other houses, including Krug. Planted almost entirely with Chardonnay with a few small plots of Pinot Noir, the ten-hectare Agrapart Domaine comprises more than 70 small parcels predominantly in the Grand Cru villages of Avize, Cramant, Oiry, and Oger with a few Premier Cru plots on the Cote de Blancs, boasting low yielding vines averaging over 40 years of age with the oldest over 70 years. Taking the reins of his family’s historic estate in Avize over four decades ago, Pascal works the soils manually while employing organic practices, tilling with horses to ensure his soils do not get compacted (one of his parcels is worked by and named for his horse Venus). Fermenting the base wines exclusively with native yeasts which he believes is critical to expressing the terroir, Pascal employs a mix of older barrels dependent on the cuvee and longer than required bottle aging on the lees, yielding gorgeous, pure fruit impeccably balanced with chalky minerality that finishes long, each cuvee uniquely identified with a different colored plaque (i.e., the round metal disk on top of the cork).

95WA

94WI

The 2017 Extra-Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Vénus is more ethereal than the richer Avizoise, offering up aromas of white flowers, sweet stone fruits and fresh hazelnuts, followed by a medium to full-bodied, layered and pillowy palate with a mineral, fine-boned profile and a long, saline finish. It's proof that, despite the vintage's poor reputation, some seriously compelling wines were made in 2017, especially from Chardonnay.

95 points, William Kelley, Wine Advocate (Dec 2023)

Vénus 2017 Brut Nature Grand Cru comes from a parcel worked by Pascal Agrapart’s horse Venus. 100% barrel fermented and aged five to six years on fine lees under cork closure, it is disgorged 60 days prior to release then finished with zero dosage. Sophisticated and intriguing aromas of butter pastry, bruised apple, lemon preserves and spiced pear flow into a restrained, medium to full-bodied palate that weaves vibrant, assertive acidity through a mesh of pure fruit intensity. It finishes wonderfully fresh, honeyed and elegant with a subtle chalky grip.

94+ points, Sarah Mayo, Wine Independent (Nov 2023)

Alcohol By Volume: 12.5%

#FRAGSP17CE

$239.98

Compare At: $279.99

7 bottles in stock. Ships in 1 to 2 business days.

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