Franck Bonville Grand Cru Pur Oger Grand Cru 2016

• 100% Chardonnay
• Oger parcels: Les Noyerots and Les Rumigny
• 5 years on the lees sur latte
• 2.5 g/L dosage

93+ Wine Advocate
With a brut dosage, the 2016 Pur Oger Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs offers up inviting aromas of butter, lemon oil, menthol, crisp orchard fruits and spring flowers, followed by a medium to full-bodied, fleshy and enveloping palate that’s generous and vinous, finishing with a mineral, penetrating finish. It’s denser and fleshier than its counterpart, the 2016 Pur Avize.

Our Tasting Note:  For me this was the most powerful of the 3 Pur we tasted, though you could argue I am splitting hairs to an extent. Med gold color here too. A thick, persistent mousse of tiny bubbles. Also a pronounced nose of red apples, lemons and limes and their rinds, an intriguing orange blossom note, the malo plays in the back more, a touch of biscuit here too.  The palate has med+ acidity and body, the pronounced flavors sail into a long, fresh, mineral and fruit finish. Also outstanding, and this was tasted out of order as we asked to try it after Les Belle Voyes!

Bonville’s “Pur Oger,” from plantings in the Les Noyerots and Les Rumigny vineyards, showcases this cru’s generosity and roundness in comparison to the “Pur Mesnil”—a reflection of the richer topsoil to be found here. Like the “Pur Mesnil,” this spends five full years on its lees after alcoholic and malolactic fermentation in steel. Elegant yet ample, with notes of pit fruits and a classic pastry-like element, it offers spectacular balance and poise on its relatively broad frame.