Small production grower producer Champagnes

• • 96

  • Nick's Import

  Hugues Godme Reserve Champagne Premier Cru (375ml)

  Champagne, FRANCE

  $44. 99

  Bottle

  $539.88 Dozen

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  Cellar: Drink now - 5 Years (2017-2022)

  ABV: 12%

  Closure: Cork

  Why buy the Non Vintage Cuvees of the big Champagne houses when you can drink this Superb Grower Champagne for the same price.

  The Reserve is a blend of 60% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot Meunier and 10% Pinot Noir. A creamy white mousse evaporates into a pale straw gold tinged base colour that has a very fine bead showing excellent persistence. Rich, bready yeast lees aromatics tinged with a hint of dried honey rise from the glass followed by oily toast like characters and faint hints of dried nuts. Rich and full with a creamy like texture, the mouth is filled with baked bread, oily toast like characters, citrus and yeast lees with an assortment of dried nuts on the long dry finish. Excellent fresh acidity with a lengthy aftertaste of baked bread, oily toast like characters, yeast lees, citrus and dried nuts. A fuller style with outstanding richness and complexity.
  Drink over the next 4-5 years.
  Alc 12%

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• 2014 Jacques Lassaigne Millesime Champagne

  Champagne, FRANCE

  $270. 00

  Bottle

  $3240.00 Dozen

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  ABV: 12%

  Closure: Cork

  Emmanuel Lassaigne is one of Champagne's most thoughtful and exciting grower producers, working with the chalky south and southeast-facing sloped vineyards of Montgueux in the Aube department. Lassaigne's extraordinary Champagnes are pushing the qualitative boundaries not just of the Aube but of the entire region. Farming in his vineyards is organic with cultivated soils and harvesting at full maturity. In the cellar, the wines ferment in wood and stainless steel, and they're disgorged by hand without dosage. The style is powerful and vinous but also racy and electric.

  Lassaigne's vintage Blanc de Blancs is perhaps the sweet spot in the range. As a cuvee of 100% Chardonnay from the Le Cotet (35%) and Les Paluets (65%) vineyards, the wine was raised in tank before 8 years in bottle and disgorgement in late 2021. Given the extended lees contact this wine shows an enormous level of depth and complexity.

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• • Nick's Import
  • Organic

  2014 Jacques Lassaigne Clos Sainte-Sophie Blanc de Blancs Champagne

  Champagne, FRANCE

  $340. 00

  Bottle

  $4080.00 Dozen

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  ABV: 12%

  Closure: Cork

  Emmanuel Lassaigne is one of Champagne's most thoughtful and exciting grower producers, working with the chalky south and southeast-facing sloped vineyards of Montgueux in the Aube department. Lassaigne's extraordinary Champagnes are pushing the qualitative boundaries not just of the Aube but of the entire region. Farming in his vineyards is organic with cultivated soils and harvesting at full maturity. In the cellar, the wines ferment in wood and stainless steel, and they're disgorged by hand without dosage. The style is powerful and vinous but also racy and electric.

  Clos Saint-Sophie was owned by Marcel Dupont, a friend of the French botanist Charles Baltet, author of an important 19th-century treatise on grafting, and Baltet used the Clos for experiments. Rather than having any kind of ecclesiastical origin, the vineyard in fact takes its name from Dupont's wife. In 1876, Emperor Meiji of Japan sent two Japanese to Montgueux to study viticulture at the Clos Saint-Sophie, and in 1877, they imported 100 vines to Japan. Thus, the first plantings in history of vitas vinifera in Japan—on Mount Fuji—are inextricably linked with this small corner of the Aube. Today, the Clos is owned by the Valton family—better known as the proprietor of children’s' clothing brand Petit Batteau—and Lassaigne makes the wine. When most of Montgueux's vineyards were been abandoned after the War, the Clos was one of the few to remain in cultivation, so it represents a living link with the village's past. Clos Sainte-Sophie Blanc de Blancs Brut Nature is from 40+ year-old vines in a 0.4-hectare plot in the centre of the Montgueux and is aged in used barrels from Burgundy and Cognac and a Savagnin ouillé barrel from Ganevat (Jura).

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• • 94
  • 95

  Jacques Lassaigne Le Cotet Champagne

  Champagne, FRANCE

  $230. 00

  Bottle

  $2760.00 Dozen

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  ABV: 12%

  Closure: Cork

  Emmanuel Lassaigne is one of Champagne's most thoughtful and exciting grower producers, working with the chalky south and southeast-facing sloped vineyards of Montgueux in the Aube department. Lassaigne's extraordinary Champagnes are pushing the qualitative boundaries not just of the Aube but of the entire region. Farming in his vineyards is organic with cultivated soils and harvesting at full maturity. In the cellar, the wines ferment in wood and stainless steel, and they're disgorged by hand without dosage. The style is powerful and vinous but also racy and electric.

  Please note: Disgorgement dates can vary. Please contact the store if you would like to check which disgorgement is currently available.

  Other Reviews....
  Based on the excellent 2019 vintage, and derived from the lower part of the parcel in front of Lassaigne's winery, planted between 1964 and 1968, the newly released NV Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs Le Cotet wafts from the glass with aromas of toasted nuts, crisp stone fruit, citrus oil and youthful reduction. Medium to full-bodied, fleshy and textural, with tangy acids and a long, saline finish, its reductive profile means that it really rewards some time in the glass. Drink 2023 - 2038.
  94 points
  William Kelley - Wine Advocate (Aug 11, 2023)

  This magnum of Le Cotet is starting to open now, with notes of smoke, truffle and brioche over ripe green apple fruit. The bright acidity carries the wine on the palate but doesn't overwhelm at all – the sensation is subtle elegance and finesse, with nothing shrill or harsh. The base is the 2011 vintage (aged more than a year in used barrels on the lees) with about 10% reserve wines; the blend was disgorged (with no dosage) in July 2015. This wine has dynamic freshness and impressive length and should continue to age in a proper cellar for years to come. Drink 2022 - 2040.
  95 points
  Charles Curtis MW - Decanter

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• • 95
  • 96
  • 97

  2008 Jacquesson Avize Champ Cain Blanc de Blancs Champagne

  Champagne, FRANCE

  $499. 00

  Bottle

  $5988.00 Dozen

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  ABV: 12.5%

  Closure: Cork

  Other Reviews....
  Disgorged in April 2018 with 2.5 grams per liter dosage, Jacquesson's 2008 Extra Brut Grand Cru Avize - Champ Caïn is showing brilliantly, soaring from the glass with a lively bouquet of waxy lemon rind, green apple, walnuts, marzipan and subtle hints of drawn butter and honey. On the palate, it's full-bodied, layered and multidimensional, with terrific concentration, mid-palate volume and structural tension, with a deeper, broader profile than the 2008 Core Bautray tasted alongside. The finish is long, saline and chalky. While Hervé Chiquet observes that Jacquesson has made considerable progress—especially in the vineyards—in the last decade that the 2008 necessarily doesn't reflect, this is nonetheless a brilliant Champagne. Drink 2020 - 2040.
  97 points
  William Kelley - Wine Advocate (Aug 2019)

  The 2008 Extra-Brut Avize Champ Gain is rich, ample and creamy. Graphite, dried herbs, hazelnut and tropical notes fill out the wine’s ample frame effortlessly. Textural richness and vibrancy melded together make the Champ Gain absolutely compelling. Tropical overtones add shades of nuance to a Champagne that shows all of the resonance and breadth that are such Avize signatures. Dosage is 2.5 grams per liter. Disgorged: April, 2018. Drink Antonio Galloni.
  95 points
  Antonio Galloni - Vinous

  There’s complexity here that delivers a wealth of grilled-almond and background chalky notes with a punchy, fleshy lemon and peach-kernel core. Bracing, mineral finish. I’d actually lay this down. Try from 2022.
  96 points
  Nick Stock - JamesSuckling.com

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• • Reduced

  Laherte Freres Nature de Craie Champagne

  Champagne, FRANCE

  Reduced from $195.00

  $150. 00

  Bottle

  $1800.00 Dozen

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  ABV: 12.5%

  Closure: Cork

  Aurélien Laherte has been experimenting with a sans soufre (zero-sulphur) cuvée for several vintages, achieving success in 2018 with Nature de Craie. This cuvée is derived from two Premier Cru terroirs in Vertus and Voipreux, featuring vines planted in 1960, 1965, and 1987. The term "craie" refers to the chalky soils which lie on the lower slopes, which provide good exposure and and in turn providing fruit ripeness and no need for additional dosage. The hand-harvested fruit undergoes traditional pressing and maturation in neutral oak barrels, followed by aging under cork for 12 months. Laherte realised the secret to creating a cuvée with zero additions was to let the wine undergo full malolactic conversion, followed by bottling with zero dosage.
  

  Delivery Information
• • 91

  • Biodynamic
  • Reduced

  Laherte Freres Blanc de Noirs Brut Nature Champagne

  Champagne, FRANCE

  Reduced from $150.00

  $110. 00

  Bottle

  $1320.00 Dozen

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  ABV: 12.5%

  Closure: Cork

  Aurélien Laherte’s Blanc De Noirs is composed of 50% Pinot Noir from Le Breuil in the Marne Valley and 50% Pinot Meunier from the Côteaux Sud d’Epernay (Chavot and Moussy). These vineyards are all biodynamically farmed, mostly on chalky soils. The wine is fermented and matured in a combination of large format foudres and oak barrels where it undergoes full malolactic fermentation before bottling with zero dosage.

  Other Reviews....
  The NV Brut Nature Blanc de Noirs is laced with tons of Pinot character (50/50 Noir and Meunier). Dried pear, spice, hazelnut, dried flowers and anise open in this very pretty and expressive Blanc de Noirs. A wine of subtlety and nuance, this offering is very nicely done. I especially admire the energy here. Zero dosage. No dosage. Disgorged: May, 2023. Drink 2023 - 2030.
  91 Points
  Antonio Galloni's Vinous

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• • 95
  • 91

  Laherte Freres Ultradition Extra Brut Champagne

  Champagne, FRANCE

  $130. 00

  Bottle

  $1560.00 Dozen

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  Cellar: Drink now - 5 Years (2021-2026)

  ABV: 12.5%

  Closure: Cork

  Aurélien Laherte’s Ultradition showcases vineyards from 8 villages of the Côteaux Sud d'Épernay & Vallée De La Marne. 60% Pinot Meunier, 30% Chardonnay and 10% Pinot Noir grown ecologically on limestone soils. The base wine is vinified in a combination of large format foudres, tanks and oak barrels, where it partially goes through malolactic fermentation. The assemblage contains 40% of reserve wines that have been aged in barrel. Finally, the wine spends 6 months maturing on fine lees in bottle before disgorgement for release. 
  Showing ample buoyancy over a pale straw coloured base is a lacy white mousse. A delicate yet very persistent bead finely threading its way through the wines core. Captivating aromatics of yeast lees and baked bread are followed by some citrus, oily toast like notes and hints of almond. Vividly sculptured the palate combines tension with intensity and richness delivering citrusy yeast lees and toasty baked bread flavours over a stimulating finish of subtle cashew and a chalky minerality. Concludes long and refined with a chiselled feel.
  Drink over the next 4-5 years.
  Alc. 12.5%
  

  Other Reviews….
  The NV Extra Brut Ultradition, the entry-level wine in this range, is wonderfully deep and fleshy, with plenty of Meunier character driving the blend. Dried pear, chamomile and spice are some of the notes that open in the glass. Generous and inviting, the Ultradition has plenty to offer. This release is based on 2017, with reserve wines from 2016 and 2015. Drink it over the next few years. Dosage is 4.5 grams per liter. Disgorged: October, 2019.
  91 points
  Antonio Galloni - Vinous

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• • 94
  • 
  • 94

  • Reduced

  Laherte Freres Rose de Meunier Extra Brut Champagne

  Champagne, FRANCE

  Reduced from $140.00

  $120. 00

  Bottle

  $1440.00 Dozen

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  Cellar: Drink now - 5 Years (2021-2026)

  ABV: 12.5%

  Closure: Cork

  Aurélien Laherte’s Rose de Meunier is constructed from fruit grown in Côteaux Sud d'Épernay & Vallée De La Marne. 100% Pinot Meunier, grown ecologically on limestone and chalky soils. The base wine is made up of 60% direct pressed white wine, 30% maceration (destemmed fruit is left in contact with the skins for a short while) and 10% red wine, which is fermented and matured in a combination of large format foudres and oak barrels. 
  An exceptionally fine and very persistent bead weaves its way through a strawberry pink coloured base after a well formed frothy white mousse dissipates. Filling the nostrils are enticing strawberry and raspberry aromatics which are complexed by some baked bread, yeast lees and light toast notes. Delightfully sculptured by refreshing acidity, the palate has delicious raspberry and strawberry fruits racing across it with yeast lees, baked bread and chalky tones lending further interest. Finishes nervy, crisp and long.
  Drink over the next 4-5 years.
  Alc. 12.5%
  

  Other Reviews….
  The NV Extra Brut Rosé de Meunier is dazzling. Rich yet focused, with superb depth, Laherte's Extra Brut Rosé is a magical Champagne in every way. Orange peel, sweet red berry fruit, cranberry, mint and chalk are some of the many aromas and flavors that develop as this breathtaking Champagne shows off its pedigree. This release is a blend of 2017 and 2016 composed of 60% Meunier (white), 30% Meunier (macerated) and 10% Meunier (still red wine). In a word: magical. Dosage is 2.5 grams per liter. Disgorged: March, 2020.
  94 points
  Antonio Galloni - Vinous

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• • 95
  • 
  • 92

  • Reduced

  Laherte Freres Blanc de Blancs Brut Nature Champagne

  Champagne, FRANCE

  Reduced from $135.00

  $110. 00

  Bottle

  $1320.00 Dozen

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  Cellar: Drink now - 6 Years (2019-2025)

  ABV: 12.5%

  Closure: Cork

  100% Chardonnay Champagne from the Laherte family's chalkiest soils in Chavot and Épernay. These vineyards are all biodynamically farmed and are not only rich in chalk and chalky clay (marl) but there is also flint and schist. It has been aged for just over two years in bottle following a first fermentation in barrique, foudre and tronconique cask. No dosage. A creamy white mousse sits gracefully above a pale straw coloured base that’s finely threaded by a very persistent bead. Pronounced pear and citrus aromas stand out from the glass with baked bread and yeast lees characters then taking over. Finishes off with some lightly honeyed toast notes. Sculptured mouthfeel with energetic acidity racing through the elegant yeast lees, toast and citrus flavours. Some light brioche and almond nuances are also evident. Finishes bone dry, tense and crisp with a refined citrus, oily toast, yeast lees and chalk tinged aftertaste.
  Drink over the next 5-6 years.
  Alc. 12.5%

  Other Reviews….
  The NV Brut Nature Blanc de Blancs marries power with energy to a degree I have not seen before here. In this edition, the Brut Nature is decidedly powerful and broad, with less of the tension seen in some previous releases. It's as if all the Chardonnay flavors have been turned up to the maximum. Orange peel, apricot, chamomile and spice are some of the many notes that fill out the layers. The current release is based on 2017, with reserve wines from 2016 and 2015, all done in neutral oak. Zero dosage. Disgorged: February, 2020. Drink 2020 - 2026.
  92 points
  Antonio Galloni - Vinous (November 2020)

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• • 95

  Lallier Champagne Blanc de Blancs Brut Grand Cru

  Champagne, FRANCE

  $135. 00

  Bottle

  $1620.00 Dozen

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  ABV: 12.5%

  Closure: Diam Cork

  Aged for 36 months on lees with 30% reserve wines included in the blend. Pours with an exuberant mousse which holds well over a pale straw coloured base that has gold tinged edges and a fine persistent bead flowing through it. Filling the nostrils are aromas of pear, baked bread and dried honey followed by brioche and yeast lees notes. Rich and creamy textured baked bread, yeast lees and dried honey flavours fill the mouth with some pear, cashew and chalky mineral characters lingering through the back half. Finishes dry and crisp with a long, generous airy aftertaste.
  Alc. 12.5%

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  • 94

  Larmandier-Bernier Longitude Champagne Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut

  Champagne, FRANCE

  $160. 00

  Bottle

  $1920.00 Dozen

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  ABV: 12.5%

  Closure: Cork

  Other Reviews....
  The NV Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs Longitude 1er Cru sizzles with tension and energy. Chalk and limestone soils in the villages of Vertus, Cramant and Oger give birth to a Champagne endowed with so much vibrancy. Citrus, yellow flowers, spice and baked apple tart add aromatic nuance, but it is the wine's pure drive and texture that stand out most. This is a fabulous showing. The current release is based on 2016, with 40% wines from a perpetual reserve that dates back to 2004. Dosage is 4 grams per liter. Disgorged: October, 2019.
  94 Points
  Antonio Galloni - Vinous (November 2020)

  Scents of just ripe stone fruit, talc, faint honey and toast, a light caramel note too, all adding up to quite subtle and pretty. Creaminess in texture with very fine bead, vivacious and fresh-tasting with lovely salty-chalky feel very present through the wine and to the powdery, lightly puckering finish. Vinous in a way, gently savoury throughout, exceptionally long and runs with so much energy. Beautiful.
  95 Points
  Mike Bennie - The Wine Front (March 2020)

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• • 95
  • 
  • 92

  Larmandier-Bernier Latitude Champagne Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut

  Champagne, FRANCE

  $135. 00

  Bottle

  $1620.00 Dozen

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  Cellar: Drink now - 5 Years (2019-2024)

  ABV: 12.5%

  Closure: Cork

  Larmandier-Bernier’s Latitude is a 100% Côte des Blancs Chardonnay from vineyards on the southern side of Vertus. These are vineyards on roughly the same latitude and the name also hints at the breadth of texture that the wines from these sites (having more clay in the soil) tend to offer up. In the cellar Larmandier uses mostly large format casks (almost all the wood now comes from Stockinger in Austria) and less and less steel tanks. The alcoholic and malolactic fermentations take place without inoculation, and there is no fining or filtration. Bottle maturation takes place in the underground cellars over a period of more than two years, and each bottle is disgorged manually, six months before being released and dosed at low, Extra Brut levels.
  Once dissipated, the creamy white mousse leaves behind a pale straw coloured base that has a glimmer of gold to the edges. Nibble and exceptionally fine bubbles rising to the surface. On the nose, aromas of pear intermingle with citrus, yeast lees, light baked bread and hints of sherbet. Long, dry and virile, the refreshing palate consists of baked pear, citrus and yeast lees characters over subtle oily toast nuances and faint remanets of biscuit and cashew. The finish is very dry with crisp, mouth watering acidity and a long refined aftertaste.
  Drink over the next 4-5 years.
  Alc. 12.5%

  Other Reviews….
  The Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs 1er Cru Latitude from Larmandier-Bernier is a powerful, structured wine. Deep and resonant on the palate, the Latitude packs a serious punch. There is no shortage of depth or intensity, that much is clear. Dried apricot, sage, fennel, crushed stone all open up in the glass, adding layers of nuance. Readers should expect an imposing, rich Champagne that will be at its best at the dinner table. Like all of the Larmandier-Bernier Champagnes, the Latitude will offer its best drinking if opened several hours in advance. This release is 60% 2015 and 40% reserve wines. As always, Latitude emerges from clay rich soils that confer breadth. Dosage is 4 grams per liter.
  92 points
  Antonio Galloni - Vinous

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• • 95

  Larmandier-Bernier Rose de Saignee Premier Cru Champagne

  Champagne, FRANCE

  $220. 00

  Bottle

  $2640.00 Dozen

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  Cellar: Drink now - 3 Years (2019-2022)

  ABV: 12.5%

  Closure: Cork

  Saignée literally means ‘to bleed’. In winemaking parlance, it means to draw the free-run juice of a grape, off the grape skins typically prior to, or shortly after, the start of fermentation. In this case, the grapes (100% Pinot Noir) are allowed to macerate for several days before the juice is drawn off and it is this ‘soak’ that gives the colour and much of the body and flavour to the wine. This technique is now extremely rare in Champagne—it is a demanding method of vinification that requires grapes with an excellent degree of maturity. Hence most rosé (in Champagne) is made by the addition of a little red wine. This bottling is drawn entirely from what is thought to be the oldest Pinot Noir vines in Vertus, and one of the very last 100% Pinot vineyards. As with all of Larmandier’s wines it’s naturally fermented. Larmandier raises part of this cuvée in a Nomblot concrete egg and partly in stainless steel (and more recently he has been trialling amphora as well).
  A fluffy mousse dissipates over a salmon pink coloured base that’s threaded by an exceptionally fine and persistent stream of bubbles. Jumping out of the glass are alluring scents of strawberries, subtle blood orange and raspberry which meld into yeast lees, baked bread and faint cashew notes. Delicious strawberry, raspberry and subtle blood orange fruits have a creamy feel over a back drop of yeast lees, bready characters and traces of sherbet. Dry refreshing finish with mouth watering acidity leading into a long creamed strawberry conclusion.
  Drink over the next 2-3 years.
  Alc. 12.5%

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• • 94
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  • 92

  • Nick's Import
  • Biodynamic

  Marie Courtin Resonance (V18) Extra Brut Champagne

  Champagne, FRANCE

  $99. 99

  Bottle

  $1199.88 Dozen

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  Cellar: Drink now - 6 Years (2022-2028)

  ABV: 12%

  Closure: Cork

  Based in the tiny hamlet of Polisot in the southern Cote des Bars region of Champagne, Dominique Moreau is producing some of the most dynamic and striking wines of the area. Naming her estate after her grandmother, Marie Courtin, Dominique has set out to craft Champagnes which emphasise how her specific terroir can be expressed in a given vintage. Her wines then are single vineyard and single vintage, made with meticulously grown fruit from biodynamically-grown grapes, see no dosage, and sulfur is used sparingly or not at all.

  Résonance is Dominique's most elegant and lively expression of Pinot Noir. Grapes for this cuvée come from the top of the slop in her Polisot vineyard, and the thin soils are expressed in this bright and finely tuned wine. Hailing from the 2018 vintage, fermentation and aging occurred in stainless steel tank prior to disgorgement in April 2021 with no dosage.
  
  Pours with a frothy white mousse that shows good hold over a pale straw coloured base that has flashes of pale gold around the outskirts and a nibble stream of bubbles flowing through it. Top notes of peach and strawberry intermingle with yeast lees, citrus and a subtle baked character. Tense and sculptured the palate features chalk tinged flavours of citrus, green apple and delicate lees characters which sit over a minerally oyster shell like backbone. Finishes lean, bone dry and elegant with precise acidity and a tight focused mineral laden conclusion.
  Drink over the next 5-6 years.
  Alc. 12%
  

  Other Reviews....
  The 2018 Extra Brut Resonance is bright, articulate and focused. This is an especially nervy expression of Pinot Noir. Bright acids and veins of salinity lend energy to this sculpted, taut Pinot Noir. Citrus peel, crushed rocks, mint jasmine and white pepper lend energy. No dosage. Disgorged: April, 2021. Drink 2021 - 2028.
  92 points
  Antonio Galloni - Vinous

  Delivery Information
• • 93

  • Nick's Import
  • Biodynamic

  2016 Marie Courtin Eloquence Extra Brut Champagne

  Champagne, FRANCE

  $155. 00

  Bottle

  $1860.00 Dozen

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  ABV: 12%

  Closure: Cork

  Based in the tiny hamlet of Polisot in the southern Cote des Bars region of Champagne, Dominique Moreau is producing some of the most dynamic and striking wines of the area. Naming her estate after her grandmother, Marie Courtin, Dominique has set out to craft Champagnes which emphasise how her specific terroir can be expressed in a given vintage. Her wines then are single vineyard and single vintage, made with meticulously grown fruit from biodynamically-grown grapes, see no dosage, and sulfur is used sparingly or not at all.

  Éloquence is a tiny production of 100% Chardonnay from a plot of 15-20 year old vines, fermented in used barrels. Given the proximity of this plot to the region, it's no surprise that Eloquence has more than a passing resemblance to the pure and mineral driven wines of Chablis (with bubbles!).

  Other Reviews....
  The 2016 Extra Brut Eloquence is a powerful, deep wine. A richer side of Chardonnay is very much in evidence here. Orange peel, apricot, spice and honeyed overtones build in a sumptuous, vinous Champagne built on texture and breadth. It’s a super-classic wine from proprietor Dominique Moreau. No dosage. Disgorged: July, 2020. Drink 2021 - 2028.
  93 points
  Antonio Galloni - Vinous

  Delivery Information
• • 95

  • Nick's Import
  • Biodynamic
  • Preservative Free

  Marie Courtin Presence (V18) Extra Brut Champagne

  Champagne, FRANCE

  $170. 00

  Bottle

  $2040.00 Dozen

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  ABV: 12%

  Closure: Cork

  Based in the tiny hamlet of Polisot in the southern Cote des Bars region of Champagne, Dominique Moreau is producing some of the most dynamic and striking wines of the area. Naming her estate after her grandmother, Marie Courtin, Dominique has set out to craft Champagnes which emphasise how her specific terroir can be expressed in a given vintage. Her wines then are single vineyard and single vintage, made with meticulously grown fruit from biodynamically-grown grapes, see no dosage, and sulfur is used sparingly or not at all.

  Présence is a unique blend of 70% Chardonnay and 30% Pinot Blanc from the 2018 harvest. Fermentation and ageing occurs in epoxy lined tank, and this wine sees no sulfur before being disgorged in January 2021 with no dosage.

  Other Reviews....
  The 2018 Extra Brut Présence Sans Soufre is a blend of Pinot Blanc and Chardonnay, made with no added sulfur and bottled with no dosage. It's a risky approach that Dominique Moreau has really dialed in over the last few years. Bright acids and sweet, floral aromatics cut through a core of citrus and orchard fruit. There are none of the hard edges or angular contours in the 2018. It's a wine that hits so many high notes, starting with its sheer deliciousness. No dosage. Disgorged: July, 2021. Drink 2022 - 2030.
  95 points
  Antonio Galloni - Vinous

  Delivery Information
• • 94

  • Nick's Import
  • Biodynamic

  2015 Marie Courtin Efflorescence Extra Brut Champagne Magnum (1500ml)

  Champagne, FRANCE

  $320. 00

  Bottle

  $3840.00 Dozen

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  ABV: 12%

  Closure: Cork

  Based in the tiny hamlet of Polisot in the southern Cote des Bars region of Champagne, Dominique Moreau is producing some of the most dynamic and striking wines of the area. Naming her estate after her grandmother, Marie Courtin, Dominique has set out to craft Champagnes which emphasise how her specific terroir can be expressed in a given vintage. Her wines then are single vineyard and single vintage, made with meticulously grown fruit from biodynamically-grown grapes, see no dosage, and sulfur is used sparingly or not at all.

  Éfflorescence is 100% Pinot Noir that is fermented and aged in used barriques. Dominique chooses the vines from the lower part of this vineyard as she believes this results in greater power and aging potential. As with all her wines this does not receive any dosage at bottling.

  Other Reviews....
  The 2015 Marie Courtin Efflorescence is ample and resonant in feel. Plum, cherry, spice and ginger meld into a deep core of Pinot fruit that continues to flesh out with a bit of time and aeration. There's terrific depth, density and creaminess here, not to mention tons of sheer personality. No dosage. Disgorged: June, 2021. Drink 2021 - 2028.
  94 points
  Antonio Galloni - Vinous

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• • 94

  • Nick's Import
  • Biodynamic

  2015 Marie Courtin Efflorescence Extra Brut Champagne

  Champagne, FRANCE

  $140. 00

  Bottle

  $1680.00 Dozen

  Add

  ABV: 12%

  Closure: Cork

  Based in the tiny hamlet of Polisot in the southern Cote des Bars region of Champagne, Dominique Moreau is producing some of the most dynamic and striking wines of the area. Naming her estate after her grandmother, Marie Courtin, Dominique has set out to craft Champagnes which emphasise how her specific terroir can be expressed in a given vintage. Her wines then are single vineyard and single vintage, made with meticulously grown fruit from biodynamically-grown grapes, see no dosage, and sulfur is used sparingly or not at all.

  Éfflorescence is 100% Pinot Noir that is fermented and aged in used barriques. Dominique chooses the vines from the lower part of this vineyard as she believes this results in greater power and aging potential. As with all her wines this does not receive any dosage at bottling.

  Other Reviews....
  The 2015 Marie Courtin Efflorescence is ample and resonant in feel. Plum, cherry, spice and ginger meld into a deep core of Pinot fruit that continues to flesh out with a bit of time and aeration. There's terrific depth, density and creaminess here, not to mention tons of sheer personality. No dosage. Disgorged: June, 2021. Drink 2021 - 2028.
  94 points
  Antonio Galloni - Vinous

  Delivery Information
• • 93

  • Nick's Import
  • Biodynamic
  • Preservative Free

  2015 Marie Courtin Concordance Extra Brut Champagne

  Champagne, FRANCE

  $175. 00

  Bottle

  $2100.00 Dozen

  Add

  ABV: 12%

  Closure: Cork

  Based in the tiny hamlet of Polisot in the southern Cote des Bars region of Champagne, Dominique Moreau is producing some of the most dynamic and striking wines of the area. Naming her estate after her grandmother, Marie Courtin, Dominique has set out to craft Champagnes which emphasise how her specific terroir can be expressed in a given vintage. Her wines then are single vineyard and single vintage, made with meticulously grown fruit from biodynamically-grown grapes, see no dosage, and sulfur is used sparingly or not at all.

  Concordance is 100% Pinot Noir cuvée harvested from massale selection vines 50 years in age from a single, east facing parcel on Kimmeridgian limestone soils. Fermentation occurs in tank with natural yeasts, and sees no addition of sulfur.

  Other Reviews....
  The 2015 Extra Brut Concordance Sans Soufre (100% Pinot Noir) is bright, precise and absolutely gorgeous. Dominique Moreau seems to have really dialed in her approach over the last few years. I can’t remember tasting a Concordance with this much translucent energy. Pinot Noir in the Aube has rarely been this weightless and nuanced. The purity of the flavors is just striking. No dosage. Disgorged: April, 2019. Drink 2020 - 2027.
  93 points
  Antonio Galloni - Vinous

  Delivery Information
• • Organic

  2017 Mouzon Leroux L'angelique Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut Champagne

  Champagne, FRANCE

  $175. 00

  Bottle

  $2100.00 Dozen

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  ABV: 12.5%

  Closure: Cork

  Sébastien Mouzon is a dynamic, ninth-generation grower producing exciting and terroir driven wines at his domaine, Mouzon-Leroux. Based in the Grand Cru village of Verzy, Sébastien farms eight hectares of vines spread across 60 separate plots. While much of the vineyard area is planted to Pinot Noir, there are additional small parcels planted to the remaining six varietals legally allowed in Champagne; Chardonnay, Arbane, Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Meunier and Petit Meslier. Aiming to bring further translation of site to his wines, Sébastien works with very low yields in his certified organic vineyards, with fermentation and élevage then completed in a mix of steel tanks and older 500L barrels. Sulphur additions are also kept to a minimum.

  The 2017 L'angelique is a 100% Chardonnay cuveé, using fruit from multiple Grand Cru sites in Verzy. These sites are located in the first and second valleys, where the plantings are more heavily skewed to Chardonnay and the soils are rich in clay, limestone, and flint. The base wine matures for 5 years in French oak barrels and is disgorged with extra brut dosage of just 1.5g/L.

  Delivery Information
• • Organic

  2017 Mouzon Leroux L'ineffable Blanc de Noirs Extra Brut Champagne

  Champagne, FRANCE

  $175. 00

  Bottle

  $2100.00 Dozen

  Add

  ABV: 11.5%

  Closure: Cork

  Sébastien Mouzon is a dynamic, ninth-generation grower producing exciting and terroir driven wines at his domaine, Mouzon-Leroux. Based in the Grand Cru village of Verzy, Sébastien farms eight hectares of vines spread across 60 separate plots. While much of the vineyard area is planted to Pinot Noir, there are additional small parcels planted to the remaining six varietals legally allowed in Champagne; Chardonnay, Arbane, Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Meunier and Petit Meslier. Aiming to bring further translation of site to his wines, Sébastien works with very low yields in his certified organic vineyards, with fermentation and élevage then completed in a mix of steel tanks and older 500L barrels. Sulphur additions are also kept to a minimum.

  The 2017 L'ineffable is a 100% Pinot Noir cuveé, using fruit from multiple Grand Cru sites in Verzy. These sites are located in the second and third valleys, where the soils can have a heavier clay component but are still rich in the limestone and flint, so signature to the Verzy region. The base wine matures for 5 years in French oak barrels and is disgorged with zero dosage.

  Delivery Information
• • 94

  • Organic
  • Reduced

  Mouzon Leroux L'atavique Tradition Extra Brut Champagne

  Champagne, FRANCE

  Reduced from $115.00

  $99. 99

  Bottle

  $1199.88 Dozen

  Add

  ABV: 12%

  Closure: Cork

  Sébastien Mouzon is a dynamic, ninth-generation grower producing exciting and terroir driven wines at his domaine, Mouzon-Leroux. Based in the Grand Cru village of Verzy, Sébastien farms eight hectares of vines spread across 60 separate plots. While much of the vineyard area is planted to Pinot Noir, there are additional small parcels planted to the remaining six varietals legally allowed in Champagne; Chardonnay, Arbane, Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Meunier and Petit Meslier. Aiming to bring further translation of site to his wines, Sébastien works with very low yields in his certified organic vineyards, with fermentation and élevage then completed in a mix of steel tanks and older 500L barrels. Sulphur additions are also kept to a minimum.

  L'atavique is a Pinot Noir dominant cuveé using 100% Grand Cru fruit with 50% from a base vintage, and a roughly even split of the previous two vintages for the balance. Disgorged after 3 years on lees with extra brut dosage of under 3g/L.

  Other Reviews....
  From 2018 (50%) with the two previous vintages – this is the disgorgement. It’s 65% pinot noir and 35% chardonnay. Organic (certified). Disgorged Jan22.
  Toasty scents, touches of stone fruit, fresh and dried, chicken stock, amontillado. Very pristine in the palate yet also imbued with nutty savouriness and chicken stock notes in tow. So deliciously briny! Ripe apple flavours, some nectarine too. Rich in a way but also refreshing. More potent. Has an energy and bent. Drink 2023 - 2027.
  94 Points
  Mike Bennie - The Wine Front

  Please note: Disgorgement dates can vary. Please contact the store if you would like to check which disgorgement is currently available.

  Delivery Information
• • 95

  • Organic
  • Reduced

  Mouzon Leroux L'incandescent Rose de Saignee Extra Brut Champagne

  Champagne, FRANCE

  Reduced from $160.00

  $135. 00

  Bottle

  $1620.00 Dozen

  Add

  ABV: 13%

  Closure: Cork

  Sébastien Mouzon is a dynamic, ninth-generation grower producing exciting and terroir driven wines at his domaine, Mouzon-Leroux. Based in the Grand Cru village of Verzy, Sébastien farms eight hectares of vines spread across 60 separate plots. While much of the vineyard area is planted to Pinot Noir, there are additional small parcels planted to the remaining six varietals legally allowed in Champagne; Chardonnay, Arbane, Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Meunier and Petit Meslier. Aiming to bring further translation of site to his wines, Sébastien works with very low yields in his certified organic vineyards, with fermentation and élevage then completed in a mix of steel tanks and older 500L barrels. Sulphur additions are also kept to a minimum.

  L'incandescent is true to its name, displaying a vibrant hue thanks to a short maceration on skins before pressing. The exact time on skins is dependant on taste rather than colour, and varies between 8-36 hours, with the current disgorgement coming in at 22 hours. This is 100% Pinot Noir from the Grand Cru lieu-dit of Les Cumaines, and was vinified entirely in stainless steel, before spending 30 months on lees and disgorged with just 1.5 g/L dosage.

  Other Reviews....
  Says non vintage but is made of 2018 wine only. Pinot noir that sees 16 hours of maceration. Younger gen, but from multi-gen family, producer.
  Very dark coloured and vinous style. Almost like looking at Etna Rosato! Supple texture, almost silky, bubbles are really fine and gentle, almost missing but for lifting the wine brightly and some saline tang alongside all this. Rich, red fruited, some truffle notes, briar and brambles. What a cool wine! Really interesting and complex, is the message. Drink 2023 - 2030.
  95 Points
  Mike Bennie - The Wine Front

  Please note: Disgorgement dates can vary. Please contact the store if you would like to check which disgorgement is currently available.

  Delivery Information
• • 95

  • Organic

  Mouzon Leroux L'ascendant Solera Extra Brut Champagne

  Champagne, FRANCE

  $150. 00

  Bottle

  $1800.00 Dozen

  Add

  ABV: 12%

  Closure: Cork

  Sébastien Mouzon is a dynamic, ninth-generation grower producing exciting and terroir driven wines at his domaine, Mouzon-Leroux. Based in the Grand Cru village of Verzy, Sébastien farms eight hectares of vines spread across 60 separate plots. While much of the vineyard area is planted to Pinot Noir, there are additional small parcels planted to the remaining six varietals legally allowed in Champagne; Chardonnay, Arbane, Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Meunier and Petit Meslier. Aiming to bring further translation of site to his wines, Sébastien works with very low yields in his certified organic vineyards, with fermentation and élevage then completed in a mix of steel tanks and older 500L barrels. Sulphur additions are also kept to a minimum.

  L'ascendant is a cuvée based on a solera founded with the 2014 L’Atavique, drawn and topped with a 50% ratio each year. It is approximately 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay, raised in old oak, before four years on lees and disgorged with extra brut dosage of under 3g/L.

  Other Reviews....
  Based in Verzy, a lesser sung parish of Champagne but one where up and coming producers like this can farm their eight hecatres of organic farmed grapes in peace. Low dosage, low sulphur winemaking too. Solera here, but a younger one started in 2014 – this one contains 2017, 2016 and 2014, with 50% taken out each year to make room for current vintage. Matured in oak and on lees for 48 months. Disgorged Jan22.
  Complex Champagne, lots of amontillado, Parisian almonds, green cashew and a huge woosh of sea spray. Yes thanks. So saline and briny to taste! Wow. Unreal. Some creamy cashew around that, licks of dried apple, toast, faint honey. Beautiful wine with such incredible energy and zestiness. Stunning wine. Drink 2023 - 2030.
  95 Points
  Mike Bennie - The Wine Front

  Please note: Disgorgement dates can vary. Please contact the store if you would like to check which disgorgement is currently available.

  Delivery Information
• 2017 Pascal Agrapart Mineral Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut Champagne Grand Cru

  Champagne, FRANCE

  $345. 00

  Bottle

  $4140.00 Dozen

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  ABV: 12.5%

  Closure: Cork

  Champagne Pascal Agrapart is one of the great grower producers, based at the heart of the Cote des Blancs in the grand cru village of Avize. Pascal has the reputation for being a grape grower first and Champagne producer second; a philosophy shared with his son Ambroise who is now in charge of production. Ambroise and the team works an astonishing 70-plus micro-plots in the Cote des Blancs, mostly in Avize, but also in Cramant, Oiry, Oger, Avenay-Val-d’Or, Bergeres-les-Vertus and Mardeuil. All of these parcels are ploughed, and no chemical pesticides, fertilisers or herbicides are ever used. Production is very small, with no more than 6,000 cases produced in any given year.

  Mineral is blended from two adjacent vieilles vignes plots (50-plus years old) on the border between Avize and Cramant, where the vine roots plunge straight into the chalky bedrock. The fruit from Le Champ Bouton in Avize fermented in tank, while the component from Les Bionnes in Cramant was vinified in 600-litre oak casks. The wine spent just over five years on lees and was dosed at 3g/L.

  Delivery Information
• 2017 Pascal Agrapart Mineral Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut Champagne Grand Cru Magnum (1500ml)

  Champagne, FRANCE

  $850. 00

  Bottle

  $10200.00 Dozen

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  ABV: 12.5%

  Closure: Cork

  Champagne Pascal Agrapart is one of the great grower producers, based at the heart of the Cote des Blancs in the grand cru village of Avize. Pascal has the reputation for being a grape grower first and Champagne producer second; a philosophy shared with his son Ambroise who is now in charge of production. Ambroise and the team works an astonishing 70-plus micro-plots in the Cote des Blancs, mostly in Avize, but also in Cramant, Oiry, Oger, Avenay-Val-d’Or, Bergeres-les-Vertus and Mardeuil. All of these parcels are ploughed, and no chemical pesticides, fertilisers or herbicides are ever used. Production is very small, with no more than 6,000 cases produced in any given year.

  Mineral is blended from two adjacent vieilles vignes plots (50-plus years old) on the border between Avize and Cramant, where the vine roots plunge straight into the chalky bedrock. The fruit from Le Champ Bouton in Avize fermented in tank, while the component from Les Bionnes in Cramant was vinified in 600-litre oak casks. The wine spent just over five years on lees and was dosed at 3g/L.

  Delivery Information
• 2017 Pascal Agrapart Avizoise Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut Champagne Grand Cru

  Champagne, FRANCE

  $450. 00

  Bottle

  $5400.00 Dozen

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  ABV: 12.5%

  Closure: Cork

  Champagne Pascal Agrapart is one of the great grower producers, based at the heart of the Cote des Blancs in the grand cru village of Avize. Pascal has the reputation for being a grape grower first and Champagne producer second; a philosophy shared with his son Ambroise who is now in charge of production. Ambroise and the team works an astonishing 70-plus micro-plots in the Cote des Blancs, mostly in Avize, but also in Cramant, Oiry, Oger, Avenay-Val-d’Or, Bergeres-les-Vertus and Mardeuil. All of these parcels are ploughed, and no chemical pesticides, fertilisers or herbicides are ever used. Production is very small, with no more than 6,000 cases produced in any given year.

  Avizoise is sourced from old vines of around 50 to 60 years of age, situated in the clay-rich (argilo-calcaire) Coteaux d’Avize vineyards of Les Robarts and Les Gros Yeux. The richer soils and altitude of these neighbouring sites bring more exotic fruit and roundness. The wine aged entirely in 600-litre demi-muid, and bottle fermentation took place under cork rather than crown seal. The 2017 spent just over five years on lees and was dosed at 3 g/L.

  Delivery Information
• 2017 Pascal Agrapart EXP (Experience) Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut Champagne Grand Cru

  Champagne, FRANCE

  $880. 00

  Bottle

  $10560.00 Dozen

  Add

  ABV: 12%

  Closure: Cork

  Champagne Pascal Agrapart is one of the great grower producers, based at the heart of the Cote des Blancs in the grand cru village of Avize. Pascal has the reputation for being a grape grower first and Champagne producer second; a philosophy shared with his son Ambroise who is now in charge of production. Ambroise and the team works an astonishing 70-plus micro-plots in the Cote des Blancs, mostly in Avize, but also in Cramant, Oiry, Oger, Avenay-Val-d’Or, Bergeres-les-Vertus and Mardeuil. All of these parcels are ploughed, and no chemical pesticides, fertilisers or herbicides are ever used. Production is very small, with no more than 6,000 cases produced in any given year.

  Formerly known as Experience, Agrapart's EXP is utterly unique in the world of Champagne. Given how difficult it is to produce, and the inherent rarity of such a cuvee, demand for EXP around the globe is enormous which is in part reflected in the price of this spectacular Champagne. In 2002, Agrapart sought and (remarkably) received permission from the local authorities to begin experimenting with a small quantity of wine that he wanted to produce without any sugar additions at all; no chaptalisation and no additions for the second fermentation and final dosage. Not using sugar and yeast for the liqueur de tirage (to prompt the second fermentation in the bottle) is actually against the AOC laws, which is why Agrapart needed permission. Instead of sugar, he uses must (grape juice) from the same vineyards that produce the wine, thus enabling him to produce a Champagne that is solely the product of estate-grown grapes.

  This 2017 release is an equal blend from vineyards that also contributed to the Avizoise and Mineral cuvees (Les Robarts in Avize and Les Bionnes in Cramant), ‘dosed’ with around 20% of the juice of 2018 from these same vineyards. It was this juice that drove the secondary fermentation in the bottle. No sugar or yeast additions were used for either fermentation, and the wine was not fined or filtered.

  Delivery Information
• • 94

  2015 Pascal Agrapart Mineral Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut Champagne Grand Cru

  Champagne, FRANCE

  $280. 00

  Bottle

  $3360.00 Dozen

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  Closure: Cork

  Other Reviews....
  The 2015 Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs Minéral Grand Cru is bracing, taut and wiry. Crushed rocks, mint, white pepper and lemon peel drive this blend. The Minéral is especially fine in 2015. There is a bit of youthful austerity, but nothing a few years in bottle can't take care of. The Minéral is one of the finer 2015s I have come across so far. Dosage is 3 grams per liter. Disgorged: May, 2021. Drink 2022 - 2027.
  94 points
  Antonio Galloni - Vinous

  Delivery Information
• • 91

  2018 Pierre Peters l'Esprit Blanc de Blancs Vintage Champagne

  Champagne, FRANCE

  $199. 00

  Bottle

  $2388.00 Dozen

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  ABV: 12%

  Closure: Cork

  Other Reviews....
  The L'Esprit de 2018 is a very pretty wine that shows the natural complexity of a Champagne that has spent a few years in bottle. Floral and light on its feet, the 2018 also reflects a vintage with higher yields in its mid-weight structure. Lemon peel, white flowers, mint, sage and almond are all nicely layered. The 2018 is not terribly complex or deep, but it is immensely charming. Disgorged: November 2022. Drink 2023-2033.
  91 points
  Antonio Galloni - Vinous

  Delivery Information
• • 93
  • 95
  • 93

  2017 Pierre Peters l'Esprit Blanc de Blancs Vintage Champagne

  Champagne, FRANCE

  $180. 00

  Bottle

  $2160.00 Dozen

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  ABV: 12%

  Closure: Cork

  Other Reviews....
  Unwinding in the glass with scents of sweet orchard fruit, peach, honeycomb, warm biscuits and dried fruits, the 2017 Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Millésime L’Esprit de 2017 is medium to full-bodied, ample and satiny, with fine concentration, racy acids and a long, saline finish. Péters describes the vintage in the Côte de Blancs—which suffered less than sectors where Pinot predominates—as "a precursor of 2019," in the sense that small yields attained elevated maturity without losing freshness; and this Champagne does indeed transcend simplistic generalizations about the vintage. Drink 2023 - 2035.
  93+ points
  William Kelley - Wine Advocate (Sep 01, 2022)

  The L'Esprit de 2017 is a surprising wine, in a very good way. Deep and wonderfully layered, the 2017 possesses tremendous depth and textural resonance. Tangerine peel, spice, brioche, baked apple and more exotic tropical accents all open with a bit of time in the glass. Disgorged: July 2022. Dosage is 4.7 grams per liter. Drink 2023-2030.
  93 points
  Antonio Galloni - Vinous

  A brightness and clarity here with sliced apples, oyster shell and hints of brioche with butter. Medium to full body with beautiful length. Creamy texture and a delicious finish. A balance and beauty to this. Four blocks from Mesnil, Oger, Avize and Cramant. 4.5 g/L dosage. Drink now.
  95 points
  JamesSuckling.com

  Delivery Information
• • 94
  • 93
  • 92

  Pierre Peters Reserve Oubliee Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Champagne

  Champagne, FRANCE

  $220. 00

  Bottle

  $2640.00 Dozen

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  ABV: 12%

  Closure: Cork

  Other Reviews....
  The NV Brut Réserve Oubliée (base 2015 ) marries freshness, tension and the complexity that emerges from the perpetual reserve in this blend. Wonderfully complex and layered, with striking aromatic presence, the Réserve Oubliée has so much going on. Marzipan, dried flowers, mint, lemon confit and spice build in the resonant, creamy finish. Dosage is 4.5-5.5 grams per liter. Disgorged: December, 2020. Drink 2021 - 2030.
  94 Points
  Antonio Galloni's Vinous (Nov 2021)

  The NV Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Réserve Oubliée is a blend of the best reserve wines from three different vessels: concrete, stainless steel and a 45-hectoliter oak vat from Franz Stockinger in Austria. The "forgotten reserve" shows a complex bouquet with bright and elegant fruit intertwined with notes of nuts, mocha and a touch of smoked speck. Aged sous liège (under natural cork), this is a very pure, fresh, fine, highly complex and energetic Champagne with a long, salty finish. A fascinating example and proof that top quality is also possible with nothing but reserve wines. Disgorged in November 2017 with a dosage of four grams per liter. Tasted at the domaine in April 2018.
  93 Points
  Stephan Reinhardt - Wine Advocate (September 2018)

  Leesy pastry dough and marzipan notes are an aromatic entry for this creamy, layered Champagne, leading to flavors of baked plum, kumquat and anise. A subtle streak of smoky mineral and vivid acidity define the mouthwatering finish. Drink now through 2025.
  92 Points
  Alison Napjus - Wine Spectator (November 2020)

  Delivery Information
• • 95
  • 92
  • 92
  • 92
  • 93
  • 93

  Pierre Peters Cuvee de Reserve Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Champagne

  Champagne, FRANCE

  $99. 99

  Bottle

  $1199.88 Dozen

  Add

  Cellar: Drink now - 5 Years (2020-2025)

  ABV: 12%

  Closure: Cork

  Once the lacy white mousse dissipates it reveals a pale straw coloured base that has shades of gold to the edges. The bead is fine and profuse. Refined yeast lees, citrus and baked bread aromas are followed by light notions of oyster shell and cashew. Possessing good richness and fine airy feel, there’s a faint creaminess to the oily bread, yeast lees and citrus flavours which are backed by a subtle toastiness and some brioche. Finishes dry and finely textured with stimulating acidity and a long savoury aftertaste.
  Drink over the next 4-5 years.
  Alc. 12%

  Other Reviews....
  Based on the 2019 vintage (which Péters declares "the best of the decade") and disgorged this year, the NV Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Cuvée de Réserve bursts with aromas of crisp stone fruit, orange zest, freshly baked bread and beeswax. Medium-bodied, ample and pillowy, with a fleshy core of fruit, racy acids and a saline finish, it's animated by an attractive pinpoint mousse. Drink 2022 - 2032.
  92 points
  William Kelley - Wine Advocate (Sep 2022)

  The NV Brut Cuvée de Réserve Grand Cru is fabulous. A Champagne of tension and energy, the Cuvée de Réserve has real presence, not to mention tons of class. Citrus, jasmine, mint and crushed rocks are some of the many nuances that race out of the glass. In this release, the Cuvée de Réserve has a light tropical quality that is both exotic and hugely appealing. Dosage is 7 grams per liter. Disgorged: March, 2021. Drink 2021-2028.
  92 points
  Antonio Galloni - Vinous

  Very fine bready lemon citrus aromas here; a restrained, fresh and attractively raw expression of chardonnay aromas. The palate unleashes more flamboyant fruit flavors, heading through citrus to nectarine and peach. The focus never wavers. Long, fine and pure.
  92 points
  JamesSuckling.com

  Made up, half and half, of base wine from the sunny 2018 harvest, and reserve wine from Rodolphe’s Perpetual Reserve which goes back to 1988, this is one of the most consistently excellent NV wines on the market. Its current iteration is especially impressive, floral, chalky, upstanding, and very complex; the palate sharing notes of dried apricot, plum and lemon pith with more developed intimations of sour honey and patisserie. An exemplary wine with real purity and precision on the finish. Drink 2021 - 2024.
  93 points
  Simon Field MW - Decanter

  This elegant Champagne is powered by intense acidity, wrapping its racy frame in a cloak fashioned from the plush and creamy mousse as it carries flavors of ripe mirabelle plum and fig fruit, chopped hazelnut and preserved lemon, with an underlying tang of salinity. The lingering finish echoes the ripe fruit and mineral character. Disgorged October 2020. Drink now through 2026.
  93 points
  Alison Napjus - Wine Spectator

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• Savart Les Pinots v15.16 Extra Brut Champagne

  Champagne, FRANCE

  $330. 00

  Bottle

  $3960.00 Dozen

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  ABV: 12.5%

  Closure: Cork

  Fred Savart is one of the most engaging and energetic vignerons currently in Champagne. Based in the village of Ecueil where most of his holdings are located, Fred also farms a handful of vines across into Villiers-aux-Noeuds, along with most recently accessing plots in Le Mesnil and Oger. His wines are largely based on Pinot Noir, with a smaller amount of Chardonnay, and while initially there was a focus on fermentation in stainless steel, more increasingly his wines are raised in barriques and demi-muids. Each of his wines are born out of inspiration and intuition rather than any sort of set formula, and are routinely some of the best expressions of terroir viewed through the vagaries of vintage.

  Les Pinots is a one-off Champagne, belding 50% Pinot Noir and 50% Pinot Meunier from the 2015 and 2016 vintages. Disgorged in July 2021 with 1gr/l of dosage, only 4,000 bottles were made.

  Delivery Information
• • 93
  • 93

  2018 Savart Le Noues Extra Brut Champagne

  Champagne, FRANCE

  $345. 00

  Bottle

  $4140.00 Dozen

  Add

  ABV: 12.5%

  Closure: Cork

  Fred Savart is one of the most engaging and energetic vignerons currently in Champagne. Based in the village of Ecueil where most of his holdings are located, Fred also farms a handful of vines across into Villiers-aux-Noeuds, along with most recently accessing plots in Le Mesnil and Oger. His wines are largely based on Pinot Noir, with a smaller amount of Chardonnay, and while initially there was a focus on fermentation in stainless steel, more increasingly his wines are raised in barriques and demi-muids. Each of his wines are born out of inspiration and intuition rather than any sort of set formula, and are routinely some of the best expressions of terroir viewed through the vagaries of vintage.

  Le Noues is a new line composed of 100% Pinot Noir from some of the best plots that previously would make it into his L'Ouverture bottling. Fermentation occurs in demi-muid before ageing on less for three years.

  Other Reviews....
  Aromas of peach, sweet red berries, peonies and buttery pastry introduce Savart's 2018 Extra Brut Premier Cru Les Noues, a medium to full-bodied, fleshy wine with a sweet core of fruit and a pretty, pillowy mousse. Lively and saline, readers may remember that it's a cuvée produced from a parcel of Pinot Noir vines that used to go into the l'Ouverture cuvée. Drink 2022 - 2032.
  93 points
  William Kelley - Wine Advocate (Sep 2022)

  The 2018 Brut Nature Les Noues (100% Pinot Noir) speaks with great eloquence and tons of class. Even with no dosage, the 2018 possesses captivating inner perfume and more than enough fruit to build beautifully in the glass. Hints of kirsch, raspberry, white pepper, chalk, orange peel, spice, dried flowers and cranberry grace this weightless wonderfully classy Champagne from Savart. Disgorged: May, 2022. Drink 2022-2030.
  93 points
  Antonio Galloni - Vinous

  Delivery Information
• 2018 Savart Le Mont des Chretiens Extra Brut Champagne

  Champagne, FRANCE

  $355. 00

  Bottle

  $4260.00 Dozen

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  ABV: 12.5%

  Closure: Cork

  Fred Savart is one of the most engaging and energetic vignerons currently in Champagne. Based in the village of Ecueil where most of his holdings are located, Fred also farms a handful of vines across into Villiers-aux-Noeuds, along with most recently accessing plots in Le Mesnil and Oger. His wines are largely based on Pinot Noir, with a smaller amount of Chardonnay, and while initially there was a focus on fermentation in stainless steel, more increasingly his wines are raised in barriques and demi-muids. Each of his wines are born out of inspiration and intuition rather than any sort of set formula, and are routinely some of the best expressions of terroir viewed through the vagaries of vintage.

  Le Mont des Chrétiens (previously called Dame de Coeur) is a lieu dit in the village Ecueil. The parcel is entirely planted to Chardonnay and Fred ferments and ages it in 500L barrels.

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• • 94

  2018 Savart Le Mont Benoit Extra Brut Champagne

  Champagne, FRANCE

  $375. 00

  Bottle

  $4500.00 Dozen

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  ABV: 12.5%

  Closure: Cork

  Fred Savart is one of the most engaging and energetic vignerons currently in Champagne. Based in the village of Ecueil where most of his holdings are located, Fred also farms a handful of vines across into Villiers-aux-Noeuds, along with most recently accessing plots in Le Mesnil and Oger. His wines are largely based on Pinot Noir, with a smaller amount of Chardonnay, and while initially there was a focus on fermentation in stainless steel, more increasingly his wines are raised in barriques and demi-muids. Each of his wines are born out of inspiration and intuition rather than any sort of set formula, and are routinely some of the best expressions of terroir viewed through the vagaries of vintage.

  Le Mont Benoit is a 50-year-old single parcel vineyard in Villers-aux-Noeuds co-planted to 95% Pinot Noir and 5% Chardonnay, which are picked and pressed together.

  Other Reviews....
  The 2018 Extra Brut Premier Cru Le Mont Benoit unwinds in the glass with scents of orange oil, nectarine and peach mingled with hints of white flowers, buttery pastry and frangipane. Medium to full-bodied, fleshy and precise, with a racy spine of acidity and a fine-boned, elegant profile, it concludes with a bright, chalky finish. Drink 2022 - 2038.
  94 points
  William Kelley - Wine Advocate (Sep 2022)

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• • 94
  • 94

  2017 Savart Haute Couture Extra Brut Champagne Grand Cru

  Champagne, FRANCE

  $520. 00

  Bottle

  $6240.00 Dozen

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  ABV: 12.5%

  Closure: Cork

  Fred Savart is one of the most engaging and energetic vignerons currently in Champagne. Based in the village of Ecueil where most of his holdings are located, Fred also farms a handful of vines across into Villiers-aux-Noeuds, along with most recently accessing plots in Le Mesnil and Oger. His wines are largely based on Pinot Noir, with a smaller amount of Chardonnay, and while initially there was a focus on fermentation in stainless steel, more increasingly his wines are raised in barriques and demi-muids. Each of his wines are born out of inspiration and intuition rather than any sort of set formula, and are routinely some of the best expressions of terroir viewed through the vagaries of vintage.

  Haute Couture is a 100% Chardonnay Blanc de Blancs coming from the two Grand Cru villages of Le Mesnil and Oger.

  Other Reviews....
  From Le Mesnil sur Oger, Savart's 2017 Extra Brut Haute Couture is showing very well, bursting with aromas of citrus oil, confit peach, white flowers, buttered toast and almond paste. Full-bodied, rich and vinous, with a layered core of ripe, fleshy fruit and a long, expansive finish, it's one of the high points of the range. Drink 2022 - 2032.
  94 points
  William Kelley - Wine Advocate (Sep 2022)

  The 2017 Extra-Brut Haute Couture Le Mesnil/Oger is wonderfully extroverted from the very first taste. A rush of lemon confit, tangerine oil, white flowers and spice races across the palate, framed by sweet French oak that adds an exotic, flamboyant touch. I can’t decide if this is more wine or Champagne, but it is gorgeous. The style leans very much in the realm of exuberance, and yet all the elements are so skillfully balanced. Dosage is 2.5 grams per liter. Disgorged: October, 2021. Drink 2022-2030.
  94 points
  Antonio Galloni - Vinous

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• • 93
  • 92
  • 91

  Savart L'Ouverture Brut Champagne

  Champagne, FRANCE

  $199. 00

  Bottle

  $2388.00 Dozen

  Add

  ABV: 12.5%

  Closure: Cork

  Fred Savart is one of the most engaging and energetic vignerons currently in Champagne. Based in the village of Ecueil where most of his holdings are located, Fred also farms a handful of vines across into Villiers-aux-Noeuds, along with most recently accessing plots in Le Mesnil and Oger. His wines are largely based on Pinot Noir, with a smaller amount of Chardonnay, and while initially there was a focus on fermentation in stainless steel, more increasingly his wines are raised in barriques and demi-muids. Each of his wines are born out of inspiration and intuition rather than any sort of set formula, and are routinely some of the best expressions of terroir viewed through the vagaries of vintage.

  This is Fred Savart's entry level Champagne but it is far from one-dimensional. It is 100% Pinot Noir all from the village of Ecueil, half of which was fermented in mostly neutral barrel with the other half is fermented in stainless steel. The wine only sees partial malolactic fermentation. Fred doesn't guide the malolactic fermentation, instead it is the inclusion of reserve wine that goes through malolactic fermentation because it has gone more temperature swings. The wine is in equal parts a blend of three successive vintages and aged under cork, not crown cap. Dosage is 7g/L.

  Other Reviews....
  Based on the 2019 vintage and disgorged in February 2022, Savart's NV Brut Premier Cru L'Ouverture offers up expressive aromas of pear, honeyed orchard fruit, baking spices and fresh bread. Medium-bodied, lively and fine-boned, with a pretty core of fruit, lively acids and a pinpoint mousse, it's an attractive wine that's showing well out of the gates. Drink 2022 - 2032.
  91 points
  William Kelley - Wine Advocate (Sep 2022)

  The NV Extra-Brut L’Ouverture (100% Pinot Noir, base 2019) is a bright, exuberant Champagne. Crushed rocks mint, white flowers, apricot, tangerine peel and citrus confit all race out of the glass. Bright and finely cut, this steely, delineated Champagne has a ton to offer. Time in the glass brings out burnished Pinot character and a good bit of breadth, but there’s a ton of Chardonnay-like vibrancy here too. Dosage is 4 grams per liter. Disgorged: February, 2022. Drink 2022-2029.
  93 points
  Antonio Galloni - Vinous

  A very fragrant blanc de noirs with 20 per cent of the second press and three years on lees. The wild red fruit is super fresh, delicate and floral; the lees time has this on a neat, reductive edge. The palate is very fine, fresh and crisp. Great depth and elegance here.
  92 points
  JamesSuckling.com

  
  

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• • 92
  • 91

  Savart Bulle de Rose Extra Brut Champagne

  Champagne, FRANCE

  $250. 00

  Bottle

  $3000.00 Dozen

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  ABV: 12.5%

  Closure: Cork

  Fred Savart is one of the most engaging and energetic vignerons currently in Champagne. Based in the village of Ecueil where most of his holdings are located, Fred also farms a handful of vines across into Villiers-aux-Noeuds, along with most recently accessing plots in Le Mesnil and Oger. His wines are largely based on Pinot Noir, with a smaller amount of Chardonnay, and while initially there was a focus on fermentation in stainless steel, more increasingly his wines are raised in barriques and demi-muids. Each of his wines are born out of inspiration and intuition rather than any sort of set formula, and are routinely some of the best expressions of terroir viewed through the vagaries of vintage.

  Bulles de Rosé is comprised of 70% Pinot Noir, 22% Chardonnay, with 8% still Pinot Noir red wine. Fermentation occurs is 80% stainless steel and 20% old oak barrels with partial malolactic.

  Other Reviews....
  The NV Extra-Brut Bulle de Rosé is terrific. Crushed red berry fruit, slate, minerals crushed rocks, dried herbs and rose petal are all laced together in a vinous yet weightless Rosé that sizzles with tension. Dosage of 3 grams per liter adds mid-palate pliancy without dominating the wine’s s balance. Bright veins of salinity extend the finish effortlessly. This release is 65% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay and 5% still red Pinot. Dosage is 3 grams per liter. Disgorged: February, 2022. Drink 2022-2028.
  92 points
  Antonio Galloni - Vinous

  The salmon-colored NV Bulle de Rosé Premier Cru Brut offers a serious and concentrated, but discreet bouquet in its fruit and floral flavors. The palate is full-bodied and pure, with a nice expression of Pinot Noir (8% red wine here along with 70% Blanc de Noirs and 22% Chardonnay). It has very nice purity and intensity, with good grip and persistence. This is a serious Rosé to be served with food.
  91 points
  Stephan Reinhardt - Wine Advocate #225 (June 2016)

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• • 93

  2015 Suenen La Cocluette Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Champagne

  Champagne, FRANCE

  $310. 00

  Bottle

  $3720.00 Dozen

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  ABV: 12.5%

  Closure: Cork

  The most northerly of Suenen’s Oiry parcels, La Cocluette is also home to the domaine’s oldest vines (planted in 1925), a site where the ancient roots bury deep into the dense Campanian chalk (the younger plantings from this site go into the Oiry Blanc de Blancs). Vines of this age are as rare as hens’ teeth in Champagne, and they gift tiny yields of concentrated berries. The land here is largely flat with a somewhat northerly exposure. Here the base wine was naturally fermented and aged for 10 months in one 700-litre concrete egg and one 600-litre Stockinger (the same barrel is used each year). It was then aged sur lies for 60 months in bottle until disgorgement in July 2021, and dosed with two grams per litre.

  Other Reviews....
  From a parcel planted in 1925, Suenen's 2015 Extra-Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Oiry La Cocluette unwinds in the glass with aromas of citrus zest, freshly baked bread, dried white flowers and wet stones. Medium to full-bodied, ample and pillowy, with racy acids and a long, precise finish, it has turned out very well. Drink 2022 - 2035.
  93 Points
  William Kelley - Wine Advocate (Sep 2022)

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• • 93

  Suenen C + C Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Champagne

  Champagne, FRANCE

  $199. 00

  Bottle

  $2388.00 Dozen

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  ABV: 12%

  Closure: Cork

  The C + C Blanc de Blancs is blended from nine parcels from both north and south-facing hillsides in Cramant and Chouilly. Here the soils are deeper, with silty clay overlying the chalk. This, with a good dose of southern exposure, makes for a much more hedonistic wine. The blend is split between Cramant (70%) and Chouilly (30%). Although tempted to bottle each village on its own, Suenen has found that the two villages work even better as a blend; the textural finesse of Cramant marrying perfectly with the opulence of Chouilly. This is a layered yet tightly wound Champagne, with more seductive flesh than the Oiry. It’s a stunning expression of the northern Côtes des Blancs that evolves with every sip.

  The wine was aged, on lees, for 9 months in enameled tank (65%) and in six year-old Burgundian French oak barrels (35%). It was then aged for 26 months in bottle with no fining, no filtration, no cold stabilisation. Disgorged after 26 months with 3 g/L.

  Please note: Disgorgement dates can vary. Please contact the store if you would like to check which disgorgement is currently available.

  Other Reviews....
  From Suenen's holdings Cramant and Chouilly, where the soils are deeper than in Oiry, the NV Extra-Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru C + C is based on the 2016 vintage and was disgorged in June 2019 with three grams per liters dosage. Unwinding in the glass with scents of sweet pastry, yellow apples, spices, white flowers and almonds, it's medium-bodied, precise and racy, with tangy acids and an attractively fleshy core of fruit, concluding with a saline finish.
  93 points
  William Kelley - Wine Advocate (Apr 2021)

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• • 94

  2013 Suenen La Cocluette Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Champagne

  Champagne, FRANCE

  $299. 00

  Bottle

  $3588.00 Dozen

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  ABV: 12%

  Closure: Cork

  The most northerly of Suenen’s Oiry parcels, La Cocluette is also home to the Domaine’s oldest vines, planted in 1925 (the younger plantings from this site go into the Oiry Blanc de Blancs). Vines of this age are as rare as hen’s teeth in Champagne and they gift tiny yields of concentrated berries. The land here is largely flat with a somewhat northerly exposure and the ancient roots bury deeply into the dense, Campanian chalk. Put simply, this is a more intense and complex expression of Oiry’s ‘naked chalk’ terroir than the NV Oiry bottling. It’s a superb, dense, tightly coiled and super-mineral Blanc de Blancs, with a long, rocky close. Here the base wine was naturally fermented and aged for 10 months in one 700 litre concrete egg and one 500 litre neutral French oak barrel. It was then aged sur lies for 60 months in bottle until disgorgement in June 2019, dosed with 2 g/L.

  Other Reviews....
  Disgorged in June 2019 with two grams per liter dosage, the 2013 Extra-Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Oiry La Cocluette derives from a parcel planted in 1925. Mingling scents of crisp yellow orchard fruit with nuances of nougat, fresh pastry, white flowers, smoke and citrus zest, it's medium to full-bodied, chiseled and weightless, with racy acids and a long, saline and delicately phenolic finish. Some 60% was vinified in concrete, the rest in used oak barrels.
  94 points
  William Kelley - Wine Advocate (Apr 2021)

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• • 95

  2013 Suenen Les Robarts Cramant Blanc de Blancs Champagne

  Champagne, FRANCE

  $350. 00

  Bottle

  $4200.00 Dozen

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  ABV: 12%

  Closure: Cork

  Champagne nerds might recognise this lieu-dit as one of the sources of Pascal Agrapart’s stunning Avizoise cuvée. Suenen’s vines lie across the border in the Cramant section of this vineyard, at the top of a small hill. Originally planted in 1952, then further in 1978 and 1984, the average age of Suenen’s vines is 37 years old with a large portion of massale selection vines. Suenen describes this terroir—30 cm of silty clay over degraded, upper Campanian chalk—as combining the tension and salinity of Oiry with the concentration of Chouilly. It is the most textural of Suenen’s four lieux-dits releases and also, arguably the most complex. Depth and concentration yet with great freshness and drive—it’s impossible to describe neatly but it’s superb.

  The 2013 was aged in a single Stockinger 20-hl foudre for 10 months before bottling in July 2014. As with all the single-site wines in 2013, this spent five years on lees until disgorgement, with 2 g/L, in June 2019.

  Other Reviews....
  Disgorged in October 2019 with four grams per liter dosage, Suenen's 2013 Extra-Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Cramant Les Robarts is brilliant, unwinding in the glass with scents of fresh pastry, crisp stone fruit, smoke, green apple and orange oil. Full-bodied, layered and concentrated, it's vinous and textural, with more mid-palate volume than any other cuvée in the range—excepting, that is Le Mont-Aigu. Penetrating and intensely mineral, it's serious and complete.
  95 points
  William Kelley - Wine Advocate (Apr 2021)

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• Vouette et Sorbee Blanc d'Argile (R17) Champagne

  Champagne, FRANCE

  $225. 00

  Bottle

  $2700.00 Dozen

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  ABV: 12%

  Closure: Cork

  Bertrand Gautherot has been quietly working away in the hamlet of Buxières-sur-Arce, in the Aube’s Côte des Bar region of Champagne, yet his wines have not escaped the attention of the top restaurants and retailers of the world. Each year Vouette & Sorbee allocations are eagerly awaited, and these exceptionally fine wines are consistently some of the best and most unique expressions from the area.

  The vineyards here lie closer to Chablis than to Épernay, both in distance and geology, with soils dominated by the same Kimmeridgian limestone for which Chablis is famed. Gautherot’s wines take their deep and powerful personalities from these soils and the (relatively) sunnier climate of the southern Aube. His wines all come from a single harvest—noted by the “R” number on the back label—with the exception of the Fidèle cuvée, which sees a small addition of 5-10% reserve wine from a perpetual blend started in 2001. His winemaking abhors any kind of manipulation in the cellar. Gautherot uses the traditional Coquard press and the juice is transferred into oak or amphorae via gravity rather than being pumped. Primary fermentations are always carried out with natural yeasts and riddling and disgorgement are all done entirely by hand. The wines are bottled without fining or filtration and without dosage. The results are some of Champagne’s most original and delicious wines: wines of distinctive personality, energy and sense of place.

  Blanc d’Argile has been described as Grand Cru Chablis with bubbles—a comparison that, on this evidence, flatters many a Chablis producer. Within the cold, west-facing, Kimmeridgian limestone-rich lieu-dit of Biaunes, there is a small plot of Chardonnay that Gautherot planted wild (without preparing the soils) amongst the native vegetation. The Côte des Bar is overwhelmingly planted to Pinot Noir, but nevertheless he did this in 2000, with massale cuttings from Anselme Selosse’s vines (in Avize) and Vincent Dauvissat’s Valmur Grand Cru vineyard. This plot has become the base of what Antonio Galloni calls “one of the most beautiful and distinctive wines in Champagne.” Fermentation for this wine was wild and took place in 4-10 year old, 500 and 600 litre barrels, with a small a portion of fruit fermented and raised in Georgian amphora. As with the Fidele, this wine spent roughly 15-18 months in bottle on lees, before being disgorged by hand with zero dosage.

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• Vouette et Sorbee Textures (R16) Champagne

  Champagne, FRANCE

  $240. 00

  Bottle

  $2880.00 Dozen

  Add

  ABV: 12%

  Closure: Cork

  Bertrand Gautherot has been quietly working away in the hamlet of Buxières-sur-Arce, in the Aube’s Côte des Bar region of Champagne, yet his wines have not escaped the attention of the top restaurants and retailers of the world. Each year Vouette & Sorbee allocations are eagerly awaited, and these exceptionally fine wines are consistently some of the best and most unique expressions from the area.

  The vineyards here lie closer to Chablis than to Épernay, both in distance and geology, with soils dominated by the same Kimmeridgian limestone for which Chablis is famed. Gautherot’s wines take their deep and powerful personalities from these soils and the (relatively) sunnier climate of the southern Aube. His wines all come from a single harvest—noted by the “R” number on the back label—with the exception of the Fidèle cuvée, which sees a small addition of 5-10% reserve wine from a perpetual blend started in 2001. His winemaking abhors any kind of manipulation in the cellar. Gautherot uses the traditional Coquard press and the juice is transferred into oak or amphorae via gravity rather than being pumped. Primary fermentations are always carried out with natural yeasts and riddling and disgorgement are all done entirely by hand. The wines are bottled without fining or filtration and without dosage. The results are some of Champagne’s most original and delicious wines: wines of distinctive personality, energy and sense of place.

  Textures is one of Gautherot’s newest cuvée; a rare, 100% Pinot Blanc Champagne crafted from vines in the Fonnet vineyard (planted between 1995 and 2000). Gautherot describes it as his “easiest” wine, i.e. the one that is the easiest to drink young. There is certainly more pulpy texture (hence the name), more fruit, and easier-going refreshment than in his Blanc d’Argile. There is also ample intensity and a great deal of poise and interest on offer, and a complexity that comes from the aging. This is a unique, one-of-a-kind expression of the Côte des Bar. You can expect candied citrus, floral and ripe lemon aromas and flavours, a generous, not-quite-creamy palate and a twist of gentle, refreshing bitterness on the close.

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• Vouette et Sorbee Blanc d'Argile (R15) Champagne

  Champagne, FRANCE

  $220. 00

  Bottle

  $2640.00 Dozen

  Add

  ABV: 12%

  Closure: Cork

  Bertrand Gautherot has been quietly working away in the hamlet of Buxières-sur-Arce, in the Aube’s Côte des Bar region of Champagne, yet his wines have not escaped the attention of the top restaurants and retailers of the world. Each year Vouette & Sorbee allocations are eagerly awaited, and these exceptionally fine wines are consistently some of the best and most unique expressions from the area.

  The vineyards here lie closer to Chablis than to Épernay, both in distance and geology, with soils dominated by the same Kimmeridgian limestone for which Chablis is famed. Gautherot’s wines take their deep and powerful personalities from these soils and the (relatively) sunnier climate of the southern Aube. His wines all come from a single harvest—noted by the “R” number on the back label—with the exception of the Fidèle cuvée, which sees a small addition of 5-10% reserve wine from a perpetual blend started in 2001. His winemaking abhors any kind of manipulation in the cellar. Gautherot uses the traditional Coquard press and the juice is transferred into oak or amphorae via gravity rather than being pumped. Primary fermentations are always carried out with natural yeasts and riddling and disgorgement are all done entirely by hand. The wines are bottled without fining or filtration and without dosage. The results are some of Champagne’s most original and delicious wines: wines of distinctive personality, energy and sense of place.

  Blanc d’Argile has been described as Grand Cru Chablis with bubbles—a comparison that, on this evidence, flatters many a Chablis producer. Within the cold, west-facing, Kimmeridgian limestone-rich lieu-dit of Biaunes, there is a small plot of Chardonnay that Gautherot planted wild (without preparing the soils) amongst the native vegetation. The Côte des Bar is overwhelmingly planted to Pinot Noir, but nevertheless he did this in 2000, with massale cuttings from Anselme Selosse’s vines (in Avize) and Vincent Dauvissat’s Valmur Grand Cru vineyard. This plot has become the base of what Antonio Galloni calls “one of the most beautiful and distinctive wines in Champagne.” Fermentation for this wine was wild and took place in 4-10 year old, 500 and 600 litre barrels, with a small a portion of fruit fermented and raised in Georgian amphora. As with the Fidele, this wine spent roughly 15-18 months in bottle on lees, before being disgorged by hand with zero dosage.

  Delivery Information