94+ Points — Jeb Dunnuck
94 Points — Wine Spectator
93 Points — James Suckling
90 Points — Wine Advocate
Champagne Geoffroy “Les Collinardins” 2019 is an exceptionally limited, single-vineyard Blanc de Blancs made entirely from Chardonnay grown in Damery, near the border of Cumières in the Vallée de la Marne. Fermented and matured in oak, aged under cork and disgorged without dosage, it is a concentrated, mineral-driven Champagne with ripe fruit, vibrant acidity and a long, finely textured finish.
The Vineyard
Les Collinardins is a southwest-facing vineyard situated in Damery at approximately 104 meters above sea level on an 18% slope. Geoffroy farms approximately 0.5 hectare of Chardonnay vines planted between 1990 and 2007.
The soil consists of siliceous clay over chalk beginning at approximately 70 centimeters below the surface. Clay contributes richness and ripe fruit, while the chalk brings freshness, tension and the persistent mineral character that defines the wine.
The Grape: 100% Chardonnay.
Although the Vallée de la Marne is more commonly associated with Pinot Noir and Meunier, Les Collinardins demonstrates the depth and precision Chardonnay can achieve in a carefully selected chalk-influenced site. The wine combines citrus, pear and floral notes with a broader, more vinous texture than many traditional Côte des Blancs Champagnes.
Winemaking
The grapes are harvested by hand at optimum ripeness and carefully sorted. They are pressed in a traditional Coquard press, with only the finest tête de cuvée juice selected.
Vinification is carried out by gravity with indigenous yeasts. The wine is fermented and matured on its lees for two years, predominantly in 600-liter oak demi-muids and smaller seasoned barrels. Malolactic fermentation did not occur, preserving the wine’s racy natural acidity.
Secondary fermentation takes place under cork. The Champagne then spends approximately 36 months aging in bottle and is released without fining, filtration or dosage. The April 2024 disgorgement carries 0 grams per liter, making it a true Brut Nature.
Tasting Notes
The 2019 Les Collinardins opens with aromas of candied lemon, key lime, white pear and quince, accompanied by apple blossom, honeysuckle and spring flowers. Notes of brioche, pastry, hazelnut, butter, smoky stone and graphite develop with air.
The palate is firm, vertical and finely structured, with crisp acidity and a precise, pinprick mousse. Tangerine, lime peel, poached pear and tropical-fruit flavors are balanced by chalk, toasted almond and a subtle saline quality.
Despite its richness, the wine remains energetic and incisive. Its satiny texture leads into a long, dry and mineral finish marked by citrus, toast and smoky stone. The 2019 is expressive now but will benefit from additional bottle age.
Professional Ratings
94+ Points — Jeb Dunnuck: "The 2019 Champagne Premier Cru Cumieres Blanc de Blancs Les Collinardins Brut Nature pours a bright golden yellow color and boasts a fantastic nose with notes of candied lime and lemon, key lime, white pear, smoky stones, tropical fruit (such as quince and pineapple), and fresh cream. The palate is vertical and compact, with nervous tension and energy, and requires some patience and time in this vintage. Give this another year or more to flesh out and show its underlying texture, which is hiding underneath. Currently, it has a crystalline and angular nature, but more nuanced and tropical notes are also shining through, accompanied by a frothy mousse that expands and builds the wine's natural volume further. It's ripe and long on the palate, with toasty notes and building richness."
94 Points — Wine Spectator: "Fragrant and enticing, with chalk, mineral, spice, apple blossom and graphite aromatics lacing flavors of tangerine, lime peel, poached quince and pear, and blanched almond and toast point. This mouthwatering version is firm and finely meshed, with a satiny texture and long, long finish. Disgorged April 2024. Drink now through 2040."A.N."
93 Points — James Suckling: "Pastry aromas dominate with lemon curd, butter and spring flowers. Pinprick bubbles with crisp acidity, a lean yet elegant palate, light body and a toasty mineral finish. Drink or hold."
90 Points — Wine Advocate: "Geoffroy™s 2019 Blanc de Blancs Les Collinardins is sourced from a 0.5-hectare, southwest-facing parcel in Damery planted between 1990 and 2007, on the border of Cumieres. The wine undergoes elevage for a full two years, predominantly in 600-liter demi-muids and 350-liter barrels, averaging five to six years of age. Disgorged without dosage in April 2024, this cuvee reveals aromas of nashi pear, honeysuckle and nuts, with a whisper of volatile acidity. On the palate, it is medium- to full-bodied, textural and incisive"vinous in character with a pinpoint mousse. Its racy acidity and lime-tinged finish underscore the wine™s no-malolactic vinification"a stylistic stamp that will not be present in the 2020 rendition of this cuvee."
The Producer
The Geoffroy family has cultivated vineyards in the Vallée de la Marne since the 17th century. Today, Jean-Baptiste Geoffroy produces distinctive grower Champagnes emphasizing individual vineyard expression, ripe fruit, indigenous-yeast fermentation, long maturation and restrained dosage.
Although the family’s winery is now based in Aÿ, its identity remains closely connected to the vineyards surrounding Cumières and Damery.
Food Pairing
This structured Blanc de Blancs pairs beautifully with oysters, scallops, lobster, crab, grilled sea bass, sole meunière and sushi. Its richness and mineral acidity also complement roast chicken, mushroom risotto and aged cheeses such as Comté or Parmesan.
Serving and Cellaring
Serve at approximately 48–52°F in a tulip-shaped Champagne glass or white-wine glass. The wine may be enjoyed now, but its concentration and acidity should support development through approximately 2040.
Producer: Champagne Geoffroy
Cuvée: Lieu-Dit Les Collinardins
Vintage: 2019
Country: France
Region: Champagne
Subregion: Vallée de la Marne
Village: Damery
Style: Vintage Blanc de Blancs Brut Nature Champagne
Grape: 100% Chardonnay
Vineyard: Les Collinardins
Parcel Size: Approximately 0.5 hectare
Vine Age: Planted between 1990 and 2007
Exposure: Southwest
Altitude: Approximately 104 meters
Slope: Approximately 18%
Soil: Siliceous clay over chalk
Farming: Practicing organic
Harvest: Hand harvested and sorted
Pressing: Traditional Coquard press; tête de cuvée juice
Fermentation: Indigenous yeasts in seasoned oak barrels
Barrel Aging: Approximately two years
Malolactic Fermentation: None
Bottle Aging: Approximately 36 months under cork
Dosage: 0 g/L
Disgorgement: April 2024 for the reviewed release
Fining and Filtration: Neither fined nor filtered
Bottle Size: 750ml
Champagne Geoffroy “Lieu-Dit Les Collinardins” Blanc de Blancs Premier Cru Brut Nature 2019
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