70% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay. ‘V.P.’ spends more than seven years on fine lees, giving the wine its layered complexity and profound depth. (Vieillissement prolongé means “extended aging”). This wine outperforms many vintage wines on the market — and even many vintage wines don’t spend this much time in the cellar. An unforgettable Champagne, and benchmark of the estate.

A blend of the 2013, 2012 and 2011 vintages, Egly's latest NV Egly-Ouriet Extra-Brut Grand Cru V.P. was disgorged in spring 2021 with three grams per liter dosage. It's a lovely wine, bursting with aromas of fresh bread, citrus oil, crisp orchard fruit, praline and subtle hints of clear honey and exotic fruits. Full-bodied, layered and textural, it's concentrated and incisive, with a pinpoint mousse and a long, saline finish. As ever, this is warmly recommended. - 94pts Robert Parker