Franck Bonville 'Unisson' Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru 16/17 NV

As with their flagship Blanc de Blancs, Bonville’s Grand Cru cuvée “Unisson” (“unison”) can vary from year to year in vineyard sources, reserve wines, and dosage levels, but their aim here is a more complex and mineral-dominated character than the flagship—a profile enhanced by spending more time on the lees before disgorgement. This release comes entirely from holdings in the grand cru Avize, from roughly equal proportions of the 2017 and 2016 harvests, and it was disgorged after nearly five years on the lees with a dosage of 6.7 grams per liter. A salty, authoritative nose introduces a palate of greater depth than that of the flagship, with a clean and stony finish of impressive length.

Olivier Bonville, the steward of this distinguished Côte des Blancs estate, carries forward a legacy initiated by his grandfather, Franck, a revered grower from Avize. The Bonville family now proudly presides over an exceptional domaine encompassing the hallowed terroirs of Avize, Oger, and Cramant, amassing a remarkable 20 hectares of Chardonnay vineyards, each bearing the esteemed classification of Grand Cru.

Within the Unisson cuvée lies the essence of excellence, comprised exclusively of the finest wines culled from the exceptional 2013 vintage.

The pale golden hue, embellished with glistening facets, is graced by delicate, persistent bubbles, forming an enduring crown. The maturity of this vintage is evinced by an array of enchanting fragrances, featuring notes of fresh fruits such as mirabelle, pear, and banana, beautifully complemented by a subtle toasty undertone. The palate indulges in generous refinement, showcasing lush flavors of mango, orange, and mirabelle. To complete this symphony of flavors, delicate violet notes resonate, akin to the finest Viogniers hailing from Condrieu.