Giraud’s history in Champagne began with the Hémart family, descendants of Henri IV, who settled permanently in Ay at the beginning of the 17th century. In the 20th century, Leon Giraud married a Miss Hémart where he reconstructed the magnificent family vineyard and grafted vines on the cuttings taken from certain American vines.
Over the centuries, the wines of Ay have been classed among the world’s fines and the Giraud-Hémart family own an incredible 35 parcels of Grand Cru land in Aÿ, 26 with Pinot Noir and 9 with Chardonnay. Today Claude Giraud is the 12th generation of the Giraud-Hémart family in Ay and lovingly oversees this family House.
96 Points Antonio Galloni
The 2014 Argonne is the most delicate, nuanced and sculpted version of this Champagne yet. Then again, this cool, late-ripening year yielded wines more of energy and understatement than of power. That’s exactly what comes through here. Lemon confit, mint, spice, pastry and a kiss of French oak are all beautifully knit together. I won’t be at all surprised if the 2014 gains body in time. Today, it is so evocative and beautiful, not to mention a fine effort in a very challenging year.
98 Points James Suckling
Beautiful interplay of vivacity and silkiness. Vibrant and phenolic, yet also supple with long, caressing layers of crushed almond, brown butter, apricot, praline, white chocolate and hints of sage. Really opens up. Fantastic integration. 100% new barrels from selected parcels of the Argonne forest. Drink or hold.