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

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.

Other Reviews....
Some of the learnings for Mouzon Leroux’s biodynamics come from time spent in Senegal, curiously, looking at the local agriculture, and vegetable gardens, where distinct approaches exist to encourage insect and bird life into farming systems are rife. The vigneron has applied this to his farming in Champagne. Verzy chardonnay.
Electric wine. Bristling, briny acidity in green apple, clove spice, dried pear, Japanese pickled ginger, preserved lemon and pink grapefruit. Tight lines, a juiciness around that, piercing bubbles and a very long, sweet, slick spice finish married to fino sherry notes. Very precise. Refreshing. Crystalline. Brilliant. Drink 2025-2035+.
96 points
Mike Bennie - The Wine Front