2020 Pierre Peters l'Esprit Blanc de Blancs Vintage Champagne

Pierre Peters is a benchmark grower Champagne based in Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, founded in 1929 by Camille Peters and today run by Rodolphe Peters, farming around 20 hectares of predominantly Chardonnay across Le Mesnil (the core), with additional holdings in Oger, Avize and Cramant, including the famed Les Chetillons parcel acquired in 1930. Viticulture is meticulous, with replanting based on the estate's own massal selections, while vinification is largely in stainless steel (reserve wines held in a mix of steel, large oak and concrete) with partial malolactic fermentation and an emphasis on extended lees ageing to build texture and depth. The range moves from the non-vintage Blanc de Blancs Cuvee de Reserve and vintage L'Esprit through to the single-vineyard Le Mesnil bottlings Les Chetillons and Les Montjolys, and concludes with premium multi-vintage cuvees such as Reserve Oubliee (from a perpetual blend dating back to 1988) and L'Etonnant Monsieur Victor, with the house's hallmark being pure, chalk-driven Cote des Blancs Chardonnay built for serious ageing.

Other Reviews....
The 2020 L'Esprit de 2020 is vivid and finely cut. Orchard fruit, sage, mint, white pepper and slate lend notable brightness. There's a touch of angularity in the chiseled contours, along with the slightly drying character of the year. Even so, the 2020 is nicely balanced. This will be especially fine at the dinner table. Dosage is 4 grams per liter. Disgorged: October 2024. Drink 2025-2032.
93 points
Antonio Galloni - Vinous

This vivid, clean Champagne shows aromas of sliced sourdough, chalk, apples and pear skins. Bright and balanced, with fine bubbles and salty undertones to the ripe stone fruit. Nicely done. Disgorged November 2024. 4.2 g/L dosage. Drink now.
93 points
Claire Nesbitt - JamesSuckling.com