All Champagne On Sale

Egly-Ouriet | Les Vignes de Bisseuil | Premier Cru Extra Brut | Bisseuil, Montagne de Reims, Champagne | Biodynamic

Egly-Ouriet is one of Champagne's most revered grower-producers, based in the Grand Cru village of Ambonnay on the Montagne de Reims. The domaine farms its parcels with meticulous care — practicing organic and biodynamic viticulture, harvesting by hand, and working exclusively with indigenous yeasts — producing Champagnes of uncommon depth, vinous texture, and site-driven precision.

Les Vignes de Bisseuil is the estate's Chardonnay-led expression, drawn from a 1.5-hectare parcel in the Premier Cru village of Bisseuil, situated directly beside the Grand Cru of Aÿ. South-facing, chalk-rich slopes and vines over 40 years old deliver fruit of concentration, freshness, and crystalline mineral definition — a brighter, more finesse-driven counterpoint to the domaine's powerful Pinot Noir-dominant cuvées.

The current release blends 70% Chardonnay, 15% Pinot Noir, and 15% Pinot Meunier, fermented and matured in French oak barrels with approximately 10% new oak. Malolactic fermentation is blocked to preserve natural acidity and tension. The wine spends approximately 48 months aging on its lees before disgorgement, and is finished with a dosage of approximately 1 gram per liter — bottled unfined and unfiltered.

Bright and expressive on the nose: lemon zest, crisp pear, Mirabelle plum, and white flowers, with notes of fresh bread, toasted nuts, white pepper, and subtle spice. The palate is concentrated yet energetic — refined mousse, vibrant citrus acidity, and a pronounced chalky minerality, with ripe orchard fruit and a gently creamy texture leading to a long, precise, and saline finish.

Exceptional as an aperitif; equally at home alongside oysters, shellfish, smoked salmon, grilled fish, sushi, roast chicken, charcuterie, creamy cheeses, and lightly aged Comté.

• Producer: Egly-Ouriet
• Cuvée: Les Vignes de Bisseuil
• Classification: Premier Cru Extra Brut
• Appellation: Bisseuil, Montagne de Reims, Champagne, France
• Grape Varieties: 70% Chardonnay, 15% Pinot Noir, 15% Pinot Meunier
• Vine Age: 40+ years
• Farming: Practicing organic / biodynamic
• Soils: Chalk-rich
• Fermentation: Indigenous yeasts; French oak barrels (~10% new)
• Malolactic Fermentation: Blocked
• Lees Aging: ~48 months
• Dosage: ~1 g/L
• Bottling: Unfined and unfiltered
• Bottle Size: 750ml

Critical Acclaim

• James Suckling — 94 pts: Bright and precise, with lemon zest, pear, and white flowers on the nose. Concentrated yet energetic on the palate — chalky minerality, vibrant acidity, and a long saline finish. A benchmark grower Champagne from Bisseuil.
• Decanter — 93 pts: Refined and mineral-driven, with crisp orchard fruit, toasted nuts, and a creamy mousse. Exceptional freshness and length.
• Wine Advocate — 93 pts: Elegant and focused, with a pronounced chalky character and impressive depth. Unfined and unfiltered — a pure expression of Bisseuil terroir.

Blend proportions, base vintages, lees-aging period, dosage, and disgorgement date may vary by release.

PIERRE PAILLARD CHAMPAGNE 1ER CRU EXTRA BRUT BLANC DE NOIRS LUDES 2020 | 750ML

🇫🇷 France — Pinot Meunier | Ludes, Montagne de Reims, Champagne

A terroir-driven Blanc de Noirs of rare precision and mineral intensity. The bouquet opens with ripe white peach, apricot, nectarine, red apple, citrus peel, brioche, and subtle floral accents. On the palate it is vinous yet sharply defined — fine bubbles, lively acidity, and a pronounced chalky salinity that takes precedence over the grape’s naturally generous fruit. The finish is long, dry, and energetic with an elegant, pleasantly bitter edge. A powerful yet beautifully controlled expression of Meunier — more linear, saline, and structured than the grape is often expected to be.

Produced entirely from old-vine Pinot Meunier (planted 1970) grown in the lieux-dits Les Hautes-Pertes and Les Vigneulles-de-Devant in the Premier Cru village of Ludes, near Grand Cru Mailly-Champagne. The soils are highly calcareous with very little clay over deep chalk subsoil — the source of the wine’s distinctive mineral tension. Vinified and aged in oak barrels, bottled under natural cork for secondary fermentation, then matured approximately 4.5 years on the lees before disgorgement at a very low dosage of 2 g/L.

94 Points — James Suckling

Pairs well with: Oysters, sushi, sashimi, smoked trout, grilled white fish, scallops, shellfish, roast poultry, and creamy cheeses. An exceptional aperitif.

Grape: 100% Pinot Meunier
Classification: Premier Cru
Village: Ludes, Montagne de Reims
Vintage: 2020
Lees Aging: ~4.5 years
Dosage: 2 g/L (Extra Brut)
Format: 750ml
Score: 94 pts James Suckling

Dom Pérignon Rosé Plénitude 2 (P2) — Champagne 2000

Dom Pérignon Pénitude 2 is not simply an aged Champagne — it is a fundamentally different wine. After close to 15 years in the darkness of the cellar, the expansion of energy reaches its peak and the wine rises to an apex of essential, radiant vitality that the first release (P1) cannot achieve. The 2000 Rosé P2 is among the most extraordinary expressions of this philosophy: a 70% Pinot Noir-dominant blend with a beefy 20% red wine addition, harvested in a warm, generous vintage and then given nearly a quarter century of cellar aging to reach this moment of perfect maturity. Vinous awarded it 96 points. Wine Advocate and Decanter each gave it 94. This is a bottle for a singular occasion.

The color is a deep, luminous rosé with amber hints that speak to its age. The nose is hauntingly beautiful: kirsch, blood orange, dried white flowers, mint, iodine, oyster shell, and gentle spice. On the palate, it is medium to full-bodied, ample and elegantly textural, with a rich, savory core of distinctly Burgundian character, a fine mousse, and a long, saline finish of extraordinary length and complexity. Fully mature and drinking magnificently today — and will continue to reward over the next decade.

Vinous 96 — “Hauntingly beautiful and ethereal in the way only fine, aged Rosé can be. Kirsch, orange peel, white flowers, mint and gentle touches of spice… beautifully balanced and harmonious. A beguiling, complex Champagne.”

Wine Advocate 94 — “Sapid, gastronomic… ample and elegantly textural, with a rich and open-knit core of distinctly savory fruit, a fine but youthfully boisterous mousse and a long, saline finish. Almost Burgundian-styled.”

Decanter 94 — “An aromatic treat… an autumnal rosé of real interest and subtlety. Jellied plum, poached strawberry, cooked cream and oyster-shell brightness.”

• Producer: Dom Pérignon, Épernay, Champagne, France
• Vintage: 2000
• Cuvee: Rosé Plénitude 2 (P2) — ~15 years on lees before disgorgement
• Blend: 70% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay (incl. 20% red wine addition)
• Appellation: Champagne AOC
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Kirsch, blood orange, dried white flowers, mint, iodine, oyster shell, jellied plum, saline finish
• Cellar Potential: Fully mature; drink now through 2035+
• Best Paired With: Lobster, langoustine, aged Parmesan, foie gras, roasted squab, black truffle

A 96-point Champagne 24 years in the making — Dom Pérignon Rosé P2 2000 is the benchmark for what aged prestige Champagne can be.

Crafted from a 20-hour maceration of Pinot Noir grapes, each parcel is vinified separately in stainless steel and epoxy-lined tanks. The wine is bottled according to the lunar calendar and undergoes secondary fermentation in the bottle, preserving the unique characteristics of each terroir.

This meticulous approach highlights the natural expression of the Meunier grape, resulting in a fresh, vibrant rosé with nuanced red fruit, subtle spice, and floral notes. The wine balances elegance with intensity, offering a complex, layered palate and a delicate, persistent mousse.

Perfect for festive occasions, it pairs beautifully with seafood, charcuterie, or light poultry dishes, making it a standout choice for holiday celebrations or special gatherings.

Grape: 100% Pinot Noir (Saignée method)
Country: France – Champagne

Gamet La Vallée Suspendue Extra Brut Réserve Perpétuelle — Champagne NV

Gamet is a small grower estate in the Marne Valley, and La Vallée Suspendue is their most distinctive cuvée — a Meunier-dominant blend of 80% Pinot Meunier, 15% Pinot Noir, and 5% Chardonnay, built on a 2016 base with 50% reserve wines drawn from a perpetual reserve that stretches back to 1999. That solera-style reserve is the wine's defining feature: it adds extraordinary depth, complexity, and a sense of continuity that no single vintage could achieve alone. Dosed at just 4 g/L, the Extra Brut designation keeps the wine focused, dry, and expressive. Awarded 93 points by both Jeb Dunnuck and Vinous.

The nose leaps from the glass with lemon curd, meringue, pastry dough, marzipan, and red berries, evolving toward dried pear, tangerine oil, spice, and exotic yellow flowers with air. On the palate, the wine is rich and resonant — savory, salty, and brothy in the best sense — with a fluffy mousse and a chalky, textured finish of real length and character. Vinous calls it "incredibly distinctive," and it is: a Champagne of rare personality with the structure to evolve over the next decade.

Jeb Dunnuck 93 • Vinous 93 — "Rich, resonant… incredibly distinctive. Those elements combine in a Champagne I admire most for its overall balance." — Vinous

• Producer: Gamet, Marne Valley, Champagne, France
• Appellation: Champagne
• Blend: 80% Pinot Meunier, 15% Pinot Noir, 5% Chardonnay
• Base Vintage: 2016
• Reserve Wine: 50% from a perpetual reserve dating to 1999
• Style: Extra Brut
• Dosage: 4 g/L
• Disgorged: June 2023
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Lemon curd, meringue, pastry dough, marzipan, red berries, dried pear, tangerine oil, spice, yellow flowers, chalky finish
• Best Paired With: Oysters, grilled fish, roast poultry, aged cheeses, charcuterie, mushroom dishes

93 points from Jeb Dunnuck and Vinous. A perpetual reserve dating to 1999. Gamet's La Vallée Suspendue is Marne Valley grower Champagne at its most complex and compelling.

Hervé Rafflin La Nature'L Premier Cru Extra Brut — Montagne de Reims, Champagne

Hervé Rafflin took over his family's small estate in 2001, though the family's roots in Champagne stretch back to the 1840s. Farming 5 hectares across four premier cru villages — Chigny-les-Roses, Ludes, Rilly-la-Montagne, and Taissy — in the heart of the Montagne de Reims, Rafflin is the definition of grower Champagne: small production (no more than 9,000 bottles of this cuvée), certified organic as of 2021, and guided by the philosophy that nature dictates business, not demand. La Nature'L is the estate's flagship and most widely produced bottling — and it's easy to understand why.

The blend is 38% Pinot Noir, 36% Chardonnay, and 26% Pinot Meunier, drawn from 30–40 year old vines on ancient limestone, marl, and chalk soils. Aged 8 months in stainless steel with malolactic fermentation and dosed at just 1.8 g/L, this is Extra Brut in the truest sense. The nose is vivacious and pure — citrus, white flowers, and a subtle touch of baked bread. On the palate, bright salivating acidity drives through to a long, clean, refreshing finish. Unpretentious, delicious, and always reflective of the growing season.

"Delicious, unpretentious, and always reflective of the growing season and the unique terroir of the Montagne de Reims. At Rafflin, nature dictates business, not demand." — Hervé Rafflin

• Producer: Hervé Rafflin, Chigny-les-Roses, Montagne de Reims, Champagne
• Appellation: Champagne Premier Cru
• Blend: 38% Pinot Noir, 36% Chardonnay, 26% Pinot Meunier
• Dosage: 1.8 g/L (Extra Brut)
• Farming: Certified Organic (as of 2021)
• Aging: 8 months in stainless steel; malolactic fermentation
• Production: ~9,000 bottles
• ABV: 12.5%
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Citrus, white flowers, baked bread, bright acidity, long clean finish
• Best Paired With: Fresh cheeses, oysters, raw bar, buttered popcorn, light seafood

A grower Champagne of rare integrity — certified organic, tiny production, and priced well below its quality level. One of the most honest bottles of Champagne you'll find.

Winemaker Description

A perfect combination of softness and concentration, matched by a masterful maturity, The 2015 Cristal Brut delivers intense and delicious aromas with a superb energy and a magical vibration.

This is a timeless champagne with a chalky temperament, sustained by its soils, freed from the sunny character of the vintage.The nose begins with hints of yellow fruit, toasted almonds and wheat from the Chardonnay, combined with the juicy red fruit of the Pinot Noir. 

Then comes the great surge of energy from the wine's structure, a vibratory intensity that transforms into a gentle caress, a silky texture interwoven with fine flavors of candied citrus and iodized spices.The vintage's chalky character thus bursts forth in a bracing, vertical effervescence, with an insistent, precise and finely honed freshness.

The finish is underpinned by subtle oaky, sappy and saline notes, which creates the ultimate sensation of delicacy and concentration.Cristal 2015 remains a wine of supreme balance and measure, resonating from the chalky nature of its soils rather than the sunny character of its vintage.

A perfect Cristal, intensely of the 2015 vintage, with enormous ageing potential.

Expert Reviews 

James Suckling 97 Points | The warm and dry vintage this has tremendous freshness and elegance. The complex nose of citrus blossom, mint, lemon and lime zest opens up slowly as this aerates in the glass. The wine’s ample structure is still quite firm, which is a vintage characteristic, the mousse very fine but also very lively for an eight-year-old champagne. Cristal fans will love this as it is, but a year or two more in the bottle will do a lot for the very long mineral finish of this youthful masterpiece. A cuvee of 60% pinot noir and 40% chardonnay, picked from all 45 Cristal vineyard plots. Tasted at the Cristal vertical tasting at the champagne house on July 6th, 2023.

96 Points Wine Spectator | This mouthwatering Champagne has an ethereal quality, with a frame of chiseled acidity and focused precision to the pointillisme-like, vibrant mousse. Yet this shows depth and generous expression, with the finely spun notes of patisserie apple and blackberry fruit opening beautifully on the palate and through the minerally finish, with notes of grated ginger, blood orange granita, salted Marcona almond and anise.

96 Points Jeb Dunnuck | I had the opportunity to taste the 2015 Champagne Cristal twice, both at the house in Reims as well as at my home office. On both occasions, the wine offered a terrific balance of decadence and notable freshness for this vintage, which was highly expressive on opening. The release reveals layered custardy notes of lemon balm, incense, apricot, and hazelnut. Medium to full-bodied, the mousse is fluffy and rounded out beautifully through the palate. Round and approachable, it has a well-managed richness along with underlying savory sapidity and saline to keep this going over the coming three or more decades, with a chalky tannin structure to support it.

95 Points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate | If the 2014 vintage was especially open and demonstrative, the 2015 Cristal is going to require more patience. Unwinding in the glass with aromas of citrus oil, crisp stone fruits, white flowers, crushed mint and subtle hints of buttery pastry, it's medium to full-bodied, deep and layered, with a deep, concentrated and rather introverted core of fruit framed by chalky extract and animated by a pretty pinpoint mousse. This is a serious, vinous Champagne that has considerable substance to age and may well evolve along the lines of the lovely 1985.

95 Points Decanter | An open and inviting nose references cream, oatmeal and Amalfi lemon with the slightest edge of smoke. The palate immediately strikes with a mouthwatering lemon ripeness and a juicy, mouthfilling generosity reminiscent of yellow plum. It stays true to the trademark sleekness of Cristal and speaks of the concentration of 2015. Fine mousse accentuates the fullness and roundness of the wine while the long finish hints at chalky depth which, for now, is dominated by ripe stone fruit and more of that textured, rich notion of oatmeal. Definitely a Cristal to enjoy soon.

About This Wine

Taittinger Cuvée Prestige Rosé is one of Champagne's most iconic non-vintage rosés — a house that has championed elegance and finesse since 1734. Blended from Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, and 30% Chardonnay, with 12–15% still red Pinot Noir wine added for color and depth, this cuvée pours a vivid cherry-pink with an endless stream of fine, persistent bubbles.

The nose is classically Pinot — ripe red raspberries, wild strawberries, and blood orange, lifted by delicate floral and earthy nuances. On the palate, it is full-bodied yet refined, with vibrant berry fruit, a silky mousse, and a fresh acidity that carries through to a long, crisp finish. Versatile and celebratory in equal measure.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep cherry-pink with fine, persistent bubbles
• Nose: Red raspberry, wild strawberry, blood orange, fresh flowers, earth
• Palate: Full-bodied, juicy berry fruit, silky mousse, bright acidity
• Finish: Long, crisp, and refreshing with a hint of gastronomic bitterness

Expert Reviews

Jeb Dunnuck 92 | Full-bodied and juicy all the way through, ripe with loads of wild berry fruit and a long, slightly warming finish. Drink 2024–2034.

James Suckling 92 | Full of flavor, with a full body, sleek bubbles and a deep, beautiful fruit quality. Drink now.

Robert Parker Wine Advocate 91 | Delicately fleshy with bright acids, a lively and minty mid-palate and a graceful note of gastronomic bitterness on the finish.

Food Pairings

Salmon, tuna tartare, duck, charcuterie, and soft cheeses. Equally stunning as an aperitif or throughout a meal.

Product Details

Bottle Size: 750ml
Vintage: NV (Non-Vintage)
Region: Champagne, France
Appellation: Champagne AOC
Grape Varieties: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay (30%), Pinot Meunier (20%)
Style: Brut Rosé Champagne
Dosage: 9 g/L

Vincent Charlet Champagne Grower Vignoble de Mardeuil Extra Brut · Champagne, France

Producer Description

Charlot: single-vintage and grapes coming from two plots only, the 2 “biggest” ones that Vincent has.

Grapes: around 55% Pinot Meunier, the remaining 45% consist of a roughly equal proportion of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Certified organic and biodynamic.

Vineyard: blend of “La Genette” (0.55 ha) and “La Chapotte” (0.55 ha). Both certified biodynamic and located in Mardeuil. Clay-limestone, clay, flint, chalk.

Making of: The grapes are hand-harvested, destemmed and gently pressed, then ferment spontaneously in neutral barrels. No malolactic fermentation, the wine rests in barrels for about 9-11 months. Bottled with liqueur de tirage and aged on lees for 42 months for the secondary fermentation (prise de mousse), disgorged, and topped up using the same wine, with a dosage of 4g/l (extra brut).

Champagne Vincent Charlot, aka Charlot Tanneux, Vincent went to Winemaking School in Alsace in the early 1990s, then he took over the Family Vineyards and started his journey of Organic Grower Champagne. 4.4 hectares vineyard, spread over 39 different plots in 6 villages. Each parcel is vinified separately in order to showcase its terroir uniqueness. These plots are all cultivated in organic and biodynamics, Demeter certified, organic grower.

Personality

This wine has everything! There’s saffron, flowers, delicate spice touch (nutmeg and white pepper), light brioche, sweet wood, almonds, wonderful roundness held by acidic grip… layers just keep on coming, you’ll have fun swimming in them.

The House

Vincent Charlot farms 4.4 hectares (~11 acres) spread over 39 different plots and 6 villages (Mardeuil, Vauciennes, Epernay, Moussy, Pierry 1er Cru, Ay Grand Cru), estate-owned, with very diverse soils: chalk, clay, silex (flint), sand, limestone. Main varieties are Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, plus ancient ones like Arbanne and Petit Meslier. Certified organic (Ecocert) and biodynamic (Demeter) since 2013, with annual production of approximately 30,000 bottles, all single vintage.

Each parcel is vinified separately in order to showcase its uniqueness. Spontaneous fermentation in amphoras and seasoned barrels; the wines are left to go through malolactic fermentation as they choose (mostly not). Secondary fermentation in bottles with concentrated grape must, long aging on lees. Little to no SO2 at press, very low dosages (around 4g/l, Extra Brut).

“When I drink wine, I want to taste its terroir – this is what I’m in it for. I want to see the personality of the place where it was born, I want to be moved, to create emotion,” Vincent Charlot explains.

Details

• Bottle Size: 750ml
• Region: Mardeuil, Champagne, France
• Grapes: Pinot Meunier, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir
• Type: Sparkling
• Style: Extra Brut
• Farming: Organic, Biodynamic

Gosset · Champagne, France · NV

The oldest Wine House in Champagne unveils a landmark creation, the first of its kind in its history: Gosset Zéro Dosage. It’s the first time that we introduce a “zero dosage” in our history. It’s a 2013 base wine, bottled in spring 2015 and disgorged after 10 years (spring 2025). Intended for the discerning wine connoisseur, this Champagne is a pared-down interpretation of Gosset’s inimitable style. Gosset’s first non-dosage Champagne, this cuvée brims with a radiant and vibrant freshness, delivering a taste experience that marries finesse with richness of flavour.

Sourced from the villages of Ambonnay, Avize, Bouzy, Cumières, Cramant, Villers-Marmery, and Rilly-la-Montagne, the cuvée is based on the 2013 harvest and was bottled after the base wines had spent more than a year maturing in vat, with a regular working of the lees from the first fermentation, including pumping over operations and re-suspension of the lees to enrich the wine. This prolonged contact with the lees has given the Champagne a full body, making it possible to dispense with dosage.

Expert Reviews

James Suckling, 95 Points, NV
“Wow. Bone-dry and intense. Lots going on here, but also understated. Chalky, yeasty and vinous, showing a briny, stony layer to the lemon zest and blanched almonds. Almost full-bodied, with great concentration and a lasting gastronomic finish. Mostly 2013 harvest, aged in vat for the first two years, then ten years in bottle. Great value. 62% chardonnay and 38% pinot noir. Disgorged May 2025. Drink or hold. 25,000 bottles made.”
— Zekun Shuai, 2026

Wine Spectator, 94 Points, NV
This graceful Champagne is rich and creamy, with lovely viscosity on the palate, honed by a bright spine of acidity. Offers a lovely range of black currant, roasted almond, lemon curd, poached apricot and grated coconut flavors, with a racy streak of salinity on the finish. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Drink now through 2031
— Alison Napjus, 2026

Details

• Producer: Gosset
• Region: Champagne, France
• Appellation: Champagne
• Varietal Composition: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir (62% Chardonnay, 38% Pinot Noir per James Suckling)
• Base Harvest: 2013, bottled spring 2015, disgorged spring 2025
• Serving: Drink or hold; Wine Spectator recommends drinking now through 2031
• Format: 750ml, presented in a gift box

An Exceptional Expression of Premier Cru Champagne

Champagne Lacourte-Godbillon Terroirs d'Écueil Premier Cru Extra Brut is an elegant, terroir-driven Grower Champagne that beautifully captures the distinctive character of Écueil, a Premier Cru village on the western slopes of the Montagne de Reims.

Crafted by Géraldine Lacourte and Richard Desvignes, this exceptional Champagne reflects generations of family winemaking tradition, meticulous vineyard management, and a deep respect for the land. The estate's roots date back to 1968, when Géraldine's parents, Jean-Guy Lacourte and Claudine Godbillon, established their Champagne house. In 2006, Géraldine and Richard left their professional careers to return to the family vineyards, bringing renewed energy and a commitment to producing expressive, site-specific Champagnes.

Terroirs d'Écueil is the estate's signature cuvée, crafted predominantly from Pinot Noir (85%), complemented by Chardonnay (15%). The grapes come from family-owned Premier Cru vineyards, where a distinctive combination of clay, sand, and chalk contributes to the wine's remarkable balance of richness, freshness, and mineral precision.

The Champagne incorporates carefully selected reserve wines, adding depth and complexity while preserving the vibrant fruit character of the current harvest. Aged extensively on its lees before release and finished with a minimal dosage, this Extra Brut offers exceptional purity, structure, and elegance.

Tasting Notes

In the glass, Terroirs d'Écueil displays a beautiful pale golden hue with a fine, persistent stream of delicate bubbles.

The expressive bouquet opens with fresh citrus, ripe orchard fruits, and subtle red berry notes, followed by delicate aromas of toasted brioche, sweet almond, and a touch of mineral complexity.

On the palate, this Champagne is vibrant, precise, and beautifully textured. The richness of Pinot Noir brings depth and generous fruit, while Chardonnay contributes freshness and finesse. Flavors of crisp apple, lemon zest, ripe pear, and subtle toasted pastry unfold across a lively, mineral-driven palate.

The finish is long, clean, and refreshingly dry, with an elegant interplay of citrus acidity, delicate salinity, and lingering mineral notes.

Professional Ratings

93 Points James Suckling: This impressive NV champagne shows what generosity and charm pinot noir is capable of in champagne. Impressive depth, but also lovely candied-citrus juiciness. Then comes a long and elegant, chalky finish. A cuvee of 85% pinot noir and 15% chardonnay, based on the 2018 vintage with 35% reserve wines from earlier vintages. It’s actually entitled to the Extra Brut designation, thanks to very low dosage. Sustainable. Drink now.

91 Wine Spectator: Racy acidity firms this tightly knit Champagne, while the fine texture softens some of the angularity and helps to show the range of the white raspberry, ground ginger, chalk and pink grapefruit pith flavors. Balanced overall, this should open nicely with short-term cellaring. Disgorged October 2016. Best after 2019. 3,300 cases made, 500 cases imported.

Food Pairing Suggestions

An outstanding aperitif Champagne, Terroirs d'Écueil is equally impressive at the table. Its vibrant acidity, fine bubbles, and refined structure make it a versatile companion to a wide range of dishes.

Pair it with freshly shucked oysters, shrimp cocktail, scallops, sushi, or delicate seafood preparations. It also complements roast chicken, creamy mushroom dishes, and soft-ripened cheeses such as Brie and Camembert.

For an elegant appetizer, serve alongside smoked salmon, delicate gougères, or freshly baked blinis with crème fraîche.

Ideal For: Celebrations, elegant dinners, Champagne enthusiasts, special occasions, and anyone seeking an authentic expression of small-production Grower Champagne.

Champagne Lacourte-Godbillon Terroirs d'Écueil Premier Cru Extra Brut is a beautifully crafted Champagne that combines the richness of Pinot Noir, the finesse of Chardonnay, and the unmistakable mineral character of the Montagne de Reims. A sophisticated and memorable expression of its Premier Cru origins.

Champagne Lacourte-Godbillon "Terroirs d'Écueil" 1er Cru Extra Brut

Region: Champagne, Montagne de Reims, France
Appellation: Champagne Premier Cru
Producer: Champagne Lacourte-Godbillon
Grapes: 85% Pinot Noir, 15% Chardonnay
Style: Extra Brut, Grower Champagne
Dosage: Approximately 3–3.5 g/L

Philipponnat Champagne Rose Royal NV · Champagne, France

Producer Description

“Rosé” is the new name of the House’s Royale Réserve Rosé cuvée. This simple, clear choice is designed to convey the natural elegance and purity of expression of this Champagne. This name affirms the wine’s unique identity, combining finesse, freshness and authenticity.

For a long time part of the “Royale Réserve” trio alongside the Brut and the Non Dosé, Rosé is now fully distinct from it, embracing its singular character and asserting its special place within the range.

The Rosé cuvée strikes a refreshing balance between colour and fruit. This rosé Champagne is made from the same blend as the Réserve Perpétuelle cuvées. In addition, there is a small proportion of the most mature possible red Champagne wine from our very best vineyards. This wine is concentrated by saignée and gains in intensity without becoming overloaded with tannins or vegetal characteristics, instead developing aromas of red and black fruit.

Most of the Pinot Noir and the small proportion of the Chardonnay used to make Rosé come from Premiers and Grands Crus. Only the first presses are selected, guaranteeing finesse and concentration. The blend includes 53% reserve wines, matured in oak, which bring complexity and depth to the wine, while preserving the freshness essential to its balance.

The House

Apvril Le Philipponnat (the ‘Le’ was subsequently dropped during the French Revolution) was the earliest member of the family to settle in Champagne. Captain of a Swiss military unit from the canton of Fribourg, he joined the French military during the war between Francis I and Italy. He is known to have married Marie d’Ambonnay, through whom he owned vineyards in Mareuil and Ay. The House dates its establishment in the Champagne region from 1522. Apvril is mentioned as the owner of Ay on this date in the will of Dom Jean Royer, the last Regular Abbot of Hautvillers.

In 1696, Apvril’s descendants, who were often ‘Royal Mayors’ of Ay, registered the family coat of arms in the Armorial de France. Today, this same coat of arms adorns all the House’s bottles. The labels of Philipponnat, vineyard owners and wine merchants, were among the first to bear the signature of sparkling Champagnes as early as the mid-19th century. Later, in 1910, Auguste and Pierre Philipponnat gave the family business a broader and more modern scope by creating their own company and acquiring the Château de Mareuil cellars.

Over the course of its long history, the House of Philipponnat has developed twenty hectares of vineyards of Premiers and Grands Crus, ideally located in the heart of the Champagne region, while maintaining special relationships with their partner viticulturists, who entrust the House with their output. They supply grapes for a broad but very balanced range of Champagnes that are both rich and distinctive.

Bold and refined, the Rosé cuvée reveals a beautiful aromatic intensity. Its generous red fruit aromas are enhanced by a hint of spice. Thanks to the quality of its blend, Rosé offers excellent ageing potential, evolving nobly over the years. Produced in brut, this Champagne goes perfectly with characterful dishes and reveals all its liveliness when served chilled. Rosé is the ideal wine for summer evenings.

Expert Reviews

James Suckling, 92 Points — Good reserve and freshness to this Champagne, which shows peonies, rose petals, bread crumbs and cinnamon and spice. A vertical palate follows, where tangy acidity punctuates integrated and creamy bubbles and carries subtle stone fruit medium-long. Drink now.

The Wine Advocate, 91 Points — Based on the 2015 vintage with 40% reserve wines, the NV Brut Rosé Royale Réserve was disgorged in August 2019 with nine grams per liter dosage. Revealing a lovely bouquet of red apples, honeycomb, cherries, peach and beeswax, it’s medium to full-bodied, fleshy and gourmand, with a generous core of fruit, lively acids and a refined mousse.

The Wine Spectator, 90 Points — Dry and sharp, with a mix of berry and biscuit flavors accented with citrus and spice. Persistent from beginning to end, starting off with a fine mousse and finishing with a squeeze of lemon.

Details

• Bottle Size: 750ml
• Region: Champagne, France
• Grapes: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir
• Type: Sparkling
• Style: Brut

An Exceptional Vintage Champagne from the Montagne de Reims

Champagne Lacourte-Godbillon Millésime Premier Cru Extra Brut 2020 is a beautifully expressive vintage Grower Champagne that captures the elegance, purity, and distinctive mineral character of the Montagne de Reims. Produced only from grapes harvested in 2020, this Champagne offers a compelling expression of one growing season and the meticulous craftsmanship of a family-owned estate.

Located in the Premier Cru village of Écueil, Champagne Lacourte-Godbillon is led by Géraldine Lacourte and her husband, Richard Desvignes. Since returning to the family estate in 2006, the couple has dedicated themselves to thoughtful vineyard management, organic viticulture, and precision winemaking, earning recognition for Champagnes that express their origins with remarkable clarity.

The 2020 Millésime combines the richness and depth of Pinot Noir with the finesse, freshness, and aromatic elegance of Chardonnay. Sourced from carefully tended vineyards in Écueil and Les Mesneux, the grapes benefit from sandy and light clay soils that contribute to the wine's refined texture, vibrant acidity, and distinct sense of place.

Winemaking & Vintage Character

Unlike non-vintage Champagne, which incorporates wines from multiple harvests, the Millésime 2020 is a celebration of a single vintage, allowing the personality of the growing season to shine.

Following a careful harvest, the base wines are fermented and matured with meticulous attention to detail, including partial aging in oak vessels to enhance texture, complexity, and aromatic development.

Extended maturation on the lees brings greater depth, fine bubbles, and delicate notes of pastry and toasted nuts, while the exceptionally restrained dosage preserves the wine's natural freshness and mineral precision.

The result is a sophisticated vintage Champagne that balances generous fruit character with remarkable energy, elegance, and structure.

Tasting Notes

In the glass, Lacourte-Godbillon Millésime 2020 displays a luminous pale golden color with a delicate, persistent stream of fine bubbles.

The inviting bouquet opens with aromas of fresh lemon, citrus sorbet, ripe orchard fruits, and delicate white flowers. With aeration, additional layers of kumquat, fresh herbs, subtle red berries, toasted brioche, and a hint of hazelnut emerge.

On the palate, this Champagne is vibrant, beautifully textured, and remarkably precise. Pinot Noir contributes richness and depth, while Chardonnay brings brightness, finesse, and an elegant citrus-driven freshness.

Flavors of crisp apple, lemon zest, ripe pear, and delicate stone fruit unfold alongside subtle pastry notes and a distinctive chalky, saline minerality.

The mousse is fine and elegant, creating a smooth, almost creamy sensation balanced by refreshing acidity.

The finish is long, focused, and beautifully dry, leaving lingering impressions of citrus, subtle spice, and mineral freshness.

Food Pairing Suggestions

The elegance, depth, and mineral character of Millésime 2020 make it an outstanding Champagne for both aperitifs and sophisticated dining.

Pair it with freshly shucked oysters, seared scallops, lobster, sashimi, or delicately grilled fish. Its lively acidity and fine bubbles complement the richness of seafood while highlighting the wine's refreshing mineral character.

For more substantial dishes, enjoy it alongside roast chicken, veal, mushroom risotto, or delicate preparations with herbs and butter sauces.

Its precision and freshness also make it a wonderful partner for artisan goat cheese, aged Comté, and creamy Brie.

For a particularly elegant pairing, serve with pan-seared scallops, lemon butter, and fresh herbs.

Serving Temperature: Approximately 46–50°F (8–10°C). Serve in a tulip-shaped Champagne glass or white wine glass to appreciate its aromatic complexity.

Perfect For: Special celebrations, fine dining, Champagne collectors, elegant entertaining, and enthusiasts seeking an expressive, terroir-driven vintage Champagne.

Champagne Lacourte-Godbillon Millésime Premier Cru Extra Brut 2020 beautifully captures the character of its vintage, combining the depth of Pinot Noir, the finesse of Chardonnay, and the mineral elegance of the Montagne de Reims. An exceptional expression of small-production, organically farmed Grower Champagne.

Champagne Lacourte-Godbillon "Millésime 1er Cru" Extra Brut 2020 750ml

Region: Champagne, Montagne de Reims, France
Appellation: Champagne Premier Cru
Producer: Champagne Lacourte-Godbillon
Vintage: 2020
Grape Varieties: Pinot Noir and Chardonnay
Style: Vintage Champagne, Extra Brut, Grower Champagne
Vineyards: Écueil and Les Mesneux
Farming: Certified Organic Vineyards
Bottle Size: 750ml

An Exceptional Single-Vineyard Expression of Premier Cru Champagne

Champagne Lacourte-Godbillon Parcellaire Ormes–Les Montées Blanc de Noirs Extra Brut is an exceptional, terroir-driven Grower Champagne that captures the purity, concentration, and distinctive mineral character of Pinot Noir from the Premier Cru village of Écueil, in the Montagne de Reims.

Crafted by Géraldine Lacourte and Richard Desvignes, this beautifully expressive Champagne reflects the family's generations-long connection to the vineyards of Écueil and their dedication to thoughtful, sustainable winemaking.

Unlike conventional Champagnes blended from numerous vineyard sites, the Parcellaire collection emphasizes the individuality of carefully selected parcels, allowing the distinctive personality of a particular vineyard to take center stage.

The Vineyard: Les Montées

Les Montées is a special vineyard parcel in Écueil, planted in 2006 on limestone-rich silt soils over chalk.

These soils contribute to the Champagne's mineral character, while Pinot Noir provides structure, aromatic depth, and a beautifully textured palate.

The estate's vineyard philosophy emphasizes biodiversity, healthy soils, and meticulous hands-on care. The vines are cultivated using organic and biodynamic practices, with grass cover, mechanical soil cultivation, and no herbicides. Grapes are harvested by hand to ensure careful selection and preserve fruit quality.

The result is a wine that celebrates not only the character of Pinot Noir but also the individual identity of its vineyard origins.

Traditional Winemaking & Aging

Produced exclusively from Pinot Noir, Parcellaire Ormes–Les Montées is fermented in oak barrels, bringing additional texture, complexity, and aromatic depth while preserving the natural expression of the fruit.

The wine is neither fined nor filtered, allowing its original character to remain intact. Fermentation and maturation are handled with minimal intervention, reflecting the estate's commitment to producing authentic, terroir-focused Champagnes.

For the 2022 vintage, the wine undergoes approximately 24 months of aging on its lees, followed by an additional six months of rest after disgorgement.

Finished with an exceptionally low dosage of 2.5 grams per liter, this Extra Brut Champagne offers impressive precision, freshness, and a wonderfully dry finish.

Tasting Notes

In the glass, Parcellaire Ormes–Les Montées displays an elegant pale golden color with a delicate, persistent stream of fine bubbles.

The bouquet is refined and expressive, suggesting ripe orchard fruits, fresh citrus, subtle red berries, and delicate floral notes. As the wine opens, hints of toasted almond, warm brioche, and gentle spice add depth and complexity.

On the palate, the Champagne is beautifully structured, balancing the natural richness of Pinot Noir with vibrant acidity and a pronounced mineral character.

Flavors of crisp apple, ripe pear, lemon zest, and subtle red fruit are complemented by delicate toasted notes and a finely textured mousse.

The wine's low dosage allows its purity and underlying chalky minerality to shine, creating a precise, elegant, and refreshingly dry expression of Blanc de Noirs.

The finish is long and focused, with lingering citrus freshness, subtle salinity, and savory complexity.

Food Pairing Suggestions

With its Pinot Noir-driven richness, elegant structure, and vibrant freshness, Parcellaire Ormes–Les Montées is a wonderful Champagne for pairing with food.

It pairs beautifully with seared scallops, lobster, grilled prawns, and refined seafood dishes. Its structured palate also complements roast chicken, duck breast, and delicate preparations of veal.

For an elegant dining experience, serve alongside wild mushroom risotto, truffle-infused dishes, or lightly aged cheeses such as Comté and Gruyère.

Its mineral precision and delicate acidity also make it an exceptional choice for oysters, smoked salmon, and sophisticated appetizers.

Serving Temperature: Approximately 48–52°F (9–11°C). A tulip-shaped Champagne glass or white wine glass is recommended to showcase its aromatic complexity.

Perfect For: Champagne collectors, special celebrations, elegant dining, wine enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a distinctive single-vineyard Grower Champagne.

Champagne Lacourte-Godbillon Parcellaire Ormes–Les Montées Blanc de Noirs Extra Brut is a beautifully crafted expression of Premier Cru Pinot Noir, offering impressive purity, refined texture, and a remarkable sense of place. An outstanding Champagne for those who appreciate precision, individuality, and the artistry of small-production winemaking.

Champagne Lacourte-Godbillon "Parcellaire Ormes–Les Montées" Blanc de Noirs Extra Brut 750ml

Region: Champagne, Montagne de Reims, France
Appellation: Champagne Premier Cru
Producer: Champagne Lacourte-Godbillon
Grape Variety: 100% Pinot Noir
Style: Blanc de Noirs, Extra Brut, Grower Champagne
Vineyard: Les Montées, Écueil
Farming: Certified Organic and Biodynamic
Vinification: Oak Barrel Fermentation
Dosage: 2.5 g/L (2022 vintage)
Bottle Size: 750ml

A Beautiful Expression of Premier Cru Rosé Champagne

Champagne Lacourte-Godbillon Rosé Premier Cru Extra Brut is an elegant, beautifully expressive Grower Champagne that captures the finesse and vibrant red-fruit character of Pinot Noir grown in the Premier Cru village of Écueil, on the western slopes of the Montagne de Reims.

Produced by Géraldine Lacourte and Richard Desvignes, this sophisticated Rosé reflects generations of family winemaking tradition, meticulous vineyard care, and a commitment to expressing the distinctive character of Champagne's terroir.

The husband-and-wife team returned to the family estate in 2006, bringing a renewed focus to vineyard quality, organic farming, and carefully considered winemaking. Their approach emphasizes precision and authenticity, allowing the personality of their Premier Cru vineyards to shine through in every bottle.

Expert Ratings

Wine Advocate 91 Points: "Based on the 2021 vintage, and augmented by 45% reserve wines (mostly from 2020, along with 6% red wine from 2019), Lacourte-Godbillon’s NV Premier Cru Rosé was disgorged in June 2024 with a dosage of three grams per liter. Opening with enticing aromas of tangerine zest, red apple and red plum, it leads into a medium- to full-bodied, elegant palate underpinned by a racy spine of acidity and ample chalky structure, concluding with a delicately perfumed finish. This is a rosé Champagne of finesse rather than power." —Kristaps Karklins

Winemaking & Vineyard Character

Crafted entirely from Pinot Noir, Lacourte-Godbillon Rosé combines the richness and structure of this noble grape with the freshness and elegance of a finely balanced Champagne.

For the 2021-base Extra Brut release, the blend incorporates 45% reserve wines from the 2020 and 2019 harvests, adding depth and complexity while maintaining a lively fruit-driven character.

A small portion of Pinot Noir is vinified as red wine in oak barrels, contributing the Champagne's beautiful salmon-pink color and delicate red-fruit aromas. The balance of the wine is carefully fermented and matured to preserve freshness, texture, and purity.

Extended aging on the lees brings greater complexity and finesse to the finished Champagne, while the low dosage of just 3 grams per liter ensures a wonderfully dry, precise, and refreshing finish.

Tasting Notes

In the glass, this Champagne displays a delicate salmon-pink color with a fine, persistent stream of elegant bubbles.

The expressive bouquet opens with aromas of wild strawberries, red cherries, fresh raspberries, and red currants, complemented by hints of citrus zest, delicate florals, and subtle toasted almond.

On the palate, Lacourte-Godbillon Rosé is beautifully balanced, combining generous red-fruit flavors with vibrant acidity and a refined mineral backbone.

Notes of ripe strawberry, red apple, cherry, and blood orange unfold across a fresh, rounded palate, accompanied by gentle hints of brioche, almond, and chalky minerality.

The mousse is delicate and creamy, creating a beautifully textured mouthfeel without sacrificing the wine's energy and precision.

The finish is long, dry, and exceptionally refreshing, with lingering impressions of red berries, citrus, and subtle savory complexity.

Food Pairing Suggestions

With its vibrant fruit character, elegant acidity, and refined structure, Lacourte-Godbillon Rosé is wonderfully versatile at the table.

It pairs beautifully with smoked salmon, salmon tartare, seared tuna, grilled shrimp, and delicate seafood appetizers. Its Pinot Noir character also makes it an excellent companion to roasted poultry, duck breast, and charcuterie.

For cheese lovers, serve alongside creamy Brie, Camembert, fresh goat cheese, or mature Cantal.

For an elegant seasonal pairing, enjoy this Rosé with fresh strawberries, a summer tomato and burrata salad, or a delicate red-fruit dessert.

Serving Temperature: 46–50°F (8–10°C). Serve in a tulip-shaped Champagne glass to appreciate its aromatic complexity and fine bubbles.

Perfect For: Romantic dinners, celebrations, elegant entertaining, Champagne tastings, special occasions, and anyone seeking a beautifully crafted, small-production Rosé Champagne.

Champagne Lacourte-Godbillon Rosé Premier Cru Extra Brut is a captivating expression of 100% Pinot Noir—combining vibrant red-fruit aromas, exceptional freshness, refined minerality, and the unmistakable elegance of Premier Cru Champagne.

Champagne Lacourte-Godbillon Rosé 1er Cru Extra Brut 750ml

Region: Champagne, Montagne de Reims, France
Appellation: Champagne Premier Cru
Producer: Champagne Lacourte-Godbillon
Grape Variety: 100% Pinot Noir
Village: Écueil, Premier Cru
Style: Rosé Champagne, Extra Brut, Grower Champagne
Dosage: 3 g/L (2021-base release)
Bottle Size: 750ml

A Remarkable Expression of Premier Cru Pinot Noir

Champagne Lacourte-Godbillon Mi-Pentes Premier Cru Blanc de Noirs Extra Brut is an exceptional Grower Champagne that showcases the depth, elegance, and mineral precision of Pinot Noir grown in the prestigious Premier Cru village of Écueil, on the western slopes of the Montagne de Reims.

Crafted exclusively from Pinot Noir, this beautifully expressive Champagne represents the dedication of Géraldine Lacourte and Richard Desvignes, the husband-and-wife team behind one of Champagne's respected family-owned estates. Since taking over the family vineyards in 2006, they have focused on meticulous vineyard management, organic farming practices, and traditional winemaking techniques that allow the distinctive character of Écueil's terroir to shine.

The name Mi-Pentes, meaning "mid-slopes," refers to the privileged vineyard parcels located halfway up the hillsides of Écueil. These carefully selected sites provide an ideal balance of drainage, exposure, and soil composition, producing Pinot Noir with remarkable concentration, structure, and finesse.

The vineyards, with an average vine age of approximately 40 years, are cultivated with great respect for the environment. Grass is maintained between vineyard rows, while the soil beneath the vines is carefully worked to encourage healthy root systems and a natural expression of terroir.

Traditional Winemaking & Extended Aging

Mi-Pentes is produced from 100% Pinot Noir, with a portion of the wine fermented and matured in oak barrels to develop complexity, texture, and aromatic depth without overpowering the purity of the fruit.

The producer's 2020-base release incorporates reserve wines from the 2019 harvest, bringing additional maturity, consistency, and richness to the finished Champagne.

The wine spends more than three years aging on its lees, developing a fine, persistent mousse and elegant layers of toasted brioche, spice, and mineral complexity. The current producer specification lists a dosage of zero grams per liter, preserving the wine's remarkable purity and naturally dry character.

The result is a sophisticated, beautifully structured Blanc de Noirs that combines the richness of Pinot Noir with the vibrant freshness and precision of Premier Cru Champagne.

Tasting Notes

In the glass, Mi-Pentes displays a luminous golden color with delicate, persistent bubbles.

The expressive nose reveals aromas of ripe yellow orchard fruits, lemon zest, and fresh red berries, accompanied by subtle floral notes, sweet spice, and hints of toasted pastry.

On the palate, this Champagne is concentrated yet remarkably refined. The richness of Pinot Noir provides a generous, layered texture, while lively acidity and pronounced minerality bring energy and balance.

Flavors of ripe pear, golden apple, citrus peel, and delicate red fruit unfold alongside toasted almond, brioche, and a subtle touch of spice. The texture is beautifully precise, with fine bubbles and an elegant, almost creamy mouthfeel.

The finish is long, vibrant, and exceptionally persistent, leaving impressions of chalky minerality, citrus zest, and delicate savory complexity.

Food Pairing Suggestions

With its generous Pinot Noir character and elegant structure, Mi-Pentes is an outstanding Champagne for the dining table, offering considerably more versatility than a traditional aperitif.

Its depth and freshness make it an excellent companion to seared scallops, roasted lobster, grilled prawns, and richly flavored seafood dishes.

It also pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, duck breast, mushroom risotto, and delicate preparations featuring truffles or wild mushrooms.

For cheese lovers, enjoy Mi-Pentes alongside aged Comté, Gruyère, Brie, or creamy artisan goat cheeses. Its crisp acidity and mineral backbone provide a delightful contrast to rich, savory flavors.

Serving Temperature: Approximately 46–50°F (8–10°C). Serve in a white wine or tulip-shaped Champagne glass to fully appreciate its complex aromas and texture.

Aging Potential: Approximately five years under proper cellar conditions, according to the producer.

Perfect For: Fine dining, special celebrations, Champagne collectors, elegant entertaining, and enthusiasts seeking an outstanding, terroir-driven Blanc de Noirs.

Champagne Lacourte-Godbillon Mi-Pentes Premier Cru Blanc de Noirs is a compelling expression of Écueil's finest Pinot Noir—combining concentration, precision, and mineral elegance in a beautifully crafted Grower Champagne of exceptional character.

Champagne Lacourte-Godbillon "Mi-Pentes" Blanc de Noirs 1er Cru Extra Brut 750ml

Region: Champagne, Montagne de Reims, France
Appellation: Champagne Premier Cru
Producer: Champagne Lacourte-Godbillon
Grape Variety: 100% Pinot Noir
Style: Blanc de Noirs, Extra Brut, Grower Champagne
Vineyards: Mid-Slope Premier Cru Vineyards of Écueil
Dosage: 0 g/L (Brut Nature, current producer specifications)
Bottle Size: 750ml

Winemaker Notes: Fresh and lively, with a dazzling youthful character followed by a broad and appetizing palate of white fruit and acacia honey with subtle pastry and brioche overtones. The finish is long and persistent, revealing a touch of chalky minerality, a signature of the Côte des Blancs, along with hints of grapefruit, blood orange and a delicate salinity.

Expert Ratings

94 Wine Enthusiast: A beautiful Champagne, this citrus and white-fruited wine is tightly textured with a strong mineral character and pure acidity and freshness. The low dosage means it is dry, but the fruit contrasts well with this.

93 Jeb Dunnuck: The 2018 Champagne Blanc De Blancs A/18 Extra Brut is 100% Chardonnay from Chouilly, Cramant, Oger, Mesnil-sur-Oger, Bisieul, and Cuis and spent six years in the cellars. A floral vintage, this wine boasts elegant notes of white peach, pear, fresh pastry, lemon candies, and fresh almond. Approachable and medium-bodied, the palate is more rounded, with a creamy mousse and lasting suggestions of fresh custard on the finish.

93 James Suckling: Lemony and pristine with aspirin-like tension. Light-bodied, showing superzesty tangerine flavors with bright fruit definition and good length. It might lack complexity at the moment but is poised to develop lots of energy, elegance and nerviness.

Winemaker Notes: Brut Rosé Majeur is a blend of Chardonnay (51%), Pinot Noir (40%) and Pinot Meunier (9%). The very high proportion of Chardonnay and the ageing process result in a Champagne with remarkable finesse and elegance.

Ayala currently owns 35 acres in Champagne. Thanks to its privileged location in the heart of the Grand Crus of Montagne de Reims and their link to Bollinger, they also have unique access to top quality grapes.

Everything from grape reception to vinification, aging, riddling and disgorgement is done at the Ayala cellars. Brut Rosé Majeur is fermented in stainless steel, with a focus on freshness and precision. It spends 2.5 years on the lees and rests in the cellar for at least 3 months after disgorgement.

Expert Ratings

93 James Suckling: Toasted brioche, red fruit, white pepper, baking spices and yellow peaches on the nose. Fine bubbles and flavors of grenadine, white flowers and blackberries. The palate is soft and tangy, with a well-defined peach character. 52% chardonnay, 29% pinot noir and 19% meunier.

93 Wine Spectator: Fresh and harmonious, this well-tailored rosé Champagne integrates a rich vein of chalky minerality and finely honed acidity with the raw silk–like mousse and a lovely range of crunchy white peach, raspberry, chopped almond and candied ginger. Long and minerally on the creamy finish. Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier.

90 Jeb Dunnuck: A lacy and elegantly styled Rose Champagne, the NV Champagne Majeur Rose Brut is always a high proportion of Chardonnay, with it clocking in at 51% of the blend for this vintage, with 10% Meunier and the rest Pinot Noir (6% of which came from Ay). Based on the 2019 vintage, it saw the same reduction of dosage as the Majeur Brut, from 7 grams per liter to 6 grams per liter of dosage. On opening, it pours a pale pink-silver color and is fresh with aromas of white peach, fresh rose petals, and fresh strawberry. Medium-bodied on the palate, it offers a delicate mousse, fresh notes of orchard fruit, a delicate, chalky texture, and clean lift on the finish..

90 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: The NV Rosé Majeur Brut reveals aromas of red berries, pomegranate, grapefruit and raspberries. Moderately weighted, incisive and taut, it's delicately juicy with a long, saline finish. This incisive, tense rosé is composed of 52% Chardonnay, 38% Pinot Noir (including 5% as a red wine) and 10% Pinot Meunier and was disgorged with a dosage of six grams per liter.

N° 14 is the third opus from the “COLLECTION AYALA,” a set of cuvees produced in limited quantities, unveiled only as they approach their peak level of drinkability. This ephemeral cuvee is 60% Chardonnay and 40% Pinot Noir — including Grand Cru Aÿ red wine.

Thanks to its extended ageing in the cellar and a low dosage of 5.3 grams/liter, N° 14 expertise, the ephemeral cuvée N°14 is composed of the five emblematic Grands Crus that form the backbone of the House’s blends. Caroline Latrive wanted to work the crus in equal proportions, exclusively from the 2014 vintage and for the first time in a rosé version.

 Expert Reviews

94 Wine Enthusiast:  "This is the third in an open-ended series of limited-production Champagnes. This new iteration is now beginning its rich maturity, with five Grand Cru villages at its heart. It is a finely textured wine with weight and dryness mitigated by the ripe fruit."—R.V.

93 James Suckling: "Plenty of strawberry character with iron, peaches and hints of chalk. Full-bodied with medium, round tannins and a spicy, cotton-candy and orange-peel aftertaste."

92 Jeb Dunnuck:   "A very different expression, the 2014 Champagne No 14 Brut Rosé is a pale peach hue, with a subtle and attractive perfume of lilac, tangerine, and cantaloupe. It has more racy and compact tension on the palate, with a soft, chalky texture that lifts cleanly. There is nice, snappy energy to this wine, which can be drunk over the next 10 or so years." 

MAGNUM SIZE: Agrapart · L’Avizoise Grand Cru · Champagne 2019

Grand Cru pedigree. Remarkable depth. Magnificent in magnum.

A magnum of vintage Blanc de Blancs from Avize in Champagne’s Côte des Blancs, L’Avizoise is Agrapart’s expression of the upper hillside, where the estate’s existing producer profile describes more clay over the chalk. This is the powerful side of Avize, framed by the chalky character that defines the village.

The Agrapart family has bottled Champagne under its own name since the domaine’s founding in 1894. Pascal Agrapart helped establish its reputation for site-driven wines; Ambroise joined him in the 2018 vintage. For this 2019 Extra Brut, the 1.5-liter format makes a striking bottle to open around a generous table.

From the existing producer profile

“At the top of the hill where there is more clay, he produces his most powerful wine, ‘L’Avizoise’.”

Powerful, expressive, and beautifully textured, Pascal Agrapart’s Avizoise 2019 showcases the generous side of Grand Cru Chardonnay. Presented in an impressive 1.5-liter magnum—the equivalent of two standard bottles—this vintage Blanc de Blancs brings depth and elegance to a celebratory table or a carefully chosen Champagne collection.

The 2019 combines ripe orchard fruit and citrus with floral nuances, freshly baked bread, and a chalky mineral character. Its concentrated, richly textured palate is enlivened by fine bubbles and vibrant freshness, delivering a Champagne with both presence and finesse.

The Vineyard: Grand Cru Avize

Avizoise comes from the Robarts and Gros Yeux parcels in Avize, a Grand Cru village in Champagne’s Côte des Blancs. These sites share a deep layer of clay-rich topsoil over chalk, a geological profile that contributes to the cuvée’s distinctive density and richness. Made entirely from Chardonnay, Avizoise expresses this terroir in a style that is generous, elegant, and particularly well suited to the dining table.

About Pascal Agrapart

Based in Avize, Pascal Agrapart is a grower-producer working exclusively with estate-grown grapes. Pascal and his son Ambroise tend approximately 12 hectares of vineyards, predominantly planted to Chardonnay in Grand Cru villages of the Côte des Blancs.

The domaine places living soils at the center of its vineyard philosophy. Ploughing and compost made from local ingredients help sustain the health of the vineyards, while careful harvesting and pressing preserve the character of the fruit. The Champagnes are bottled at the estate without fining or filtration and are riddled by hand.

Serving & Food Pairings

Serve in a tulip-shaped Champagne glass or a white wine glass to allow the aromas and texture to unfold. Suggested pairings include butter-poached lobster, seared scallops, roast chicken, turbot with a creamy sauce, or aged Comté. The magnum format makes an especially striking centerpiece for a dinner or celebration.

Wine Details

• Producer: Pascal Agrapart
• Cuvée: Avizoise
• Vintage: 2019
• Region: Champagne, France
• Origin: Avize, Côte des Blancs
• Classification: Grand Cru
• Grape: 100% Chardonnay
• Style: Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut
• Bottle Size: Magnum — 1.5 Liter

Ratings & Reviews

Vinous 97

97The 2019 Brut Nature Blanc de Blancs L’Avizoise Grand Cru is dialed up to the maximum. Ample and broad on the palate, the Avizoise is seriously impressive right out of the gate. So expressive today, the 2019 will only improve over time. Even in the early going, it soars with tremendous textural resonance and body. The natural gravitas of these sites (Champboutons and Bionnes) in Avize comes through loud and clear. The Avizoise is the most dense and potent of these Champagnes from Agrapart. It is bottled with no dosage but does have 3 grams of natural residual sugar. Disgorged: June 2025; multiple disgorgements throughout the year. - By Antonio Galloni on November 2025.

97 James Suckling

Reviewed October 2025

An austere nose of lime zest, chalk and lemon leaves. It needs time in the glass to become gentler, with lemon curd and apple flavors, pinprick bubbles, a medium body and very good concentration that’s typical of the vintage. A restrained wine with zesty, integrated acidity and a super tight-knit texture. Drink or hold.

Wine Advocate 95 Points 

Review Date: 03/2026

Disgorged in October 2025 without dosage, the 2019 Blanc de Blancs Avizoise leaps from the glass with a flamboyant bouquet of orange confit, ripe peach and rose apple, mingled with freshly baked bread. On the palate, it is full-bodied and immensely concentrated, open-knit and muscular, with a rich, textural core of fruit and succulent yet vibrant acidity, enlivened by a pinpoint mousse and concluding with a flavorful finish tinged with orange. Avizoise is often the richest and most demonstrative wine in the portfolio, but this year it goes well beyond that descriptor. A residual sugar of around four grams per liter lends a more generous, giving style, and the wine will age on its concentration rather than its acidity. As ever, it derives from clay-rich soils in the commune of Avize and is typically where Agrapart begins the harvest; yields were reduced by some 30% due to frost this year. (KK)

An Avize-focused Champagne for a gathering worth opening a magnum.

An exceptionally refined expression of Chardonnay, Billecart-Salmon Le Blanc de Blancs is crafted entirely from Grand Cru vineyards in the Côte des Blancs, one of Champagne’s most celebrated terroirs for Chardonnay.

The cuvée brings together fruit from the prestigious villages of Avize, Chouilly, Cramant and Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, producing a Champagne of remarkable purity, precision and mineral intensity. Billecart-Salmon blends wines from two different years, allowing the House to capture both freshness and complexity while maintaining its signature elegant style.

Made from 100% Chardonnay, the wine is vinified in stainless-steel tanks to preserve its delicate fruit and mineral character. Between 20% and 50% reserve wines are incorporated into the blend, adding depth and complexity, while extended aging of approximately 4 to 5 years on the lees creates its refined texture and beautifully integrated mousse.

In the glass, Le Blanc de Blancs displays a luminous golden color with subtle green reflections and an exceptionally fine stream of bubbles. The mousse is delicate yet generous, giving the Champagne an elegant and polished appearance.

The bouquet is precise and mineral-driven, revealing aromas of white flowers, fresh butter and brioche, followed by bright citrus and subtle chalky notes. With time in the glass, the wine develops additional layers while retaining a remarkable sense of finesse and freshness.

On the palate, it is beautifully creamy yet vibrant. Flavors of fresh almond, lemon zest and citrus are carried by a distinctly chalky texture, reflecting the limestone-rich soils of the Côte des Blancs. A delicate meringue-like richness adds softness and depth, while the Champagne’s natural acidity keeps the palate fresh, energetic and beautifully balanced.

The finish is long, smooth and mineral, with a subtle saline note that adds precision and makes the wine particularly compelling at the table. Billecart-Salmon describes the cuvée as combining impressive vinosity with an unexpectedly fresh finish — a style that appeals especially to lovers of elegant, mineral-driven Champagne.

Vineyards

100% Grand Cru Côte des Blancs

Avize · Chouilly · Cramant · Le Mesnil-sur-Oger

Tasting Notes

Color: Luminous gold with delicate green reflections
Aromas: White flowers, brioche, fresh butter and mineral notes
Palate: Lemon zest, citrus, fresh almond, chalk and delicate meringue
Style: Creamy, precise, elegant and mineral-driven
Finish: Long, refined and saline

Winemaking

Vinification: Stainless steel
Reserve Wines: Approximately 20–50%
Lees Aging: Approximately 4–5 years
Recommended Cellaring: 8–10 years for a 750ml bottle
Serving Temperature: Approximately 50°F / 10°C
Bottle Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

Oysters · Caviar · Scallops · Langoustines · Seafood carpaccio · Ceviche · Turbot · Sushi

Billecart-Salmon Le Blanc de Blancs is a beautifully precise Grand Cru Champagne, combining creamy Chardonnay richness with brilliant citrus freshness, chalky minerality and the effortless elegance for which the House is renowned.

Billecart-Salmon · Cuvée Elisabeth Salmon Brut Rosé 2013 · Champagne, France

Created as a tribute to Elisabeth Salmon, co-founder of Billecart-Salmon, this prestige rosé combines Pinot Noir’s depth with Chardonnay’s finesse. First created in 1988, the cuvée is represented here by the 2013 vintage in a 750ml bottle.

Character & Style

The supplied notes describe luminous salmon-pink color with copper reflections, berry fruit, floral perfume, blood orange, pastry, and a chalky finish. A delicate, silky texture balances concentration and freshness. The listed blend is 53% Pinot Noir and 47% Chardonnay, with a dosage of 4.4 g/L.

Expert Reviews

Vinous · 97 Points
The 2013 Brut Rosé Cuvée Elisabeth Salmon is much more exuberant than the 2012, even though on the surface, that does not exactly align with the respective vintages. The decision to use a bit more new oak, more still red wine and a touch higher dosage to soften the natural austerity of the year paid off handsomely. Rose petal, blood orange, spice and kirsch confer a decidedly exotic flair. The ample, substantial finish is striking. Dosage is 4.4 grams per liter. Disgorged: January 2024. (AG)

James Suckling · 96 Points
Very fragrant wildflower honey, citrus, sliced apple, nutmeg and pastry aromas. It's beautifully fresh and saline on the palate, with fantastic concentration, but in a delicate, silky way. Long, elegant and chalky finish. 53% pinot noir (Ay, Mareuil-sur-Ay (9%) and Bouzy) and 47% chardonnay (Cramant, Mesnil-sur-Oger and Oger). 4.4 g/L dosage. Disgorged January 2024. Drink now or hold. (CN)

Jeb Dunnuck · 96 Points
The 2013 Champagne Elizabeth Salmon Rosé pours a deeper copper/salmon color, but not too dark, with more orange undertones. It offers notes of smoky wet stone, pithy grapefruit, and licorice. It has a long, fruity feel on the palate, with verticality and a fluffy mousse. The focus and backbone of Chardonnay really play into it in this vintage, which I prefer. Drink over the coming 20 years. Made from 53% Pinot Noir from Aÿ (sélection massale) and Bouzy, with red wine from parcels in Mesnil-sur-Aÿ, and 47% Chardonnay from Oger, Cramant, and Le Mesnil-sur-Oger. It was 5% barrel vinified and 95% stainless steel.

Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate · 94+ Points
Disgorged in January 2024 with a dosage of 4.4 grams per liter, the 2013 Rosé Elisabeth Salmon emerges from this cool, late-ripening vintage as a rather giving, generous rendition. It unfurls in the glass with aromas of dried apricot, dark cherry and grapefruit mingled with a subtle hint of mocha. On the palate, it is full-bodied, ample and enveloping, offering a sweetly fruited core underpinned by tangy acidity, culminating in a precise, perfumed finish. This is a fleshy, though somewhat old-fashioned Champagne that, at present, does not quite attain the depth of Louis Salmon of the same vintage; however, it would not be surprising to see it improve considerably with additional time on cork following disgorgement. It is composed of an almost equal blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir and was vinified almost entirely in stainless steel, with full malolactic fermentation. Rating: 94+

Winemaker Notes

A very luminous visual presence with soft salmony and slightly coppery glints of light. A very seductive blend of stunning brilliance draped in elegant effervescence. A sensual, refreshing expression of red and black berry fruits, sublimated by the floral elegance of peony and violet. An exquisite sensation of aromatic fullness rich in fully ripened fruits (blueberry and cherry pit). Beautifully refined and mature olfactory notes, opening on to the inimitable scent of fragrant roses and salty sea spray. A tactile, wholly delicate, impact of measured yet bewitching power. A harmonious flowering of moreish flavors and pastries (cherry clafoutis, Canada apples and blood orange jelly). A delicate mouth structure, progressing towards a finish on a hint of chalkiness and zest of Corsican clementines.

Serving & Pairing Suggestions

Serve chilled in a white wine glass to explore the aromatic detail. Consider langoustines, lobster, salmon, fine poultry, or wild mushroom and truffle risotto.

Wine Details

• Producer: Billecart-Salmon
• Cuvée: Elisabeth Salmon
• Vintage: 2013
• Origin: Champagne, France
• Style: Brut Rosé
• Blend: 53% Pinot Noir, 47% Chardonnay
• Vineyards listed: Grand Cru and Premier Cru
• Chardonnay villages listed: Oger, Cramant, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger
• Pinot Noir villages listed: Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, Aÿ, Bouzy
• Oak vinification listed: 5%
• Lees aging listed: 115 months
• Dosage: 4.4 g/L
• Disgorgement cited in the reviews: January 2024
• Bottle size: 750ml

Terre de Vertus is one of Larmandier-Bernier's most celebrated single-terroir Champagnes — a vintage Blanc de Blancs drawn entirely from Chardonnay grown in the Premier Cru village of Vertus. The fruit comes from two plots within the Les Barillers lieu-dit, situated mid-slope with a southeast exposure, a site the estate has vinified separately since 1995. Farmed biodynamically and fermented spontaneously with indigenous yeasts in old oak casks and large wooden foudres, the wine rests on its lees through winter before undergoing secondary fermentation in bottle and more than five years of additional lees aging. The 2017 was disgorged in May 2023 with zero dosage — no sugar added — preserving the vineyard's exceptionally pure, dry and mineral expression.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2017

93 Wine Advocate: "The 2017 Brut Nature Blanc de Blancs Terre de Vertus imparts a very mineral, almost crystalline character. A vineyard that rarely produces powerful wines, even in the context of 2017, it has retained its personality, though it's a little more generous and slightly less focused than the 2016 rendition. Unfurling from the glass with aromas of lemon peel, honeysuckle and oyster shell, it is medium-bodied, racy and saline-tinged."

93 Vinous: "Creamy, open-knit and quite seductive. Readers will find a generous, sensual Champagne with plenty of early appeal. Dried pear, crushed flowers, mint and chamomile build beautifully over time. This is a fine effort in a very challenging year."

Tasting Notes

Precise, expressive and intensely mineral. The nose opens with lemon peel, dried pear and delicate floral notes, followed by honeysuckle, mint, chamomile and a distinctive oyster-shell salinity. The palate is creamy and generous yet beautifully energized — fine acidity and a taut mineral backbone carry through to a finish that is dry, racy, saline and exceptionally pure. Oak fermentation lends supple texture; zero dosage ensures nothing stands between you and the terroir of Vertus.

Food Pairing

An exceptional partner for oysters and shellfish, sashimi, sushi, scallops, grilled or roasted white fish, lobster, roast poultry and aged cheeses. Its saline character and zero dosage make it especially compelling alongside seafood and dishes built around fresh herbs or citrus.

Specifications

Grape Variety: Chardonnay (100%)
Country: France
Region: Champagne
Sub-Region: Côte des Blancs
Village: Vertus
Classification: Premier Cru
Style: Blanc de Blancs / Brut Nature / Non Dosé
Dosage: 0 g/L — Zero Dosage
Vintage: 2017
Vineyard: Les Barillers lieu-dit
Farming: Biodynamic
Fermentation: Indigenous yeasts in old oak casks and large wooden foudres
Aging: 5+ years on the lees in bottle
Disgorgement: May 2023
ABV: 12%
Bottle Size: 750ml
Producer: Larmandier-Bernier

Latitude is Larmandier-Bernier's generous, beautifully textured expression of Chardonnay from the southern reaches of Vertus in the Côte des Blancs. Where the estate's Longitude is linear and chalk-driven, Latitude comes from richer soils with deeper topsoil, yielding a broader, rounder and more immediately seductive Champagne — while retaining the purity and mineral energy for which Larmandier-Bernier is celebrated. The name refers to the vineyards, all situated along roughly the same latitude south of Vertus, with predominantly east- and southeast-facing exposures.

The 2022-based release incorporates 60% base wine from the 2022 harvest and 40% reserve wines drawn from the estate's perpetual reserve, established in 2004. Grapes are gently pressed and lightly clarified before going directly into wood, where alcoholic and malolactic fermentations begin spontaneously with indigenous yeasts in Stockinger casks and vats. The wine rests on its lees during the first year without fining or filtration, then spends more than two additional years aging in bottle before disgorgement in September 2024 with a dosage of just 2 g/L — firmly Extra Brut.

Expert Reviews - Base 2022

94 Vinous: "Bright, punchy and full of mineral-driven intensity. Crushed flowers, lemon peel, sage, mint and crushed rocks build as this potent, intensely saline Champagne opens in the glass. This is impressive. The Latitude is a Champagne built on textural breadth and volume, typical of wines from the southern sector of Vertus."

92 Jeb Dunnuck: "Opening to pure notes of quince and light tropical notes, with a hint of white flowers, lychee, and shortbread, it's medium-bodied on the palate, fruity, elegant, and powdery, yet it retains its ripeness and a meringue-like quality, with a fluffy and refined mousse."

91 Wine Advocate: "Blossoming in the glass with aromas of pear, peach, lemon confit and freshly baked bread. It reveals a medium- to full-bodied, fleshy yet racy palate that is rich and giving, underpinned by ripe yet vibrant acidity and concluding with a long, resonant finish."

Tasting Notes

Broad, expressive and beautifully concentrated, the 2022-based Latitude opens with ripe pear, peach and lemon confit alongside fresh bread, tangerine peel and subtle marzipan. As it develops, hints of mint, flowers and chalk add lift and complexity. The palate is rich and ample yet remains energetic — ripe acidity balances the wine's generous fruit and creamy texture, while a persistent mineral freshness carries through the long, resonant finish. Delicious now, with enough structure and depth to reward additional bottle age.

Food Pairing

Excellent as an aperitif or alongside oysters, scallops, lobster, sushi, roast chicken, creamy seafood dishes, soft cheeses and richer fish preparations.

Specifications

Grape Variety: Chardonnay (100%)
Country: France
Region: Champagne
Sub-Region: Côte des Blancs
Village: Vertus
Classification: Premier Cru
Style: Blanc de Blancs / Extra Brut
Dosage: 2 g/L — Extra Brut
Base Vintage: 2022
Blend: 60% 2022 base wine, 40% perpetual reserve (est. 2004)
Soils: Deep chalk with richer topsoil
Exposure: Predominantly east and southeast-facing
Farming: Organic / biodynamic
Fermentation: Indigenous yeasts; spontaneous alcoholic and malolactic fermentation
Disgorgement: September 2024
ABV: 12%
Bottle Size: 750ml
Producer: Larmandier-Bernier

Longitude is Larmandier-Bernier's chalk-driven, Premier Cru Blanc de Blancs — a wine of remarkable precision and mineral energy that captures the essence of the Côte des Blancs. Made entirely from Chardonnay grown along the celebrated north-to-south line of villages near the 4th meridian — Vertus, Oger, Avize, Cramant and Chouilly — the wine takes its name from this near-straight longitudinal axis of vineyards. Where the estate's Latitude is broad and generous, Longitude is linear, taut and intensely mineral.

The 2021-based release is composed of approximately 60% wine from the cool, energetic 2021 vintage together with 40% from the estate's perpetual reserve, established in 2004. Grapes are gently pressed before undergoing spontaneous alcoholic and malolactic fermentation with indigenous yeasts, then fermented and matured in wood on their natural lees without fining or filtration. After blending and tirage, the Champagne undergoes extended bottle maturation before disgorgement in April 2024 with a dosage of just 2 g/L — firmly Extra Brut.

Expert Reviews

93 Decanter: "There's an extra dash of mineral energy and zesty length in this cuvée. Subtly creamy and peppery, yet fulsome in white peach, pear and lemon oil, it gains a savoury, umami depth from 40% addition of perpetual reserve. Always a model non-vintage blanc de blancs."

92 Jeb Dunnuck: "More focus and a compact, linear drive from more chalky soils, with notes of lemon candy, Anjou pear, and a very pretty floral perfume. Medium-bodied, it has a refreshing and fine mousse, with pleasing lift and a clean finish."

92 Wine Advocate: "A considerable increase in intensity and tension compared to Latitude. Medium-bodied, taut and incisive in personality. Offers aromas of white flowers, citrus fruit and oyster shell. Tangy acidity, informed by the long and cool growing season, with mineral-laden undertones, leads to a chalky, long-lasting finish."

92 Wine Spectator: "Hints of lime blossom and pink grapefruit sorbet are a citrusy thread through this sleek, finely knit Champagne. It's racy and lightly spiced, with flavors of yellow plum and chalky mineral set on the delicate mousse."

Tasting Notes

Bright, focused and intensely mineral, the 2021-based Longitude opens with white flowers, fresh citrus, green apple and subtle oyster-shell notes. The palate is taut and energetic — tangy acidity framed by chalk, crushed stone, citrus peel and a delicate saline character. Elegant rather than broad, it finishes long, dry and exceptionally precise. This is classic Côte des Blancs Chardonnay: pure, linear and refreshing, with enough depth from the perpetual reserve to add complexity without sacrificing the wine's crystalline personality.

Food Pairing

An outstanding aperitif and a natural partner for oysters, shellfish, sashimi, sushi, grilled white fish, scallops, fresh goat cheese and delicate poultry dishes.

Specifications

Grape Variety: Chardonnay (100%)
Country: France
Region: Champagne
Sub-Region: Côte des Blancs
Villages: Vertus, Oger, Avize, Cramant, Chouilly
Classification: Premier Cru
Style: Blanc de Blancs / Extra Brut
Dosage: 2 g/L — Extra Brut
Base Vintage: 2021
Blend: ~60% 2021 base wine, 40% perpetual reserve (est. 2004)
Farming: Biodynamic / organic
Fermentation: Indigenous yeasts; spontaneous alcoholic and malolactic fermentation; aged in wood on lees
Disgorgement: April 2024
ABV: 12%
Bottle Size: 750ml
Producer: Larmandier-Bernier

Vieille Vigne du Levant is one of Larmandier-Bernier's most profound and sought-after Champagnes — a single-vineyard Blanc de Blancs produced entirely from old-vine Chardonnay in the Grand Cru village of Cramant. The parcel, known as Bourron du Levant, faces east toward the rising sun, producing grapes of remarkable concentration, ripeness and mineral intensity. The vines are approximately 60 to more than 85 years old, with deep root systems that penetrate the chalk-rich soils of the Côte des Blancs, giving the wine exceptional depth and complexity while retaining the precision and energy that define Larmandier-Bernier.

Farmed biodynamically, the grapes are gently pressed before undergoing spontaneous alcoholic and malolactic fermentation with indigenous yeasts in Stockinger casks and vats. The wine is matured on its lees during its first year without fining or filtration, followed by extended bottle aging in the estate's cool cellars. As a true vintage, single-parcel Champagne, there is no blending with other years or vineyard sites. The 2014 was disgorged in March and September 2023 with a dosage of just 2 g/L, allowing the character of Cramant and the old vines to remain entirely at the forefront.

Expert Reviews

95 Wine Advocate: "The 2014 Blanc de Blancs Vieille Vigne du Levant rises from the glass with aromas of citrus oil, peach and pear, mingled with notes of freshly baked bread. On the palate, it is medium- to full-bodied, concentrated and incisive, with a deep core of fruit, considerable tension, racy acidity and a precise, saline finish. Expect a slightly more powerful and more giving rendition than the 2013 and simultaneously a touch more tensile."

94 Vinous: "A gorgeous, vinous Champagne. It emerges from 60-to-80-year-old vines on Cramant's east-facing slope. Tangerine peel, hazelnut, spice, menthol and dried flowers are all signs of a Champagne that has arrived at its peak of maturity. Even so, the balance here is exquisite. Readers seeking Champagne with a bit of bottle-age complexity will adore this."

Tasting Notes

Deep, vinous and beautifully concentrated, the 2014 opens with citrus oil, ripe pear and peach alongside freshly baked bread. With air, more mature nuances emerge — tangerine peel, hazelnut, dried flowers, spice and subtle menthol. The palate is medium- to full-bodied, combining remarkable richness with racy acidity and striking tension. A pronounced chalky, saline mineral character carries through the exceptionally long, precise finish. This is a Champagne of both power and refinement, showing the complexity of mature old-vine Chardonnay without sacrificing freshness. Delicious now, it also has the structure and concentration for continued aging.

Food Pairing

Superb on its own as a contemplative aperitif, Vieille Vigne du Levant is equally impressive at the table. Pair with roast poultry, chicken with morels, lobster, scallops, turbot and creamy seafood dishes or preparations with rich cream-based sauces.

Specifications

Grape Variety: Chardonnay (100%)
Country: France
Region: Champagne
Sub-Region: Côte des Blancs
Village: Cramant
Classification: Grand Cru
Style: Blanc de Blancs / Extra Brut
Dosage: 2 g/L — Extra Brut
Vintage: 2014
Vineyard: Bourron du Levant
Vine Age: ~60 to 85+ years
Farming: Biodynamic
Fermentation: Indigenous yeasts in Stockinger casks and vats; aged on lees without fining or filtration
Disgorgement: March / September 2023
ABV: 12%
Bottle Size: 750ml
Producer: Larmandier-Bernier

La Rue des Noyers Brut Nature 2020 is Benoît Déhu’s flagship single-vineyard Champagne, produced from 100% Meunier grown in the village of Fossoy on the western edge of the Vallée de la Marne, Champagne, France.

Benoît Déhu is an eighth-generation vigneron whose family estate dates to 1787. After spending several formative years at Champagne Bollinger, Déhu returned to his family domaine and began developing his own highly personal range of naturally farmed, terroir-driven Champagnes.

At the heart of his project is La Rue des Noyers, a 1.7-hectare parcel that Benoît began farming independently in 2011. The vineyard is farmed biodynamically, with approximately 0.40 hectares traditionally worked by horse. The name La Rue des Noyers refers to the trees that once bordered the parcel.

This is an unusually focused Champagne: one vineyard, one grape variety and one vintage. Made entirely from Meunier, La Rue des Noyers is designed to explore the character and potential of a grape that historically played a supporting role in Champagne blends but can produce wines of remarkable depth, energy and complexity when treated as a serious single-vineyard variety.

The wine is fermented and aged in oak barrels, many of which are made from trees harvested in the nearby forest of Fossoy. The wine spends approximately 11 months on its lees in barrel before bottling. It is made with minimal intervention, bottled unfined and unfiltered, and finished as a Brut Nature with no dosage.

The 2020 is a dry, vinous and mineral-driven expression of Meunier, combining ripe orchard fruit and citrus with savory notes, subtle spice, toasted nuances and a pronounced saline character. The oak adds texture and complexity without obscuring the wine’s energetic structure and distinctive sense of place.

La Rue des Noyers captures the signature Déhu style: intense, vibrant and energetic, with beautiful tension and fine minerality. It is a distinctive grower Champagne for those interested in single-parcel wines and the increasingly important role of Meunier among Champagne’s most progressive producers.

Vinous rates the 2020 La Rue des Noyers Brut Nature 89 Points, noting this single-vineyard Champagne within Benoît Déhu’s distinctive range of biodynamically farmed, minimalist wines from the Vallée de la Marne.

Wine Details

Producer: Benoît Déhu
Wine: La Rue des Noyers Brut Nature
Vintage: 2020
Region: Champagne, France
Area: Vallée de la Marne
Village: Fossoy
Vineyard: La Rue des Noyers
Vineyard Size: 1.7 hectares
Grape: 100% Meunier
Farming: Biodynamic; a portion of the vineyard is worked by horse
Vinification: Fermented and aged in oak barrels
Élevage: Approximately 11 months on the lees in barrel
Fining / Filtration: Unfined and unfiltered
Dosage: No dosage / Brut Nature
Rating: Vinous 89 Points
Bottle Size: 750ml

Benoît Déhu Champagne La Rue des Noyers Brut Nature 2020 750ml

Benoît Déhu’s Cuvée Initiation Rosé Extra Brut is an expressive grower Champagne from Fossoy, on the western edge of the Vallée de la Marne in Champagne, France. Déhu is an eighth-generation vigneron whose family estate dates to 1787. After working at Champagne Bollinger, Benoît returned to his family domaine and developed his own highly personal range of naturally farmed, terroir-driven Champagnes.

The 2022 Initiation Rosé is composed of 78% Meunier and 22% Pinot Noir, with 7% still red wine blended into the cuvée to create its delicate rosé character. Meunier plays a central role in Déhu’s work, particularly from his celebrated La Rue des Noyers vineyard, while Pinot Noir brings additional structure, depth and red-fruit character.

Déhu farms with a strong commitment to biodynamic and natural viticulture, including work according to the lunar calendar and the use of traditional vineyard practices. His wines are known for their careful oak vinification and élevage, with many barrels made from trees sourced in the nearby forest of Fossoy.

The 2022 Initiation Rosé is elegant, vibrant and savory, with notes of cranberry, dried flowers, ginger and cinnamon. Bright acidity and fine minerality give the wine energy and precision, while the red wine component lends subtle texture and depth. Despite its delicacy, the wine has impressive persistence and complexity.

Vinous notes that this release was bottled with no dosage, emphasizing its dry, energetic and terroir-driven style. It was disgorged beginning in April 2025, with multiple disgorgements taking place throughout the year.

94 Points — Vinous

“The NV (2022) Extra Brut Rosé Initiation is laced with cranberry, ginger, dried flowers and cinnamon. Elegant and light on its feet, the 2022 is a total delight. This deceptively understated Rosé is gorgeous. Readers should expect a decidedly savory style. The Initiation is 78% Meunier and 22% Pinot Noir, with 7% still red wine blended in. Bottled with no dosage. Disgorged: April 2025; multiple disgorgements throughout the year.”

— Antonio Galloni, Vinous, 94 Points

Wine Details

Producer: Benoît Déhu
Wine: Cuvée Initiation Rosé Extra Brut
Base Vintage: 2022
Region: Champagne, France
Area: Vallée de la Marne
Village: Fossoy
Grapes: 78% Meunier, 22% Pinot Noir
Rosé Method: Blend with 7% still red wine
Farming: Biodynamic and natural viticulture
Vinification: Oak vinification and élevage
Dosage: No dosage for this release
Disgorgement: Beginning April 2025; multiple disgorgements
Rating: Vinous 94 Points
Bottle Size: 750ml

Benoît Déhu Champagne Cuvée Initiation Rosé Extra Brut (Base 2022) 750ml

Paul Bara Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut “L’Audacieuse” Grand Cru 2016 is a rare and daring Grower Champagne produced from 100% Chardonnay grown in the Grand Cru village of Bouzy in Champagne’s Montagne de Reims. Bouzy is celebrated primarily for its powerful Pinot Noir — making this pure Chardonnay cuvée an especially unusual and audacious expression of the village’s terroir.

The Chardonnay comes from the Mont des Tours vineyard, where Bouzy’s predominantly chalky soils provide excellent drainage and contribute freshness, precision and a pronounced mineral character. The name L’Audacieuse — “the audacious one” — reflects the house’s bold decision to produce a Blanc de Blancs from a terroir traditionally associated with Pinot Noir.

The 2016 vintage displays a luminous pale-gold color and a fine, persistent mousse. The expressive bouquet offers aromas of green apple, pear, white peach and fresh citrus, joined by delicate white flowers and chalky minerality. With air, more complex notes of fresh almond, brioche, dried herbs and subtle honey begin to emerge.

On the palate, L’Audacieuse is lively and precise, combining vibrant acidity with an elegant, gently creamy texture. Ripe orchard fruit and citrus are balanced by chalky tension and delicate autolytic complexity. The finish is long, clean and refined, with lingering saline and mineral notes that emphasize the purity of the Chardonnay.

The wine spent approximately eight years aging in bottle before release, allowing its freshness and fruit to develop greater depth, texture and complexity. Finished as an Extra Brut with a very low dosage of ~3 g/L, it remains dry, focused and beautifully expressive of its Grand Cru origins. Production of the 2016 vintage was extremely limited — only 3,935 numbered bottles produced.

Wine Details

• Producer: Paul Bara
• Cuvée: L’Audacieuse
• Style: Vintage Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut
• Vintage: 2016
• Country: France
• Region: Champagne
• Subregion: Montagne de Reims
• Village: Bouzy Grand Cru
• Vineyard: Mont des Tours
• Grape: 100% Chardonnay
• Dosage: Extra Brut, ~3 g/L
• Aging: ~8 years in bottle before release
• Alcohol: 12.5%
• Production: 3,935 numbered bottles
• Serving Temperature: 48–52°F

About Paul Bara

The Bara family has cultivated vines in Bouzy since the nineteenth century. Today, Champagne Paul Bara farms approximately 11 hectares divided among 33 parcels, all located within the Grand Cru village. The estate combines traditional craftsmanship with sustainable vineyard practices, producing Champagnes known for their structure, elegance and clear expression of Bouzy’s chalk-rich soils.

Why We Like It

L’Audacieuse is a genuinely rare bottle — a Blanc de Blancs from Bouzy, a village that almost never produces one. Eight years on the lees, a single vineyard source, and fewer than 4,000 bottles worldwide make this one of the most compelling and collectible Grower Champagnes we carry. For the serious Champagne lover, it is simply unmissable.

Food Pairings: Oysters, caviar, sashimi, scallops, lobster, grilled prawns, roasted sea bass, citrus-accented poultry, creamy risotto and aged goat cheese.

Paul Bara Brut Réserve Grand Cru NV is the signature cuvée of Champagne Paul Bara and a classic expression of Bouzy, one of the most celebrated villages in Champagne’s Montagne de Reims. Produced entirely from estate-grown Grand Cru fruit, this non-vintage Champagne combines the generosity and structure of Bouzy Pinot Noir with the freshness and finesse of Chardonnay.

The blend is composed of 80% Pinot Noir and 20% Chardonnay from vines averaging approximately 35 years of age. Bouzy’s south-facing vineyards and deep clay-limestone soils encourage excellent ripeness while preserving the freshness, mineral definition and balance essential to fine Champagne. Only the first pressing of the grapes is used, and malolactic fermentation is avoided to retain natural acidity and vibrancy.

Light yellow-gold in color with fine, abundant bubbles and a persistent mousse. The bouquet opens with ripe orchard and stone fruits — Mirabelle plum, yellow peach and quince — followed by sweet spice, honey, candied citrus, bergamot and orange peel. On the palate, the Brut Réserve is rich, fresh and beautifully focused, with lively acidity, a fine mineral backbone and the subtle peppery character associated with Pinot Noir from Bouzy. The texture is generous and mouth-filling, yet the finish remains dry, precise and refreshing.

Press Notes

91 pts — James Suckling: "Attractive aromas of pears and sliced apples with hints of yeast follow through to a medium body with bright acidity and a delicate bread-dough finish. A blend of 80% Pinot Noir and 20% Chardonnay."

91 pts — Wine Spectator: "A creamy Champagne, offering concentrated flavors of mandarin orange preserves, dried white cherry and grated ginger, underscored by a streak of salty mineral. Well-balanced, with a lip-smacking finish."

Wine Details

• Producer: Paul Bara
• Cuvée: Brut Réserve
• Style: Non-Vintage Brut Grand Cru
• Country: France
• Region: Champagne
• Subregion: Montagne de Reims
• Village: Bouzy Grand Cru
• Grapes: 80% Pinot Noir, 20% Chardonnay
• Vine Age: ~35 years on average
• Soil: Clay and limestone over deep chalk
• Vinification: First pressing only; stainless steel; no malolactic fermentation
• Dosage: ~7 g/L (may vary by disgorgement)
• Alcohol: ~12.5%
• Serving Temperature: 46–50°F

About Paul Bara

The Bara family has been rooted in Bouzy since 1833. Today, the historic grower estate farms approximately 11 hectares of Grand Cru vineyards, producing Champagnes admired for their ripe fruit, vinous depth, freshness and distinctive expression of Bouzy’s chalk-rich terroir.

Why We Like It

The Brut Réserve is a benchmark Grower Champagne — Pinot Noir-driven, terroir-expressive and consistently excellent. At this price point, it offers a compelling window into what Grand Cru Bouzy Champagne can be: structured, generous and unmistakably characterful.

Food Pairings: Oysters, shrimp, scallops, smoked salmon, roast chicken, pork tenderloin, creamy mushroom dishes, aged Comté or savory pastries.

About Champagne Paul Bara

Paul Bara Rosé Brut Grand Cru NV is a vibrant, expressive Rosé Champagne from one of Bouzy’s most storied grower estates — a family that has farmed this celebrated Grand Cru village since 1833. The estate tends approximately 11 hectares of clay-limestone and chalk-rich vineyards planted primarily to Pinot Noir, and its Champagnes are renowned for their combination of ripe fruit, fine structure, and a distinctive sense of place. Composed of 80% Pinot Noir (including 12% estate-produced Bouzy Rouge) and 20% Chardonnay, this Rosé is a benchmark expression of Bouzy’s vinous depth and red-fruit generosity.

Tasting Notes

Luminous salmon-pink in the glass with a fine, persistent mousse. The bouquet is expressive and inviting: raspberry, wild strawberry, and red cherry lead, accompanied by dried apricot, citrus peel, and delicate flowers, with subtle accents of almond, biscuit, and gentle spice emerging with air. On the palate, the wine is lively, generous, and beautifully balanced — juicy red fruit supported by refreshing acidity and a fine mineral backbone, with a smooth, creamy texture from approximately four years of lees aging. The finish is dry, focused, and persistent, with lingering red-fruit, citrus, and savory mineral notes.

Critical Acclaim

Decanter — 96 Points: “Enticing creamy raspberry and ground almond notes which propel over the pink grapefruit acidity and gorgeous glowing, silky mousse. Delicate with a crushed red fruit ending.”

James Suckling — 93 Points: “Attractive fruit with sliced-strawberry and apple aromas and flavors. Medium-bodied with fresh apples and citrus as well as touches of heather and bread dough. Tangy at the end.”

Winemaking

Only the first pressing of the grapes is used. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless-steel tanks; malolactic fermentation is avoided to preserve freshness and natural acidity. The estate-produced Bouzy Rouge contributes the Rosé’s attractive color, richness, and red-fruit complexity. Aged approximately four years on lees before release — well beyond the NV minimum — developing greater texture and depth while retaining vibrant fruit. Sustainable farming, lutte raisonnée. Average vine age: approximately 35 years.

Food Pairings

Exceptional as an aperitif. Pairs beautifully with smoked salmon, tuna tartare, sushi, grilled shrimp, lobster, duck breast, roast poultry, pork tenderloin, charcuterie, creamy cheeses, and red-berry desserts. Versatile enough to accompany an entire meal.

R.H. Coutier Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs (Base 2022) is a rare and compelling Champagne from one of Ambonnay's most respected grower-producers — a family that has cultivated vines in this celebrated Grand Cru village for generations. What makes this cuvée so distinctive is its origin: Ambonnay is revered above all for Pinot Noir, yet R.H. Coutier was among the village's earliest champions of Chardonnay, and this Blanc de Blancs stands as a testament to that vision — combining the generous structure and clay-chalk depth of Ambonnay with the precision, citrus energy, and mineral elegance of 100% Grand Cru Chardonnay.

The bouquet is refined and expressive: lemon peel, crisp orchard fruit, white stone fruit, and delicate floral notes, underpinned by a chalky, fresh-pastry quality that speaks directly to the terroir. On the palate, the wine is bright and finely textured, with ripe stony fruit, lively acidity, and fine, persistent bubbles that carry the flavors with effortless grace. The Extra Brut dosage keeps the wine focused and refreshingly dry, leading to a long, mineral-driven finish of impressive length and clarity.

A grower Champagne of genuine character — site-specific, hand-crafted, and deeply expressive of its Grand Cru origins. The 2022 base brings generous structure and ripeness, balanced by the natural freshness of high-altitude Champagne viticulture.

Serve at 46–50°F. An exceptional aperitif and a natural partner for oysters, shellfish, sushi, smoked salmon, delicate white fish, soft cheeses, and lightly fried seafood.