Henriot Brut L’inattendue 2016 is a unique single-vineyard Champagne from Avize, crafted under the guidance of Gilles de Larouziere. Disgorged after four years on the lees with a low dosage, it bursts with fresh aromas of white peach, citrus, and chalky minerality. On the palate, it’s medium to full-bodied, silky, and precise, with bright acidity and a fine mousse. Elegant and expressive, it perfectly captures the distinct terroir of its vintage and is ready to enjoy now or cellar further.

The Wine Advocate | RP 94
Published: Aug 31, 2022
Drink: 2021-2040

When Gilles de Larouziere took the reins chez Henriot and tasted the vins clairs of the 2016 vintage with his team, one cuv?e from Avize stood out from the crowd enough that it seemed to merit a tirage of its own. The result is the 2016 Brut L'inattendue, disgorged after four years on the lees with four grams per liter dosage. It's a demonstrative, expressive Champagne, bursting with aromas of white peach, crisp orchard fruit and confit lemon mingled with subtle hints of buttery pastry, followed by a medium to full-bodied, satiny and attractively vinous palate, its fleshy core of fruit complemented by a pretty pinpoint mousse. Already drinking well, it's testimony to the exciting things happening at this historic house. 

Decanter | D 94
Published: Mar 8, 2022
Published: 2022-2030

Slightly smoky, bolstered by a chalky touch to the flint-accented nose which expresses an array of white and citrus fruit, as well as an enticing floral component. The mouthfeel has crystalline purity and is finely balanced, with citrussy acidity that delivers freshness and lift on the chalk-textured, flower-infused finish. Just the right amount of refreshing bitterness makes this an ideal partner for gastronomic dishes. Malolactic fermentation is de rigueur for Henriot. Ageing on lees before bottling was carried out in stainless steel. Dosage of 4g/l and disgorged in June 2021.
Sweetness: Extra Brut
Closure: Natural Cork
Alcohol: 12.50%
Body: Full
Grapes: 100% Chardonnay

James Suckling | JS 92
Published: Aug 9, 2022

This first single-vineyard bottling for Henriot has aromas of dried lemons, pears, chalk, sourdough, brown rice and blanched almonds. It's medium-bodied, fresh and fine with creamy bubbles and bright acidity. More delicate and somewhat restrained. 4g/l. Disgorged March 2021. Drink or hold. 

Champagne-henriot.com

Created by the 8th generation of the Henriot family, represented by Gilles de Larouziere Henriot, L'inattendue (The Unexpected) is an illustration of one of the principles of savoir-faire carried out by the House since its foundation: the cultivation of diversity of the Champagne terroirs. This cuvee reveals a terroir through a singular year and a unique grape variety.