94 points, “Ayala's top release continues its impressive renaissance with a typically precise yet approachable 2013 led by crystal-clear Chardonnay flavours of white peach, orange citrus, hazelnut and delicate white pepper spice. It shows more of the elegance and delicacy of the year than any sense of austerity, although the small amount of Pinot Noir structure lends a touch of weight. Delightfully silky, cool and calm, this under-the-radar prestige cuvée is highly promising.” - Tom Hewson, Decanter
95 points, “Refined, complex and layered with subtle citrus fruit complemented by toast and spice, and also some richer notes of white peach and pear. Lovely complexity and almost perfect balance, with a touch of cherry on the finish. There’s a gentleness and mellow texture, but it still has energy.” - Jamie Goode, Wine Anorak
Ayala has released the 2013 prestige cuvée, La Perle, produced only in exceptional years and composed of 80% Chardonnay and 20% Pinot Noir, exclusively from Grand Crus in the Côte des Blancs and the Montagne de Reims. This outstanding vintage, with its limited release of 4000 bottles, is the epitome of Champagne Ayala and their bespoke craftsmanship. The refined prestige cuvée is aged in Ayala cellars on lees under cork for at least eight years, allowing the development of complex flavours and aromas to appear, as well as going through manual riddling and disgorgement, which are very rare practices in Champagne today.
The bright, golden-hued vintage with its delicate bubbles, expressive character and layered complexity delights the nose with hints of spice, biscuits and fruit whilst also revealing notes of jasmine and brown tobacco. The flavours continue onto the palate with the balance of citrus and bitterness underpinned by a fine salinity and a long finish. A brilliantly balanced, elegant, precise and complex wine which captures the essence of Champagne terroir and is the purest respect for the house style.
With a history dating back to 1860, Ayala is one of the original twenty-six Grandes Marques and was one of the key pioneers of dry modern style. The great house in Ay was given to Edmond de Ayala as a wedding present and remains the beating heart of this great Champagne. Although still a family-run business, Ayala is now owned by Bollinger, leading many to consider this as Bollinger’s lesser-known, and therefore slightly more exclusive, little sister.
SKU No.: 4204694
Style No.: 999808
Region: Champagne
Grapes: Chardonnay,Pinot Noir
Closure: Cork
Alcohol by volume (ABV): 12%
Volume: 750ml
Allergens: Sulphites
94 points, “Ayala's top release continues its impressive renaissance with a typically precise yet approachable 2013 led by crystal-clear Chardonnay flavours of white peach, orange citrus, hazelnut and delicate white pepper spice. It shows more of the elegance and delicacy of the year than any sense of austerity, although the small amount of Pinot Noir structure lends a touch of weight. Delightfully silky, cool and calm, this under-the-radar prestige cuvée is highly promising.” - Tom Hewson, Decanter
95 points, “Refined, complex and layered with subtle citrus fruit complemented by toast and spice, and also some richer notes of white peach and pear. Lovely complexity and almost perfect balance, with a touch of cherry on the finish. There’s a gentleness and mellow texture, but it still has energy.” - Jamie Goode, Wine Anorak
Ayala has released the 2013 prestige cuvée, La Perle, produced only in exceptional years and composed of 80% Chardonnay and 20% Pinot Noir, exclusively from Grand Crus in the Côte des Blancs and the Montagne de Reims. This outstanding vintage, with its limited release of 4000 bottles, is the epitome of Champagne Ayala and their bespoke craftsmanship. The refined prestige cuvée is aged in Ayala cellars on lees under cork for at least eight years, allowing the development of complex flavours and aromas to appear, as well as going through manual riddling and disgorgement, which are very rare practices in Champagne today.
The bright, golden-hued vintage with its delicate bubbles, expressive character and layered complexity delights the nose with hints of spice, biscuits and fruit whilst also revealing notes of jasmine and brown tobacco. The flavours continue onto the palate with the balance of citrus and bitterness underpinned by a fine salinity and a long finish. A brilliantly balanced, elegant, precise and complex wine which captures the essence of Champagne terroir and is the purest respect for the house style.
With a history dating back to 1860, Ayala is one of the original twenty-six Grandes Marques and was one of the key pioneers of dry modern style. The great house in Ay was given to Edmond de Ayala as a wedding present and remains the beating heart of this great Champagne. Although still a family-run business, Ayala is now owned by Bollinger, leading many to consider this as Bollinger’s lesser-known, and therefore slightly more exclusive, little sister.
SKU No.: 4204694
Style No.: 999808