Giraud's NV Hommage François Hemart is a consistently delicious wine, as it is once again this year. Smoke, slate, almond and dried pear meld together in an approachable, open-knit Champagne that drinks well today. With time in the glass, the richness of Pinot becomes more apparent, but the Hommage remains the brightest and most approachable of the wines in the range. Disgorged June 4, 2014.

– vinous.com, July 2015

Henri Giraud's non-vintaged Hommage à François Hémart Brut is a clear, lemon-fresh, fruity and slightly minty flavored 70/30 blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from Aÿ, aged six months each in tank and later in Argonne oak. Silky-textured, juicy-round and elegant in the mouth, this is a bright and invigorating, remarkably biting Champagne with a robust, but fine character. The finish is young and fresh, and indicates a good ageing potential for up to five years. (Stephan Reinhardt)

– The Wine Advocate#225, June 2016

There is potential for development and some minerality, but dominance is heavy Aÿ pinot. Lovely wine that tastes like Bollinger standard cuvée did once in the past. I would have added slightly less sugar.

–champagneclub.com, Richard Juhlin

Small oak barrels played a crucial role here. This is a new cuvée released to replace their 100% Pinot Noir Code Noir. Their old Hommage à François Hémart is no longer produced either. 100% Pinot Noir aged for a total of 54 months: 12 months on lees without racking in small oak barrels, then six months rounding out on fine lees at ground temperature (a process apparently called 'mise retardée', followed by 36 months of ageing in bottle. Pale gold – paler than some wines from this house. And slightly fizzier. Pure Pinot on the nose and lip smacking. Full and rich, with the mousse sparking the palate to prevent overkill in terms of weight. Extremely long and powerful. Super-dense. Demands attention and is rich rather than sweet. On the finish this would cure the sorest of throats. It may even be worth ageing longer. (JR)