Henri Giraud Rosé Dame-Jane

The latest release of Giraud's NV Brut Rosé Dame-Jane is showing very well, unfurling from the glass with complex aromas of red plums, cinnamon, orange zest, warm bran and smoke. On the palate, it's full-bodied, broad and textural, with all the house's signature vinosity, displaying superb depth at the core, ripe but racy acids and beautiful balance despite its muscular, textural style, concluding with a sapid finish. This is another success.

Beginning with the striking, pale copper color, this is very unconventional rosé champagne. Wonderful fruit aromas that range from cherry and wild strawberry to persimmon and candied orange with a touch of sushi ginger. Then comes the mouth-filling and well-structured palate that has an amazing grainy-chalky feel to it, unlike anything else in this category. Very long, saline finish. A cuvée of pinot noir with a small amount of chardonnay that was vinified in amphoras. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold.