Description
100% Grand Cru Chardonnay
Defying convention, the Exception Blanche is Mailly’s tribute to the elegance of Chardonnay. Sourced from a selection of the estate’s finest white-grape parcels, this 2016 vintage captures the crystalline purity of the varietal while retaining the power and mineral “saltiness” inherent to the Mailly-Champagne Grand Cru terroir.
With nearly eight years of aging, this wine has reached a beautiful intersection of youthful citrus energy and sophisticated, creamy maturity.
The Experience: Luminous and chiseled. A “high-definition” Champagne with incredible focus and verticality.
Aromas: A vibrant, floral opening. In reviews from July 2025, critics highlight notes of white peach, acacia flowers, and lemon curd, followed by toasted brioche, fresh ginger, and crushed chalk.
Palate: Precise and energetic. It features a “silky” texture with a core of candied citrus and green apple, balanced by a persistent, mouth-watering acidity.
The Finish: Extremely long and mineral. It leaves a signature saline and flinty impression on the palate, characteristic of Mailly’s chalky subsoils.
Tasting Notes
James Suckling 95
"A very pure and linear Blanc de Blancs… notes of sliced lemons, white peaches, and flint. Bright acidity and a long, saline finish." [James Suckling, 01/03/2024]
Producer Profile
The Pinnacle of Artisanal Excellence
Founded in 1929 during the Great Depression, Champagne Mailly Grand Cru is a testament to the resilience of a small group of visionary winegrowers. While most Champagne houses source grapes from across the region, Mailly is unique: it is one of the very few estates where 100% of the wines are sourced from a single Grand Cru village.
Located in the heart of the Montagne de Reims nature park, the estate consists of 70 hectares divided into 35 distinct plots.
This “mosaic” of terroirs with vineyards facing all four points of the compass—allows the Cellar Master to craft wines of incredible complexity, balancing the power of Pinot Noir with the elegance of Chardonnay.
The Mailly Distinction
- 100% Grand Cru Status: Every bottle is crafted from grapes grown in the prestigious Mailly Champagne village, classified as Grand Cru since 1920.
- The Power of Pinot Noir: The vineyards are planted with 75% Pinot Noir and 25% Chardonnay. The Pinot Noir here is famed for an “unusual freshness” and saline nuances derived from deep chalky subsoils.
- A Legacy of Craft: The estate’s kilometer-long chalk cellars were hand-dug by the founding growers over 30 winters, providing the perfect environment for slow, graceful aging.
- Sustainability: Certified VDC (Sustainable Viticulture in Champagne) and HVE since 2021, reflecting a deep commitment to preserving the land for future generations.
