Champagne

Producer Description 

Created by Pierre Frapin 100 years ago, Fontpinot cognac has always been a delight to demanding epicureans. As opposed to a ubiquitous passion for planning, roots of the pleasure of tasting continue to work serenely and unstoppably at Frapin. To celebrate the centenary, Cognac Frapin is publishing a limited-edition anniversary packaging. Inspired by the original version, the label brings up to date the symbols of ownership and the colors popular during the Roaring twenties. The bottle is presented in a rough wooden box inspired by the straw-lined crates used at the time.

A real treasure of Cognac Frapin, Fontpinot XO can lay claim to the Chateau appellation because it is made exclusively from grapes harvested, distilled, aged, and bottled at the Chateau Fontpinot. Distillation over lees and a long aging in dry cellars provide its distinct character.

With an average age of over 20 years, this expression has a nose of candied fruit, marzipan, and rancio. The long aging brings toffee, almond butter, and spice to the palate before a long, elegant finish.

Expert Review - Vintage 2015

Alison Napjus of the Wine Spectator writes 97 Points |  Like a racing spinnaker, this is tightly trimmed yet voluminous in character. Toasty notes of roasted almond and vanilla wafer are deftly integrated with sun-dried black cherry, baked peach, blood orange sorbet and candied ginger flavors, all well-defined by racy acidity and a subtle streak of salinity. This is long and fragrant, with pain d'épices, graphite and tea rose notes playing on the finish. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Disgorged February 2024. Drink now through 2040.

William Kelley of the Wine Advocate writes 96 Points | Bollinger's 2015 Brut La Grande Année Rosé was disgorged in May last year with seven grams per liter dosage. Offering up deep aromas of orchard fruits, blood orange, mandarin rind and peach mingled with nuances of coffee, praline and fino sherry, it's medium to full-bodied, pillowy and layered, with a broad attack that segues into a vinous palate framed by high levels of structuring dry extract that makes its presence felt on the sapid, nutty and penetrating finish. Given the skin maturity and inherent structure of the year, the Bollinger team elected to include only 4.5% of still red wine in the blend, a comparatively low percentage.

Expert Reviews

Vinous 96 Points | Delamain’s youngest offering, at 20 to 25 years old, is also one of the standard-bearers of Grande Champagne (the blend was created in the 1920s and hasn’t changed). Light amber, with a delightful nose full of pear, marmalade, quince and orange blossom. The pear and quince carry onto the palate, where a distinctive membrillo-like flavor emerges — a unique note I find in a number of Delamain expressions. There’s gentle spice and warm citrus on the palate, gliding to a long, delicate finish. The definition of elegance.

Wine Enthusiast 95 Points | Bold and butterscotchy, this easy-drinking Cognac also has dried fruit and nutty tones, plus a saline touch that's reminiscent of salted caramel. There's a spicy flourish on the relatively dry finish. Delamain notes that it is one of the only Cognac houses to exclude VS and VSOP expressions from its portfolio, 'its range starts where others end, with an X.O.

Producer Description

A blend of long-aged XO Grande Champagne Cognacs, Delamain Pale & Dry benefits from a lengthy two-year marriage period in cask after assemblage before being bottled, resulting in a beautifully smooth roundness and flavour integration on the palate.

Geoffroy “Expression” Premier Cru Brut is the signature non-vintage Champagne of this historic grower-producer. Built around the 2021 harvest and enriched with an equal proportion of reserve wines from a perpetual blend begun in 1970, Expression brings together ripe orchard fruit, red-fruit nuance, chalky minerality and a finely detailed mousse.

The blend is sourced from Premier Cru vineyards in Cumières and Hautvillers in the Vallée de la Marne. Pinot Noir and Meunier provide body, fruit and vinous depth, while Chardonnay contributes citrus freshness, precision and lift. A very low dosage of 3 grams per liter gives the wine a dry, focused profile while preserving the generosity and expressive fruit that define the Geoffroy style.

The Place

Expression reflects vineyards planted on the right bank of the Grande Vallée de la Marne, primarily around the Premier Cru village of Cumières, with additional fruit from Hautvillers Premier Cru.

Cumières lies between the Marne River and the forested slopes northwest of Épernay. Its favorably exposed hillside vineyards are particularly well suited to Pinot Noir and Meunier, producing wines with ripeness, generous fruit and notable vinosity. Chardonnay brings additional freshness and finesse to the final blend.

The soils vary across the source parcels and include clay-limestone, marl and sand. Clay contributes breadth and fruit concentration, while limestone and chalk provide freshness, structure and a persistent mineral character. The varied soils and exposures allow Geoffroy to create a layered Champagne that expresses the broader personality of the Vallée de la Marne rather than a single vineyard.

The Expression Cuvée

Expression is considered the introductory or foundational cuvée of Champagne Geoffroy, but its production is far from simple. The wine is assembled from several vineyard parcels, three grape varieties and an extensive collection of reserve wines.

The Geoffroy family describes Expression as its “memory wine,” connecting the character of the current harvest with previous generations. Each release combines a substantial proportion of the base vintage with wine drawn from the estate’s perpetual reserve, which was established by René Geoffroy in 1970.

This reserve system gives the Champagne consistency and complexity while allowing each new base vintage to remain visible. The youthful energy of 2021 is balanced by the depth, texture and maturity contributed by reserve wines spanning many previous harvests.

The Base-2021 Blend

The base-2021 release is composed of:

35% Meunier
35% Pinot Noir
30% Chardonnay

Approximately 50% of the blend comes from the 2021 harvest. The remaining 50% comes from Geoffroy’s perpetual reserve, which contains wines dating from its establishment in 1970 through the years preceding the 2021 harvest.

Meunier contributes aromatic fruit, suppleness and immediate charm. Pinot Noir gives the wine structure, depth and subtle red-fruit character. Chardonnay adds citrus freshness, floral lift and mineral precision.

Together, the three varieties produce a Champagne that is ripe and generous without becoming heavy, with firm acidity and chalky minerality preserving energy throughout the finish.

The 2021 Base Vintage

The 2021 growing season in Champagne was cooler and more difficult than several of the warm, dry vintages that preceded it. Careful vineyard selection was essential, but successful growers produced wines with bright acidity, aromatic freshness and a distinctly classical Champagne profile.

In Expression, the lively character of the 2021 base wine is complemented by the broader texture and maturity of the perpetual reserve. The result combines the freshness and tension of the vintage with the depth and continuity of a multi-vintage blend.

Viticulture

Champagne Geoffroy follows a practicing-organic and sustainability-focused approach in the vineyard. The estate avoids chemical weedkillers, encourages biodiversity, cultivates cover crops and works the soil to maintain healthy microbial activity and deeper root systems.

The grapes are harvested by hand at optimal ripeness and carefully sorted before pressing. Geoffroy’s emphasis on ripe, healthy fruit is especially important because Expression is intended to display both freshness and a distinctive vinous richness.

The source vines are generally more than 30 years old and are distributed among multiple Premier Cru parcels in Cumières and Hautvillers.

Winemaking

The grapes are pressed in a traditional Coquard press. Vinification is conducted parcel by parcel, allowing the character of each vineyard, grape variety and soil type to be assessed before the final blend is assembled.

The base wines are fermented and matured in a combination of temperature-controlled enameled tanks and neutral oak barrels. The perpetual reserve is maintained in concrete tanks, which allow the reserve wine to develop texture and complexity without contributing overt oak flavor.

Malolactic fermentation is only partially completed for this release. Retaining a portion of the wine’s natural malic acidity helps preserve freshness and tension, while partial malolactic fermentation softens the texture and adds balance.

The assembled Champagne underwent secondary fermentation in bottle and matured for approximately 30 months on its lees. Extended lees contact contributes the creamy mousse and subtle notes of brioche, bread dough and pastry found in the finished wine.

The dosage is only 3 grams per liter, giving Expression a notably dry profile. This restrained dosage highlights the wine’s acidity, chalky mineral character and savory complexity while allowing its ripe fruit to remain expressive.

Tasting Notes

The base-2021 Expression pours a bright straw-yellow color with a persistent stream of fine bubbles. The bouquet opens with fresh apple, pear, quince and preserved lemon, accompanied by red currant, ripe black cherry and orange peel.

As the wine opens, additional notes of white flowers, crushed chalk, toasted brioche, pastry cream, smoke and subtle nuttiness emerge. The reserve-wine component contributes depth and maturity, while the 2021 base preserves aromatic freshness and energy.

The palate is medium-bodied, focused and beautifully balanced. Firm acidity is wrapped in a creamy, finely detailed mousse, producing a Champagne that feels both energetic and polished. Orchard fruit and citrus are joined by subtle red-fruit flavors, toasted bread and a lightly pithy texture.

A distinct mineral foundation runs through the wine, bringing notes of crushed stone and chalk to the foreground. The finish is crisp, savory and persistent, with preserved lemon, brioche and mineral flavors lingering after each sip.

Expression is approachable upon release, but its combination of reserve-wine complexity, vibrant acidity and extended lees aging allows it to develop additional richness and harmony with short-term cellaring.

Professional Ratings

93 Points — James Suckling: "Dry with delicious sliced-apple and chalk aromas and flavors with crushed-stone undertones. It™s medium-bodied with a focused palate and a crisp, delicious finish. Nicely done. Drink now." 2025-08-05

92 Points — Wine Spectator: "A mouthwatering version, with firm acidity swathed in the creamy, finely detailed mousse, this offers a rich, tightly meshed range of ripe black cherry, preserved lemon, toasted brioche, smoke and pastry cream flavors. A minerally underpinning drives the finish. Pinot Meunier, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Disgorged September 2024. 750 cases imported. - AN"

91 Points — Jeb Dunnuck: "A bright yellow hue, the NV Champagne 1er Cru Expression Brut is from the 2020 vintage but includes perpetual reserve wines going back to 1970. The nose displays notes of nectarine, golden apples, hay, and a hint of nuttiness or bread. Medium-bodied, with good balance on the palate, it™s quite harmonious and very tasty all around, with a fluffy mousse, notes of orange citrus, and a clean, savory finish. It™s quite approachable and will drink well now or over the coming 5-7 years. 5 grams per liter dosage."

The Producer

The Geoffroy family has cultivated vines in Cumières since the 17th century. Jean-Baptiste Geoffroy represents the fifth generation of his family to grow grapes and produce wine in the Vallée de la Marne.

The family began placing greater emphasis on estate-bottled Champagne after the Second World War. In the 1970s, René Geoffroy decided to retain the family’s entire crop for Champagne production rather than selling grapes to larger houses. He also established the perpetual reserve that remains central to Expression today.

The estate now farms approximately 14 hectares, with most of its vineyards located in Cumières and additional parcels in Hautvillers, Damery and Fleury-la-Rivière. Although the winery and cellars are now located in Aÿ, the identity of Champagne Geoffroy remains deeply connected to the slopes of Cumières.

Jean-Baptiste Geoffroy’s approach combines careful vineyard work, ripe fruit, parcel-by-parcel vinification and restrained dosage. The wines are known for their balance of vinous depth, energetic acidity and precise expression of the Vallée de la Marne.

Food Pairing

Expression is an excellent aperitif, but its texture, low dosage and substantial reserve-wine component also make it a versatile food Champagne.

Serve with oysters, shrimp, crab cakes, smoked salmon, seafood pastries, scallops, sushi or tempura. It also pairs beautifully with roast chicken, veal sweetbreads, pork tenderloin, mushroom tart, aged Comté and other firm, savory cheeses.

The wine’s acidity and chalky finish cut through butter and cream, while its orchard-fruit, brioche and subtle red-fruit flavors complement roasted poultry, pastry-based appetizers and richer seafood dishes.

Serving and Cellaring

Serve at approximately 46–50°F. A white-wine glass rather than a narrow flute will allow the wine’s orchard fruit, brioche, mineral and reserve-wine aromas to develop more fully.

Expression is ready to drink upon release and may be enjoyed over the next five to seven years. Additional bottle age will soften the mousse and encourage more developed notes of toasted nuts, honey, pastry and dried orchard fruit.

Producer: Champagne Geoffroy
Cuvée: Expression
Country: France
Region: Champagne
Subregion: Vallée de la Marne
Villages: Cumières Premier Cru and Hautvillers Premier Cru
Classification: Premier Cru
Style: Non-Vintage Brut Champagne
Base Vintage: 2021
Blend: 35% Meunier, 35% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay
Vintage Composition: 50% 2021 and 50% perpetual reserve
Perpetual Reserve: Established in 1970
Soils: Clay-limestone, marl and sand
Vine Age: Generally more than 30 years
Farming: Practicing organic and sustainability-focused
Harvest: Hand harvested and sorted
Press: Traditional Coquard press
Fermentation: Enameled tanks and neutral oak barrels
Reserve-Wine Aging: Concrete tanks
Malolactic Fermentation: Partial
Lees Aging: Approximately 30 months
Dosage: 3 grams per liter
Disgorgement: September 2024
Alcohol: Approximately 12.5%
Bottle Size: 750ml

Geoffroy “Expression” Premier Cru Brut Champagne — Base 2021

Geoffroy Rosé de Saignée Premier Cru Brut is a deeply colored, intensely vinous rosé Champagne produced entirely from Pinot Noir grown in the Premier Cru village of Cumières. Based exclusively on the ripe 2019 harvest, this is not a delicate pink Champagne created by blending red and white wines. Instead, it is made by the traditional saignée method, in which Pinot Noir grapes remain in contact with their skins until the juice develops its vivid color, concentrated red-fruit character and distinctive structure.

The result is a powerful yet beautifully balanced rosé Champagne, filled with wild strawberry, raspberry, blackberry, pomegranate and blood-orange flavors. Its generous fruit is supported by ripe acidity, a finely textured mousse and the firm mineral structure of Cumières’ clay-limestone soils.

The Place

The grapes come entirely from Cumières, a Premier Cru village in Champagne’s Vallée de la Marne. Cumières is situated between the Marne River and steep, favorably exposed slopes immediately west of Hautvillers.

The village’s vineyards generally face south and southeast, receiving abundant sunlight and allowing Pinot Noir to reach excellent ripeness. This warmer exposure contributes to the broad texture, ripe fruit and distinctly vinous character traditionally associated with Cumières Champagne.

Geoffroy’s source vineyards are planted on clay, sandstone and limestone soils over deep chalk. Clay contributes body, richness and red-fruit concentration, while limestone and chalk bring freshness, mineral tension and structure.

The 2019 Base Vintage

This release is produced entirely from the 2019 harvest rather than being blended with reserve wines from several vintages. Although legally labeled non-vintage Champagne, it is effectively a single-vintage expression of Cumières Pinot Noir.

The 2019 growing season was marked by periods of frost, intense summer heat and drought, followed by favorable conditions approaching harvest. Pinot Noir from well-positioned sites achieved considerable ripeness and concentration while retaining the acidity necessary for balance.

In Geoffroy’s Rosé de Saignée, the vintage produced a Champagne with rich red-fruit intensity, full body and a generous texture, balanced by vibrant acidity and a long, mineral-driven finish.

The Grape: 100% Pinot Noir.

Pinot Noir gives this Champagne its color, structure and vinous depth. The variety contributes flavors of wild strawberry, raspberry, cherry, blackberry and pomegranate, together with the body required to accompany substantial dishes.

Unlike many rosé Champagnes, no still red wine is added to create the color. The natural ruby and copper tones come entirely from contact between the clear Pinot Noir juice and the dark grape skins.

The Saignée Method

“Saignée” translates literally as “bleeding.” In this method, ripe red grapes are placed into a vat and allowed to macerate with their skins. Once the desired color, aroma and structure have been extracted, the free-run juice is drawn away—or “bled”—from the vat.

Geoffroy favors gentle infusion rather than aggressive extraction. The whole berries undergo approximately 70 to 80 hours of cold maceration in open, tapered oak vats. Careful temperature control and fully ripe fruit allow color and flavor to develop gradually without producing excessive bitterness or harsh tannins.

This technique creates a rosé Champagne with considerably more body, fruit concentration and gastronomic versatility than a conventional blended rosé.

Viticulture

The Pinot Noir vines are approximately 30 to 40 years old and are cultivated in selected parcels on the Cumières hillsides. Yields are deliberately limited to increase concentration and preserve the individual expression of the village.

Champagne Geoffroy follows a practicing-organic, sustainability-focused approach. The estate avoids chemical weedkillers, encourages biodiversity and works to preserve healthy vineyard soils.

The grapes are harvested by hand at full ripeness and carefully sorted before entering the vat. Achieving optimal ripeness is essential for this cuvée because the skins remain in contact with the juice for several days.

Vinification and Aging

After approximately three to four days of maceration in open oak vats, the free-run juice is drawn off and allowed to begin fermentation spontaneously.

Following the maceration stage, fermentation and maturation take place in temperature-controlled enameled vats. Oak is therefore used principally during skin contact rather than as a source of barrel flavor during the wine’s maturation.

Malolactic fermentation is blocked to preserve the natural freshness and acidity of the ripe Pinot Noir fruit. This gives the finished Champagne enough energy and tension to balance its considerable body and concentration.

The wine remains on its fine lees before bottling and then spends approximately 42 to 48 months aging on the lees in Champagne Geoffroy’s cellars. This extended maturation contributes a creamy mousse and subtle notes of brioche, bread crust and toasted nuts.

The wine is neither fined nor filtered, preserving its texture, aromatic complexity and natural expression.

Dosage

The producer and current importer specifications list a dosage of approximately 6 grams per liter, placing the Champagne within the Extra Brut range despite some commercial listings calling it Brut.

The Wine Advocate review covers a specific base-2019 bottle disgorged in September 2024 with a dosage of 4 grams per liter. Dosage can vary slightly between disgorgement lots, so the exact back-label information should be followed for an individual bottle.

Tasting Notes

The wine displays an intense ruby, copper and deep-rose color with a persistent stream of fine bubbles.

The bouquet is immediately expressive, offering wild strawberry, raspberry, red currant, blackberry and ripe cherry. With air, notes of pomegranate, blood orange, grapefruit zest, watermelon and dried apple emerge alongside rose petals, hibiscus, violets and gentle savory spice.

The palate is medium- to full-bodied, rich and broad-shouldered, with the texture and concentration of a light red Burgundy carried by a lively Champagne mousse. Ripe red and dark fruit are balanced by vibrant acidity, subtle chalk and finely structured phenolics.

Hints of clove, toasted bread, brioche and nuts appear toward the finish. The Champagne remains focused despite its richness, concluding with excellent length, perfumed red fruit and an appetizing touch of bitterness.

This is a distinctive, gastronomic rosé Champagne with far more depth and structure than a conventional aperitif-style rosé.

Professional Ratings

95 Points — James Suckling: "An enticing rosé champagne that™s more like a red with bubbles. Bronze with a red hue. Aromas of watermelon, jasmine and hibiscus. Medium- to full-bodied with a lovely consistency of fruit and a focused, polished palate with dried apples and pomegranate. Cantaloupe and some brioche in the aftertaste. 2019 vintage. Pure pinot noir. Drink now."

94 Point - Vinous: "The NV Brut Rose de Saignée (100% Premier Cru Pinot Noir from the 2018 vintage) is fabulous and a great example of this style. A burst of dark red cherry, lavender, spice, blood orange and pomegranate races across the palate. This release screams with Pinot character, marrying depth with notable finesse along the way. I loved it. Dosage is 4 grams per liter. Disgorged: June, 2023."

92 Points — Wine Advocate: "From the 2019 vintage and disgorged in September 2024 with a dosage of four grams per liter, the latest rendition of Geoffroy™s NV Rose de Saignee Cumieres Premier Cru"as always"derives exclusively from Cumieres. The only stage at which this cuvee encounters oak is during its 70 to 80 hours of maceration in open vats. Thereafter, it matures in enameled vats with very little in the way of solids, and this provides a point of distinction from many other saignee-style roses in Champagne. It leaps from the glass with an expressive bouquet of grapefruit zest, blood orange and redcurrant mingling with nuances of red flowers and clove. On the palate, it is full-bodied, rich and broad-shouldered"intense and textural"with ripe yet vibrant acidity, culminating in a long, perfumed finish, where subtly bitter phenolics assert themselves. This is not a wine suited for casual aperitifs; rather, it is best savored alongside hearty fare such as red meats or tuna tartare, where its depth can be fully appreciated."

The Producer

The Geoffroy family has cultivated vines in Cumières since the 17th century. Estate bottling began during the early 1950s, when Roger and Julienne Geoffroy produced the family’s first Champagne under their own name.

René Geoffroy expanded the family’s vineyard holdings and established its reputation as an independent grower-producer. Jean-Baptiste Geoffroy joined the domaine during the late 1980s and now leads the estate with his wife, Karine.

In 2008, the family transferred its winemaking and commercial operations to a historic property in Aÿ, while retaining its deep vineyard roots in Cumières. The estate now farms approximately 14 hectares in Cumières, Hautvillers, Damery and Fleury-la-Rivière.

The Geoffroy style emphasizes ripe fruit, careful parcel selection, minimal handling and the preservation of natural acidity. Malolactic fermentation is generally avoided, and the Champagnes receive extended cellar aging before release.

Food Pairing

This is an exceptionally food-friendly rosé Champagne. Its body and red-fruit intensity make it an excellent partner for tuna tartare, seared tuna, salmon, lobster, crawfish and pan-seared scallops.

It is equally successful with roast duck breast, duck with cherries or peaches, pork tenderloin, veal, charcuterie and lightly grilled red meats. Its fruit and acidity can also complement dishes incorporating pomegranate, blood orange or red-berry sauces.

For cheese, consider aged Comté, Gruyère, Époisses or other flavorful washed-rind cheeses. The producer also recommends pairing it with a dessert of peach soup and fresh strawberries.

Serving and Cellaring

Serve at approximately 48–52°F in a generous tulip-shaped Champagne glass or white-wine glass. A wider bowl will allow the wine’s Pinot Noir fruit, floral aromas and vinous complexity to develop.

The Champagne is ready to drink now, but its concentration, acidity and extended lees aging should allow it to develop additional savory and brioche complexity over several years.

Producer: Champagne Geoffroy
Cuvée: Rosé de Saignée
Country: France
Region: Champagne
Subregion: Vallée de la Marne
Village: Cumières Premier Cru
Classification: Premier Cru
Style: Rosé de Saignée Champagne
Base Vintage: 2019
Vintage Composition: 100% 2019 harvest
Grape: 100% Pinot Noir
Vine Age: Approximately 30–40 years
Soils: Clay, sandstone and limestone over deep chalk
Farming: Practicing organic and sustainable
Harvest: Hand harvested and sorted
Maceration: Approximately 70–80 hours in open oak vats
Fermentation: Spontaneous fermentation in enameled vats
Malolactic Fermentation: None
Lees Aging: Approximately 42–48 months
Dosage: Approximately 6 g/L; some disgorgement lots may vary
Fining and Filtration: Neither fined nor filtered
Alcohol: Approximately 12–12.5%
Bottle Size: 750ml

Geoffroy Rosé de Saignée Premier Cru Brut Champagne — Base 2019

94 Points — James Suckling
93 Points — Wine Spectator
92 Points — Wine Advocate

Geoffroy “Les Tiersaudes” 2019 is an exceptionally limited, single-vineyard Champagne produced entirely from old-vine Meunier grown in Cumières Premier Cru. Fermented and matured in large oak barrels and bottled without dosage, it is a powerful yet precise Blanc de Noirs with concentrated fruit, electric acidity and a distinctly saline mineral finish.

The Vineyard

Les Tiersaudes is a southeast-facing lieu-dit situated on the midslope in the heart of Cumières, in Champagne’s Vallée de la Marne. The parcel lies at approximately 140 meters above sea level on a 15% gradient, with soils composed of fine silt, limestone and flint.

The Meunier vines were planted in 1972 from massale selection. Geoffroy cultivates the parcel biodynamically and has introduced apple, mirabelle, maple, hornbeam and lime trees among the vines to increase biodiversity, encourage soil life and provide natural shade during increasingly warm growing seasons.

The Grape: 100% Meunier.

Although “Blanc de Noirs” is often associated with Pinot Noir, the term refers to any white Champagne made from dark-skinned grapes. Here, Meunier provides ripe fruit, breadth and aromatic complexity while the cool, limestone-influenced soils of Les Tiersaudes preserve freshness and mineral tension.

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 in 600-liter oak demi-muids. Malolactic fermentation is avoided, helping retain the wine’s vibrant natural acidity. It is neither fined nor filtered.

No dosage is added following disgorgement, making this a true Brut Nature Champagne with 0 grams per liter of added sugar.

Tasting Notes

The bouquet combines orange marmalade, juicy peach and fresh hazelnut with pear, honeysuckle, grapefruit, dried flowers and gentle spice.

The palate is concentrated and vinous, showing cassis, candied kumquat, ripe citrus and dried fruit. Structured acidity provides a firm backbone, while a plush, finely textured mousse gives the wine breadth and balance.

Notes of toasted bread, crystallized honey, gooseberry and lime emerge with air. A persistent streak of salinity refreshes the long, lemon-tinged finish, leaving the wine rich yet energetic, silky and precise.

Professional Ratings

94 Points — James Suckling: "This bright, dry and lively Champagne shows raspberries, oranges, candied ginger and dried flowers on the nose. Delightfully fruity and spicy, with tension and energy. I like it a lot. Disgorged March 2024. Drink now or hold."

93 Points — Wine Spectator: "A well-built Champagne, with structured acidity providing a firm frame for concentrated flavors of cassis, candied kumquat, toasted raisin bread and crystallized honey. Theres a cottony plushness to the mousse, while a streak of salinity refreshes the racy finish. Disgorged March 2024. 231 cases made, 13 cases imported. - AN"

92 Points — Wine Advocate: "Geoffroy™s 2019 Brut Nature Blanc de Noirs Les Tiersaudes, disgorged without dosage in March 2024, originates from old-vine Pinot Meunier"planted in 1972"on a south-facing mid-slope in the heart of Cumieres. These vines thrive on deeper soils compared to those of Les Collinardins. Aged for one year in oak, mostly demi-muids, this Champagne unveils an aromatic profile of pear, honeysuckle and grapefruit intertwined with notes of gooseberry and lime. On the palate, it is medium- to full-bodied, muscular yet incisive, with a concentrated core of fruit underpinned by electric acidity, concluding with a long, lemon-tinged finish."

The Producer

The Geoffroy family has cultivated vineyards in Cumières since the 17th century. Today, Jean-Baptiste Geoffroy produces distinctive grower Champagnes emphasizing ripe fruit, individual vineyard expression, indigenous-yeast fermentation, restrained dosage and extended cellar aging.

Food Pairing

This structured, gastronomic Champagne pairs beautifully with roast pork, duck, poultry, grilled salmon, seared tuna, scallops, mushroom dishes and aged cheeses such as Comté or Gruyère.

Serving and Cellaring

Serve at approximately 48–52°F in a tulip-shaped Champagne glass or white-wine glass. The 2019 is expressive now but has the concentration and acidity to develop additional toasted-nut, honeyed and savory complexity through 2039.

Producer: Champagne Geoffroy
Cuvée: Lieu-Dit Les Tiersaudes
Vintage: 2019
Country: France
Region: Champagne
Subregion: Vallée de la Marne
Village: Cumières Premier Cru
Classification: Premier Cru
Style: Vintage Blanc de Noirs Brut Nature Champagne
Grape: 100% Meunier
Vineyard: Les Tiersaudes
Vine Age: Planted in 1972
Exposure: Southeast
Altitude: Approximately 140 meters
Soil: Fine silt, limestone and flint
Farming: Practicing biodynamic with agroforestry
Fermentation: Indigenous yeasts in 600-liter oak demi-muids
Malolactic Fermentation: None
Dosage: 0 g/L
Fining and Filtration: Neither fined nor filtered
Disgorgement: March 2024 for the reviewed release
Bottle Size: 750ml

Geoffroy “Lieu-Dit Les Tiersaudes” Blanc de Noirs Premier Cru Brut Nature 2019

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

Geoffroy “Terre Millésime” 2015 is a vintage Premier Cru Champagne from the historic village of Cumières in the Vallée de la Marne. Produced only in selected years, this terroir-focused cuvée combines the ripe, generous character of the 2015 vintage with vibrant acidity, fine mineral tension and a beautifully dry Extra Brut finish.

The Place

Cumières is a Premier Cru village located west of Hautvillers, overlooking the Marne River. Its favorably exposed vineyards produce Champagnes known for their ripe fruit, vinous texture and expressive personality. Clay and limestone contribute richness and structure, while the underlying chalk preserves freshness and mineral definition.

The 2015 Vintage

The warm 2015 growing season produced concentrated, expressive fruit throughout Champagne. Careful harvesting allowed Geoffroy to preserve freshness and balance, resulting in a wine with generous texture, mature fruit and excellent aging potential.

Winemaking

The grapes are harvested by hand and carefully sorted. Gentle pressing and extended aging on the lees contribute complexity, a refined mousse and subtle notes of brioche and toasted nuts. A restrained Extra Brut dosage keeps the wine dry, precise and focused.

Professional Ratings

95 Points Jeb Dunnuck: "Sporting a medium straw/yellow color, the 2015 Champagne Premier Cru Cumières Millésime Terre Brut Nature offers spice and intensity in its ripe notes of apricot, black fruits, savory cologne, iodine, sea spray, and toast. Medium to full-bodied, it has volume without weight and is long on the palate, with a rounded mid-palate. Its mousse fleshes out and fills the palate, enhancing the wine's broader and fleshy structure. A more muscular wine, it has a touch more oak influence that frames the wine, while retaining its freshness very nicely, with persistent crystalline salinity through the finish. They do not produce this cuvée every year, but when they do, they hold it back ten years before disgorgement. In this vintage, it was 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay. Disgorged in July 2024. Drink 2025-2040."

93 Points James Suckling: "Spicy and expressive, this has aromas of grapefruit, cedar, cloves and gingerbread. It™s firm, dry and vinous, with toasty layers and rounded bubbles. 75% pinot noir and 25% chardonnay. Disgorged July 2024. Zero dosage. Drink now or hold."

93 Points Wine Advocate: "The most harmonious wine in Geoffroy™s portfolio this year, the 2015 Terre Cumieres Premier Cru, is"as always"the product of barrel and cask selection based on comprehensive tastings, followed by an extended maturation period sur lattes. As the selection is different from year to year, the assemblage is never identical"and can even be reversed. In 2015, however, it comprises 75% Pinot Noir and 25% Chardonnay. The bouquet is expressive, offering notes of dried orange peel, apricot, crisp pear and spice with a faint hint of sage. On the palate, it is medium- to full-bodied and pillowy, with bright acidity and a taut, chalky core leading to a long, saline finish."

Tasting Notes

Aromas of ripe apple, pear, citrus peel and stone fruit are joined by notes of brioche, toasted almond, chalk and gentle spice.

The palate is layered and beautifully textured, with a creamy mousse framing orchard fruit, lemon and subtle savory flavors. Bright acidity and mineral tension balance the generous mid-palate, leading to a long, dry finish with lingering citrus, toast and chalk.

The Producer

The Geoffroy family has cultivated vineyards in Cumières since the 17th century. Today, Jean-Baptiste Geoffroy produces distinctive grower Champagnes that emphasize ripe fruit, careful vineyard work, long cellar aging and restrained dosage.

Food Pairing

An excellent gastronomic Champagne for roast chicken, lobster, scallops, mushroom risotto, veal, pork tenderloin and aged cheeses such as Comté or Gruyère.

Serving and Cellaring

Serve at approximately 48–52°F in a tulip-shaped Champagne glass or white-wine glass. The 2015 is drinking beautifully now and should continue developing richer brioche, toasted-nut and savory notes with additional bottle age.

Producer: Champagne Geoffroy
Cuvée: Terre Millésime
Vintage: 2015
Country: France
Region: Champagne
Subregion: Vallée de la Marne
Village: Cumières Premier Cru
Classification: Premier Cru
Style: Vintage Extra Brut Champagne
Harvest: Hand harvested
Aging: Extended lees aging
Bottle Size: 750ml

Geoffroy “Terre Millésime” Premier Cru Extra Brut Champagne 2015

93 Points — Jeb Dunnuck
92 Points — James Suckling
91 Points — Wine Advocate

Geoffroy “Empreinte Millésime” 2018 is a vintage Blanc de Noirs Champagne produced entirely from Pinot Noir grown in three historic Premier Cru parcels in Cumières. Powerful yet refined, it captures the ripe red-fruit character of this celebrated Vallée de la Marne village while preserving freshness, mineral tension and a finely detailed mousse.

The wine is sourced from mature, south-facing vines planted on the midslope above the Marne River. Fermentation and maturation in large oak vessels build texture and complexity without obscuring the purity of the Pinot Noir. After extended aging on the lees and a very low dosage, the finished Champagne offers ripe orchard fruit, citrus, red berries, fresh bread, toasted nuts and a distinctive saline finish.

The Place

Cumières is a historic Premier Cru village in Champagne’s Vallée de la Marne, located immediately west of Hautvillers and northwest of Épernay. Its vineyards rise steeply from the right bank of the Marne River, benefiting from predominantly south- and southeast-facing exposures.

The village’s warm, sunny slopes allow Pinot Noir to achieve excellent ripeness. Cumières Champagne is consequently known for its expressive fruit, generous texture and distinctly vinous character. The underlying chalk and limestone preserve freshness and mineral tension, preventing the wines from becoming overly broad or heavy.

Although Champagne Geoffroy’s winemaking facilities are now located in Aÿ, the family’s identity remains inseparable from Cumières, where it has cultivated vines since the 17th century.

The Empreinte Vineyards

Empreinte is drawn from three historic Cumières Premier Cru parcels:

Les Chalmonts
Les Barremonts
Les Pêchers

The vineyards lie on the midslope at approximately 160 meters above sea level, with a gradient of around 19%. Their southerly exposure promotes full Pinot Noir ripeness, while the slope provides natural drainage and excellent sunlight throughout the growing season.

The soils are composed principally of clay and limestone with fragments of millstone and flint. Clay contributes body, ripe fruit and textural generosity. Limestone and chalk provide freshness, structure and salinity, while flinty elements can contribute the delicate smoky or reductive mineral character frequently found in the wine.

The source vines average approximately 40 years of age. The parcels are selected annually, harvested together and pressed as a single expression of mature-vine Pinot Noir from Cumières.

The Meaning of Empreinte

“Empreinte” translates as “imprint” or “mark.” The name reflects the domaine’s intention to capture the distinctive imprint of Cumières terroir through Pinot Noir.

The cuvée represents one of the estate’s historic and defining wines. Rather than blending across villages or grape varieties, Jean-Baptiste Geoffroy uses Empreinte to highlight the depth, ripeness and mineral structure Pinot Noir can achieve on the warm slopes of Cumières.

The Grape: 100% Pinot Noir.

Although Pinot Noir is a dark-skinned grape, the juice is naturally clear. Gentle pressing with minimal skin contact produces a white Champagne known as Blanc de Noirs.

Pinot Noir provides Empreinte with structure, body and aging potential, together with characteristic flavors of red apple, cherry, raspberry and subtle red currant. Mature vines and extended lees aging add further layers of citrus, toasted bread, nuts, spice and savory mineral complexity.

The 2018 Vintage

Empreinte 2018 is a true vintage Champagne, produced solely from grapes harvested during the 2018 growing season.

The warm, generous vintage allowed Pinot Noir in favorably exposed Cumières vineyards to achieve excellent maturity. The resulting Champagne possesses ripe fruit and a broad, enveloping texture, but sufficient acidity and mineral structure maintain balance and freshness.

The vintage produced a comparatively approachable expression of Empreinte, combining concentrated Pinot Noir character with a creamy mousse, fresh citrus and a delicate saline edge.

Viticulture

Champagne Geoffroy practices sustainable and increasingly organic viticulture. Chemical weedkillers are avoided, vineyard soils are cultivated and cover crops are encouraged to improve biodiversity and soil health.

The grapes are harvested by hand at optimum maturity and carefully sorted. Achieving full physiological ripeness is central to the Geoffroy style, particularly for a low-dosage wine such as Empreinte, where there is very little added sweetness to soften or disguise the character of the base wine.

Pressing and Vinification

The Pinot Noir is pressed in a traditional Coquard press. Only the finest first-pressing juice, known as the tête de cuvée, is selected.

The individual vineyard parcels are handled by gravity and fermented with indigenous yeasts. The 2018 was vinified principally in large 20-hectoliter Stockinger oak casks, together with other neutral barrels and demi-muids.

Large-format, seasoned oak allows the wine to develop greater breadth, texture and oxygen-derived complexity without contributing excessive new-oak flavor. It also complements the naturally rich and vinous character of mature-vine Cumières Pinot Noir.

The wine is neither heavily fined nor filtered, preserving its natural texture and aromatic complexity.

Lees Aging and Dosage

The importer lists approximately 66 months of aging on the lees. Jeb Dunnuck describes the wine as spending a minimum of five years sur latte before disgorgement.

This extended lees maturation develops the Champagne’s fine mousse and contributes notes of brioche, fresh bread, pastry, almond and toasted nuts.

The bottles reviewed by James Suckling and Wine Advocate were disgorged in December 2024 with a dosage of only 1 gram per liter. This extremely low dosage gives the wine a dry, focused profile and allows its Pinot Noir fruit, chalky minerality and delicate phenolic structure to remain clearly defined.

Skurnik’s broader technical profile lists 3 grams per liter for the cuvée, indicating that dosage may vary between disgorgement lots. Both figures fall within the Extra Brut category.

Tasting Notes

The 2018 Empreinte displays a luminous copper-straw color with a persistent stream of small, finely formed bubbles.

The bouquet opens with sliced apple, pear, white grapefruit and orange zest, followed by raspberry, red currant and other subtle red-fruit notes. With air, aromas of honey, fresh bread, brioche, toasted almond and Madagascar vanilla become more pronounced.

A delicate flinty reduction frames the fruit and contributes additional mineral complexity. The oak is present primarily as texture and gentle toast rather than overt wood flavor.

On the palate, the Champagne is medium- to full-bodied, firm and generous. A creamy mousse surrounds ripe apple, citrus and red-berry flavors, while vibrant acidity maintains energy and definition.

The mid-palate is broad, textural and enveloping, yet the wine remains controlled and precise. Pinot Noir contributes a subtle phenolic grip, leading to a delicately bitter, gastronomic finish marked by grapefruit pith, almond, chalk and salty spice.

This is a substantial but elegant Blanc de Noirs: expressive enough to enjoy now, yet sufficiently structured to develop greater nutty, savory and brioche complexity with additional bottle age.

Professional Ratings

93 Points — Jeb Dunnuck: "The 2018 Champagne Premier Cru Cumières Blanc de Noirs Empreinte Extra Brut is a more elegant and approachable wine in this vintage, pouring a bright copper/straw color and offering notes of fresh almond, fresh bread, white grapefruit, red fruit, and delicate flinty reduction that frames the nose. Made from 100% Pinot Noir from the best plots of Cumières and raised in oak with a minimum five years sur latte, it™s medium-bodied and has a creamy texture and a fine mousse with just a subtle salty spice. It is not the most obvious wine in the tasting, but it will offer a lot of refreshing enjoyment over the next 8-10 years. Drink 2025-2035."

92 Points — James Suckling: "Sliced apples, berries, honey and toasted bread on the nose of this dry, expressive Champagne. Lovely pinot noir character, firm but generous. Tight bubbles. Pinot noir from Cumieres. Disgorged December 2024. 1 g/L dosage. Drink now or hold."

91 Points — Wine Advocate: "Geoffroy™s 2018 Blanc de Noirs Cumieres Empreinte originates from several south-facing parcels in Cumieres, averaging 40 years of age. These parcels are annually selected, harvested and pressed together, then vinified primarily in 20-hectoliter Stockinger casks. Disgorged in December 2024 with a dosage of one gram per liter, the wine bursts from the glass with expressive aromas of pear, orange zest, brioche and Madagascar vanilla. Full-bodied, textural and enveloping on the palate, it displays notable mid-palate sweetness despite its low-dosage style. Ripe yet vibrant acidity complements the wine, while Pinot Noir phenolics assert themselves on the delicately bitter finish. Made with full malolactic fermentation, this cuvee stands apart from the rest of the range, offering a richer, fruit-forward profile that's full of charm."

The Producer

The Geoffroy family has cultivated vineyards in Cumières since the 17th century. Estate bottling began during the 1950s, and René Geoffroy later expanded the domaine and established its reputation as an independent grower-producer.

Today, Jean-Baptiste Geoffroy manages the estate with his wife, Karine. Although the family moved its winemaking operations to a historic property in Aÿ in 2008, most of its vineyards remain in Cumières.

The domaine farms approximately 14 hectares, including roughly 11 hectares in Cumières, with additional parcels in neighboring Vallée de la Marne villages.

The Geoffroy style is built around ripe fruit, individual parcel selection, traditional pressing, oak fermentation and extended cellar aging. The wines combine the generosity of the Vallée de la Marne with energetic acidity, restrained dosage and a distinctive vinous character.

Food Pairing

Empreinte is a gastronomic Champagne particularly well suited to poultry, mushrooms and mature cheeses.

Recommended pairings include Bresse chicken with morels, roast chicken, quail with grapes, duck breast, veal, pork tenderloin and a fricassee of wild mushrooms.

It also pairs beautifully with seared tuna, grilled salmon, lobster, scallops, truffle risotto and savory pastry dishes. Mature Comté, Gruyère, Parmesan and other aged cheeses complement its toasted-almond and brioche character.

Serving and Cellaring

Serve at approximately 50–54°F in a tulip-shaped Champagne glass or a generous white-wine glass. The producer recommends serving Empreinte at approximately 11–12°C.

A wider glass allows its Pinot Noir fruit, oak-derived texture and mature lees aromas to develop more fully than a narrow flute.

The Champagne is ready to drink now but should continue to evolve through approximately 2035. Additional bottle age will encourage more developed notes of toasted nuts, dried fruit, honey, brioche and savory spice.

Producer: Champagne Geoffroy
Cuvée: Empreinte Millésime
Vintage: 2018
Country: France
Region: Champagne
Subregion: Vallée de la Marne
Village: Cumières Premier Cru
Classification: Premier Cru
Style: Vintage Blanc de Noirs Extra Brut Champagne
Grape: 100% Pinot Noir
Vineyard Sources: Les Chalmonts, Les Barremonts and Les Pêchers
Exposure: Predominantly south-facing
Altitude: Approximately 160 meters
Slope: Approximately 19% gradient
Vine Age: Approximately 40 years and older
Soils: Clay-limestone with fragments of millstone and flint
Farming: Sustainable and practicing organic
Harvest: Hand harvested and sorted
Press: Traditional Coquard press; tête de cuvée juice
Fermentation: Indigenous yeasts in large oak casks, barrels and demi-muids
Lees Aging: Approximately 66 months
Disgorgement: December 2024 for the bottles reviewed
Dosage: 1 g/L for the December 2024 reviewed disgorgement; importer profile also lists 3 g/L for the cuvée
Alcohol: 12.5%
Recommended Drinking: 2025–2035
Bottle Size: 750ml

Geoffroy “Empreinte Millésime” Blanc de Noirs Premier Cru Extra Brut 2018

Vinous Media: 91 Points
The Henri Goutorbe Cuvée Prestige is a Pinot Noir-driven Champagne with generous fruit, attractive richness and the structure typical of the estate’s home village of Aÿ.

Wine Spectator: 92 Points
Rich yet lively, with layered notes of vanilla, pastry cream and brioche, joined by blackberry, salted almond and blood orange zest. Fine acidity and texture carry the wine through a harmonious finish. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

Henri Goutorbe Cuvée Prestige Brut is a refined grower Champagne produced by one of the historic family estates of Aÿ. Founded in the heart of the Vallée de la Marne, Henri Goutorbe is particularly known for expressive, well-structured Champagnes built around the richness and depth of Pinot Noir.

The blend is led by approximately 70% Pinot Noir, with 25% Chardonnay and a small proportion of Pinot Meunier. The Pinot Noir contributes body, ripe fruit and a distinctly vinous character, while Chardonnay brings freshness, lift and precision. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

In the glass, the wine opens with aromas of ripe pear, red apple, blackberry and citrus, followed by notes of toasted brioche, pastry cream, honey, roasted almond and subtle spice. The palate is broad and creamy, supported by a fine, persistent mousse and bright acidity. Flavors of orchard fruit, blood orange, salted nuts and warm toast lead into a balanced, satisfying finish.

Cuvée Prestige offers more concentration and complexity than a typical non-vintage Brut, while remaining fresh and highly approachable. It is an excellent introduction to Henri Goutorbe’s house style: fruit-forward, structured and generous, with enough energy to keep the wine elegant.

Serve well chilled as an aperitif or pair with oysters, smoked salmon, shellfish, roast chicken, creamy pasta dishes, mushroom risotto, soft cheeses or lightly seasoned pork.

Henri Goutorbe Cuvée Special Club Brut 2015 is the prestige vintage bottling from this highly regarded family estate in Aÿ, one of Champagne’s most celebrated Grand Cru villages. Produced under the Special Club designation—reserved for top grower-producers in the Club Trésors de Champagne—this cuvée represents the house at its most refined, expressive, and age-worthy.

The 2015 vintage delivers a generous, powerful style balanced by freshness and structure. In the glass, it opens with layered aromas of ripe orchard fruit, baked apple, citrus zest, toasted brioche, roasted nuts, and subtle pastry cream, underscored by delicate mineral notes. On the palate, it is broad and vinous yet precise, with fine mousse, impressive concentration, and a long, elegant finish marked by notes of pear, lemon curd, spice, and chalky tension.

Henri Goutorbe, based in the heart of Aÿ, is known for crafting Champagnes of depth, character, and notable Pinot Noir-driven richness. This Special Club bottling captures both the personality of the vintage and the pedigree of the village, making it an excellent choice for collectors, serious Champagne lovers, and special occasions.

Rich enough to enjoy on its own, Henri Goutorbe Cuvée Special Club Brut 2015 also pairs beautifully with lobster, scallops, roast chicken, truffle dishes, creamy cheeses, and elegant seafood preparations. While already showing beautifully, it also has the structure to develop added complexity with further cellaring.

Vinous: 94 Points: “The 2015 Special Club is a very pretty, expressive wine that captures the essence of Aÿ in a ten-year-old Champagne. Kirsch, cinnamon, dried flowers, ginger, citrus confit and marzipan all caress the palate. Readers looking for a Champagne that has been gently shaped by the passage of time will find that here. The deceptively long, understated finish is a thing of beauty. This is one of the finest Champagnes I have tasted from Goutorbe in some time.”

—Vinous, December 30, 2025, Disgorged: October 2024

Egly-Ouriet | Les Crayères VV | Grand Cru Blanc de Noirs Extra Brut | Ambonnay, Montagne de Reims, Champagne | Practicing Organic

Egly-Ouriet is one of Champagne's most revered grower-producers, based in the Grand Cru village of Ambonnay on the Montagne de Reims. Francis Egly farms his parcels with meticulous care — practicing organic viticulture, harvesting by hand, and working exclusively with indigenous yeasts — producing Champagnes of uncommon depth, vinous texture, and site-driven precision that have earned the domaine a cult following among collectors and sommeliers worldwide.

Among the rarest and most celebrated wines in the Egly-Ouriet portfolio, Les Crayères VV is a single-vineyard Blanc de Noirs made entirely from old-vine Pinot Noir. VV stands for Vieilles Vignes — old vines. The fruit comes exclusively from the legendary Les Crayères parcel, located just east of Ambonnay, planted largely in 1946 and 1947. The vineyard occupies a prized south-facing site with only a thin layer of topsoil above a deep bed of pure chalk — the name Les Crayères itself refers to this intensely chalky terroir. Very old vines, naturally low yields, and chalk-rich soils produce Pinot Noir of extraordinary concentration, minerality, and freshness.

Harvested by hand and fermented with indigenous yeasts in French oak barrels (small proportion of new oak), with malolactic fermentation blocked to preserve energy and acidity. The wine spends approximately six years aging on its lees before disgorgement, and is finished with an exceptionally low dosage — bottled unfined and unfiltered, preserving its depth, texture, and individual vineyard character.

Deep golden in the glass. Aromas of ripe pear, dried apple, red berries, and bitter orange unfold alongside toasted brioche, roasted nuts, honey, cocoa, and warm baking spices. The palate is full-bodied and concentrated — fine, persistent mousse, layers of red fruit, ginger, cardamom, and toasted pastry, balanced by mouthwatering acidity, pronounced chalky structure, and a long, saline mineral finish. Although immediately impressive, this is a Champagne built to develop gracefully in the cellar.

An exceptional Champagne for the table — pairs beautifully with smoked salmon, lobster, roasted poultry, duck, charcuterie, wild mushrooms, richly flavored fish, aged Comté, Parmesan, and other firm, mature cheeses.

• Producer: Egly-Ouriet
• Cuvée: Les Crayères VV (Vieilles Vignes)
• Classification: Grand Cru Blanc de Noirs Extra Brut
• Appellation: Ambonnay, Montagne de Reims, Champagne, France
• Vineyard: Les Crayères single parcel, Ambonnay
• Grape Variety: 100% Pinot Noir
• Vine Age: Planted 1946 & 1947
• Farming: Practicing organic
• Soils: Pure chalk with thin topsoil
• Fermentation: Indigenous yeasts; French oak barrels (small % new)
• Malolactic Fermentation: Blocked
• Lees Aging: ~6 years
• Dosage: Exceptionally low
• Bottling: Unfined and unfiltered
• Bottle Size: 750ml

Base vintages, dosage, and disgorgement dates may vary by release.

One of the rarest and most sought-after wines produced by Egly-Ouriet, the Cuvée des Grands Côtes Vieilles Vignes is a still red Coteaux Champenois made entirely from Pinot Noir. The fruit comes from a single south-facing vineyard in the Grand Cru village of Ambonnay, situated directly below the domaine’s celebrated Les Crayères parcel.

The vineyard’s old vines, more than 60 years of age, are rooted in soils containing a higher proportion of clay than the neighboring chalk-dominant Les Crayères site. This warmer, clay-rich terroir is particularly well suited to producing deeply flavored, structured Pinot Noir. The vineyard is farmed according to practicing-organic principles, with meticulous attention to vine health, ripeness and naturally low yields.

The grapes are harvested by hand and fermented with indigenous yeasts in French oak barrels. The wine is then matured in barrel for approximately 22 months, with around 30% new oak. It is bottled individually by hand directly from barrel, without fining or filtration, preserving the wine’s natural concentration, texture and expression of its Ambonnay terroir.

The 2023 Cuvée des Grands Côtes is an intense yet beautifully refined expression of Pinot Noir. Aromas of ripe raspberry, red cherry and wild strawberry are joined by rose petals, savory spices, crushed stone and subtly toasted oak. The palate combines generous fruit with freshness and mineral precision, framed by finely textured tannins and a long, complex finish.

Although produced within Champagne, this is not a sparkling wine. Coteaux Champenois is the appellation reserved for the region’s rare still wines, and Egly-Ouriet’s Ambonnay Rouge is widely regarded as one of its most distinguished examples. Its depth, structure and ability to develop in the cellar frequently invite comparison with fine red Burgundy.

This exceptionally limited wine may be enjoyed after decanting or cellared for further development. Serve slightly cool with roast duck, game birds, veal, beef tenderloin, wild mushrooms, truffle dishes or aged cheeses.

Grape variety: 100% Pinot Noir
Appellation: Coteaux Champenois
Village: Ambonnay Grand Cru, Montagne de Reims
Vineyard: Single south-facing parcel below Les Crayères
Vine age: More than 60 years
Farming: Practicing organic
Fermentation: Indigenous yeasts in French oak barrels
Élevage: Approximately 22 months in barrel, including around 30% new oak
Bottling: Bottled by hand directly from barrel; unfined and unfiltered
Wine style: Still red wine
Alcohol: 13% ABV
Bottle size: 750ml

Egly-Ouriet | Grand Cru Extra Brut | Grand Cru Blanc de Noirs | Ambonnay, Montagne de Reims, Champagne | Practicing Organic

Egly-Ouriet is one of Champagne's most revered grower-producers, based in the Grand Cru village of Ambonnay on the Montagne de Reims. Francis Egly farms his parcels with meticulous care — practicing organic viticulture, harvesting by hand, and working exclusively with indigenous yeasts — producing Champagnes of uncommon depth, vinous texture, and site-driven precision that have earned the domaine a cult following among collectors and sommeliers worldwide.

The Grand Cru Extra Brut is the estate's signature non-vintage cuvée and the definitive expression of the Egly-Ouriet house style. Composed of 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay, the fruit is sourced primarily from Ambonnay, with additional parcels from the Grand Cru villages of Bouzy and Verzenay. These chalk-rich vineyards on the Montagne de Reims produce naturally concentrated fruit with the freshness and structure essential for extended aging.

Fermentation takes place with indigenous yeasts in French oak barrels, including approximately 10% new oak. Malolactic fermentation is blocked to preserve natural acidity, energy, and tension. The wine spends approximately 48 months aging on its lees before disgorgement, and is finished with a dosage of approximately 2 grams per liter — bottled unfined and unfiltered. In character, this non-vintage behaves more like a vintage wine, requiring time on cork to fully reveal its depth.

Expressive and beautifully layered on the nose: ripe pear, red apple, raspberry, and citrus peel, with toasted brioche, roasted nuts, gentle spice, and crushed chalk. The palate is concentrated and vinous — fine, energetic mousse, vibrant acidity, and a compelling mineral freshness, with orchard fruit, red berries, grilled citrus, and bitter almond unfolding to a persistent, saline finish. Approachable upon release, yet structured for further bottle development.

A versatile Champagne for the table — pairs beautifully with oysters, scallops, lobster, smoked salmon, sushi, roasted poultry, pork, mushroom dishes, charcuterie, and aged cheeses such as Comté.

• Producer: Egly-Ouriet
• Cuvée: Grand Cru Extra Brut
• Classification: Grand Cru
• Appellation: Ambonnay, Montagne de Reims, Champagne, France
• Villages: Primarily Ambonnay; also Bouzy and Verzenay
• Grape Varieties: 70% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay
• Farming: Practicing organic
• Soils: Chalk-rich
• Fermentation: Indigenous yeasts; French oak barrels (~10% new)
• Malolactic Fermentation: Blocked
• Lees Aging: ~48 months
• Dosage: ~2 g/L
• Bottling: Unfined and unfiltered
• Bottle Size: 750ml

Critical Acclaim

• Wine Advocate — 94 pts: Although this appears as the 'house' non-vintage, in character it is more akin to a vintage wine that needs some time on cork. Saturated fruit — apricot, spiced apples, grilled lemons — already expressive yet not fully unsprung. Based on 2018 with 40% reserves back to 2016. 100% barrel fermentation. Persistence over pure power, underlined by oak élevage yet not coloured by it.

As this is a non-vintage Champagne, base vintages, reserve-wine proportions, dosage, and disgorgement dates may vary by release.

Egly-Ouriet | Les Vignes de Vrigny | Premier Cru Extra Brut | Vrigny, Montagne de Reims, Champagne | Practicing Organic

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

Les Vignes de Vrigny is a rare and compelling single-vineyard Champagne made entirely from 100% Pinot Meunier — a grape variety most often used as a supporting component in Champagne blends, but here given a prestigious solo presentation. The fruit comes from a single east-facing parcel of vines more than 50 years old in the Premier Cru village of Vrigny, located in the northern Montagne de Reims. This sector's chalk-rich slopes provide the freshness, mineral character, and structure necessary to produce a serious, age-worthy Champagne.

Unlike most Egly-Ouriet cuvées, Les Vignes de Vrigny is fermented and matured in stainless steel to preserve the purity, brightness, and aromatic character of the Pinot Meunier. Malolactic fermentation is blocked to retain natural acidity and energy. The wine spends approximately 36 months aging on its lees before disgorgement, and is finished with a dosage of approximately 2 grams per liter — bottled unfined and unfiltered.

Expressive and inviting on the nose: wild strawberry, raspberry, red apple, and ripe orchard fruit, with dried flowers, fresh bread, hazelnut, and gentle spice. The palate is energetic and beautifully textured — fine mousse, vibrant acidity, and a distinctive combination of ripe fruit and chalky mineral tension, with red berries, pear, citrus peel, toasted grain, and savory spice leading to a persistent, dry, and gently saline finish.

An exceptional demonstration of the complexity Pinot Meunier can achieve when grown in a distinguished site and treated with the same care reserved for Champagne's most celebrated varieties. Excellent as an aperitif; pairs beautifully with charcuterie, smoked salmon, roast chicken, pork, duck, mushroom dishes, grilled fish, and moderately aged cheeses.

• Producer: Egly-Ouriet
• Cuvée: Les Vignes de Vrigny
• Classification: Premier Cru Extra Brut
• Appellation: Vrigny, Montagne de Reims, Champagne, France
• Vineyard: Single east-facing estate parcel
• Grape Variety: 100% Pinot Meunier
• Vine Age: 50+ years
• Farming: Practicing organic
• Soils: Chalk-rich
• Fermentation: Indigenous yeasts; stainless steel
• Malolactic Fermentation: Blocked
• Lees Aging: ~36 months
• Dosage: ~2 g/L
• Bottling: Unfined and unfiltered
• Bottle Size: 750ml

Critical Acclaim

• Decanter — 93 pts: Fragrant and focused, with notes of fresh apricot, almond, ripe orange fruit, and bright citrus. Praised for its clarity, freshness, and precise, energetic character.
• Jeb Dunnuck — 93 pts: Fresh and energetic, offering notes of raspberry, strawberry, wet stone, and freshly baked bread. Finely textured, with chalky minerality, vibrant acidity, and a long finish.
• Wine Advocate — 92 pts: Aromas of green apple, white flowers, freshly baked bread, and crushed mint lead to a pure, vinous, and beautifully precise palate with lively acidity and a savory finish.

Critic reviews may refer to different base vintages and disgorgements of this non-vintage Champagne. Base vintages, reserve-wine proportions, lees-aging period, dosage, and disgorgement date may vary by release.

Egly-Ouriet | VP (Vieillissement Prolongé) | Grand Cru Extra Brut | Ambonnay, Montagne de Reims, Champagne | Practicing Organic

Egly-Ouriet is one of Champagne's most revered grower-producers, based in the Grand Cru village of Ambonnay on the Montagne de Reims. Francis Egly farms his parcels with meticulous care — practicing organic viticulture, harvesting by hand, and working exclusively with indigenous yeasts — producing Champagnes of uncommon depth, vinous texture, and site-driven precision that have earned the domaine a cult following among collectors and sommeliers worldwide.

One of the most distinguished cuvées in the Egly-Ouriet portfolio, VP stands for Vieillissement Prolongé — extended aging. This exceptional Champagne spends more than seven years resting on its fine lees before disgorgement, considerably longer than most non-vintage Champagnes and even many vintage bottlings. The extended maturation creates remarkable depth, complexity, and a beautifully integrated texture that sets VP apart as one of the great prestige cuvées of the grower Champagne world.

The blend is approximately 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay, drawn from Grand Cru vineyards in Ambonnay, Bouzy, and Verzenay. Harvested by hand and fermented with indigenous yeasts in French oak barrels, with malolactic fermentation blocked to preserve natural acidity and tension. A very low dosage preserves the wine's energy, precision, and distinctly chalky character — bottled unfined and unfiltered.

Rich and vinous yet exceptionally focused: aromas of red apple, spiced pear, yellow peach, and blood orange, followed by toasted brioche, roasted nuts, baking spices, and subtle floral notes. The palate is full and layered — fine, creamy mousse, vibrant citrus acidity, and pronounced mineral tension, with ginger, orchard fruit, toasted bread, and crushed chalk carrying through an exceptionally long, saline finish. Impressive upon release, yet built to develop beautifully with additional bottle age.

Powerful enough to accompany an entire meal — superb with scallops, lobster, crab, roasted poultry, duck, mushroom risotto, aged Comté, and other firm, nutty cheeses.

• Producer: Egly-Ouriet
• Cuvée: VP (Vieillissement Prolongé)
• Classification: Grand Cru Extra Brut
• Appellation: Ambonnay, Montagne de Reims, Champagne, France
• Villages: Ambonnay, Bouzy, Verzenay
• Grape Varieties: ~70% Pinot Noir, ~30% Chardonnay
• Farming: Practicing organic
• Soils: Chalk-rich
• Fermentation: Indigenous yeasts; French oak barrels
• Malolactic Fermentation: Blocked
• Lees Aging: 7+ years
• Dosage: Very low
• Bottling: Unfined and unfiltered
• Bottle Size: 750ml

As this is a non-vintage Champagne, base vintages, reserve-wine proportions, dosage, and disgorgement dates may vary by release.

Pierre Paillard Champagne Extra-Brut Grand Cru Bouzy Les Terres Roses XIX | 750ml | Bouzy Grand Cru, Montagne de Reims, Champagne, France

Pierre Paillard's Les Terres Roses XIX is a refined and vinous rosé Champagne produced entirely from the Grand Cru vineyards of Bouzy, one of the Montagne de Reims' most celebrated villages. Bouzy is particularly renowned for its powerful, deeply flavored Pinot Noir, while its chalk-rich soils bring freshness, structure and mineral definition to the finished wine.

The XIX release is based primarily on the 2019 harvest and is composed of approximately 70% Chardonnay and 30% Pinot Noir. Five percent of the blend is Bouzy Rouge — a still red wine made from old-vine Pinot Noir — which contributes the cuvée's delicate color, red-fruit character and subtle tannic structure.

Fermentation takes place in oak, followed by approximately three years of aging on the lees before disgorgement. A low dosage of 2 grams per liter preserves the wine's dry, precise Extra-Brut character while allowing the richness of the Bouzy fruit to remain beautifully expressive.

Pale pink in color, Les Terres Roses XIX opens with pure aromas of raspberry, red currant, wild strawberry and cherry, joined by notes of grapefruit, mandarin, iris blossom and crushed chalk. The palate is generous yet finely structured, balancing ripe red fruit with vibrant citrus acidity, a creamy mousse and a subtle touch of toast from its oak fermentation and extended lees aging.

The finish is long, dry and mineral-driven, with lingering notes of red berries, citrus peel, almond and saline chalk. It is both elegant enough to serve as an aperitif and sufficiently structured for the table.

Food Pairing

An excellent pairing with smoked salmon, tuna tartare, lobster, grilled shrimp, roast poultry, duck, charcuterie, mushroom dishes and soft-ripened cheeses. Serve well chilled in a white-wine or tulip-shaped Champagne glass.

Wine Details

• Producer: Champagne Pierre Paillard
• Country: France
• Region: Champagne
• Appellation: Champagne Grand Cru
• Village: Bouzy
• Area: Montagne de Reims
• Cuvée: Les Terres Roses XIX
• Base Harvest: Primarily 2019
• Wine Type: Rosé Champagne, Extra Brut
• Blend: Approximately 70% Chardonnay and 30% Pinot Noir, including 5% Bouzy Rouge
• Farming: Certified organic
• Fermentation: Oak
• Lees Aging: Approximately 3 years
• Dosage: 2 grams per liter
• Classification: Grand Cru, Extra Brut
• Bottle Size: 750ml

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

Pierre Paillard Champagne Taissy 1er Cru 2020 | 750ml | Taissy Premier Cru, Montagne de Reims, Champagne, France

A singular expression of old-vine Meunier from the northern Montagne de Reims, Pierre Paillard's Taissy 2020 is a vintage Blanc de Noirs Champagne produced from a single Premier Cru vineyard. Combining generous fruit with chalky precision, it reveals the depth, elegance and naturally saline character Meunier can achieve when grown in an exceptional terroir.

The wine comes from the lieu-dit Les Dessus de Monthouzons in the Premier Cru village of Taissy. The Meunier vines were planted in 1963 on the lower, north-facing slopes of the Montagne de Reims. Here, a thin layer of clay lies directly over Champagne's chalk bedrock, giving the wine both richness and a firm mineral structure.

Produced entirely from Meunier, Taissy 2020 was vinified and aged in oak barrels. It was bottled under natural cork for the second fermentation and matured for approximately four and a half years on the lees before disgorgement. A very low Extra Brut dosage preserves the wine's clarity, freshness and distinctively saline finish.

The bouquet is expressive and layered, opening with dried pear, peach, citrus peel and grapefruit oil. With air, notes of crushed flowers, chamomile, mint, wet stone, gentle caramel and delicate spice emerge.

Full-bodied and vinous on the palate, the wine combines ripe orchard fruit with red-fruit accents of strawberry and black cherry. Its generous texture is balanced by vibrant acidity, finely integrated bubbles and a compact, chalky mineral core. Salty earth, dried citrus and subtle barrel-derived spice carry through the long, focused finish.

Taissy is broader and more textural than Pierre Paillard's especially linear Ludes bottling, yet it retains impressive freshness and definition. It offers a compelling demonstration of Meunier's ability to produce serious, age-worthy Champagne when sourced from old vines and handled with precision.

Enjoy now with time in the glass, or cellar as its fruit, oak and lees-derived complexity become increasingly integrated.

Critical Acclaim

95+ Points — Jeb Dunnuck
Elegant and structured, with wet stone, dried peach, citrus oil, strawberry, black cherry and delicate spice. Full-bodied and concentrated, with refined bubbles, saline earth and a long, focused finish. Recommended drinking window: 2026–2040.

92 Points — Vinous
A lifted and attractive expression of pure Meunier, showing dried pear, crushed flowers, chamomile, mint and light caramel. The wine's generous fruit and oak become increasingly harmonious with air.

Food Pairing

A gastronomic Champagne that pairs beautifully with roast chicken, duck, grilled pork, smoked trout, salmon, mushroom dishes, creamy risotto and aged cheeses. Its saline minerality and Extra Brut dryness also complement oysters, shellfish and fried seafood.

Wine Details

• Producer: Champagne Pierre Paillard
• Country: France
• Region: Champagne
• Area: Montagne de Reims
• Village: Taissy
• Classification: Premier Cru
• Vintage: 2020
• Wine Type: Blanc de Noirs, Extra Brut
• Grape Variety: 100% Meunier
• Vineyard: Les Dessus de Monthouzons
• Vine Age: Planted in 1963
• Vineyard Position: Lower, north-facing slopes of the Montagne de Reims
• Soil: Thin clay layer directly over chalk
• Farming: Certified organic
• Vinification and Aging: Oak barrels
• Secondary Fermentation: In bottle under natural cork
• Lees Aging: Approximately 4.5 years
• Dosage: 2 grams per liter
• Bottle Size: 750ml

Pierre Paillard Champagne Grand Cru Extra Brut Les Parcelles Bouzy XXII 2022 | 750ml | Bouzy Grand Cru, Montagne de Reims, Champagne, France

Les Parcelles Bouzy XXII is the signature expression of Pierre Paillard's historic estate in the Grand Cru village of Bouzy. Based primarily on the 2022 harvest, this Pinot Noir–dominant Extra Brut Champagne balances the generosity and power associated with Bouzy's sunny southern slopes with the precision, freshness and mineral structure provided by its chalk-rich soils.

The Paillard family has cultivated vines in Bouzy for more than two centuries. Today, eighth-generation brothers Antoine and Quentin Paillard oversee an estate of approximately 11 hectares, farmed organically and situated entirely within this celebrated Grand Cru village on the southern side of the Montagne de Reims.

Les Parcelles XXII is composed of 80% Pinot Noir and 20% Chardonnay. The blend is based on 80% wine from the 2022 harvest, complemented by 20% reserve wine to add depth, harmony and continuity of style. The fruit comes from mature, south-facing vineyards in Bouzy, including Les Maillerettes, Les Mignottes and Les Mottelettes, planted over chalky soils containing a proportion of clay.

Fermentation takes place with indigenous yeasts in 350-liter oak barrels, followed by full malolactic fermentation. The wine remains in barrel during its initial élevage and then matures for 36 months on the lees after the secondary fermentation. It is disgorged with a very low dosage of 2 grams per liter and bottled without fining or filtration, preserving its vinous texture and distinctive Bouzy character.

Richly aromatic and expressive, the wine opens with roasted apricot, dried pear, ripe citrus and Seville orange, joined by notes of brown pastry, buttered toast and warm spice. The palate is broad, bright and detailed, combining generous, sun-ripened fruit with lively freshness and a fine chalky backbone.

Pinot Noir provides body, structure and depth, while Chardonnay contributes lift, citrus definition and elegance. Notes of bitter orange, white pepper and toasted pastry unfold across the palate, leading to a long, dry and pleasantly savory finish. Despite the natural richness of the warm 2022 growing season, the wine retains youthful energy, freshness and excellent balance.

Les Parcelles is an ideal introduction to the Pierre Paillard style: vinous and generous enough to accompany a meal, yet precise and energetic enough to enjoy as an aperitif. It may be enjoyed now for its expressive fruit and complexity or cellared for further development.

Critical Acclaim

93 Points — Decanter
An expressive and mature Champagne showing roasted apricot, dried pear, Seville orange, pastry and buttered-toast notes. Broad and detailed on the palate, with bitter citrus, white pepper and a long, pleasantly dry finish.

Food Pairing

A versatile gastronomic Champagne for roasted poultry, grilled salmon, seared scallops, lobster, mushroom dishes, aged Comté, creamy cheeses and savory pastries. Its bright citrus character and Extra Brut dryness also make it an excellent match for fried seafood, oysters and tempura.

Wine Details

• Producer: Champagne Pierre Paillard
• Country: France
• Region: Champagne
• Appellation: Champagne Grand Cru
• Village: Bouzy
• Area: Montagne de Reims
• Cuvée: Les Parcelles XXII
• Base Harvest: 2022
• Blend: 80% Pinot Noir and 20% Chardonnay
• Reserve Wine: 20%
• Vineyard Sources: Les Maillerettes, Les Mignottes and Les Mottelettes
• Vine Age: More than 55 years
• Exposure: South-facing
• Soil: Chalk with some clay
• Farming: Certified organic
• Fermentation: Indigenous yeasts
• Vessel: 350-liter oak barrels
• Malolactic Fermentation: Completed
• Lees Aging: 36 months
• Dosage: 2 grams per liter
• Classification: Extra Brut
• Fining and Filtration: Unfined and unfiltered
• Bottle Size: 750ml

Guy Charlemagne Vieilles Vignes Mésnillésime — Le Mesnil-sur-Oger 2015

Guy Charlemagne's Mésnillésime is the estate's most serious statement — a single-vintage, single-village Blanc de Blancs drawn exclusively from old vines averaging 58 years of age, rooted in the chalk-rich Grand Cru soils of Le Mesnil-sur-Oger. The 2015 vintage delivered a warm, concentrated expression of Chardonnay, vinified partly in oak barrels without malolactic fermentation to preserve the wine's tension and mineral purity. After approximately six years of lees aging, it was disgorged with a dosage of just 3 g/L — firmly Extra Brut — allowing the terroir of Le Mesnil to speak without interference.

In the glass, pale gold with green highlights and a fine, persistent mousse. The bouquet opens with candied lemon, ripe apple, pear, acacia honey, and white flowers, deepening with air into brioche, toasted almond, flint, and a delicate iodine-like smokiness. The palate is rich yet precise — ripe orchard fruit and candied citrus layered with pastry, subtle oak, and chalky minerality, carried by bright acidity to a long, saline finish of citrus zest, flint, and vanilla. A gastronomic Champagne built for the table: oysters, caviar, lobster, roasted turbot, sole meunière, or aged Comté.

Wine Enthusiast 95 • Vinous 90 — "Done in a light-bodied, ethereal style. Dried lemon peel, crushed flowers, chamomile and dried herbs show the gentle patina of age."

• Producer: Guy Charlemagne, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Champagne, France
• Vintage: 2015
• Appellation: Champagne Grand Cru
• Village: Le Mesnil-sur-Oger
• Cuvée: Vieilles Vignes Mésnillésime
• Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
• Style: Blanc de Blancs, Extra Brut
• Vinification: Partially aged in oak; no malolactic fermentation
• Dosage: Approximately 3 g/L
• Lees Aging: Approximately six years
• Size: 750ml
• Serving Temperature: 48–54°F
• Best Paired With: Oysters, caviar, lobster, roasted turbot, sole meunière, aged Comté
• Cellar Potential: Enjoy now or cellar for further development

A 95-point grower Champagne from one of Le Mesnil-sur-Oger's most dedicated estates — old vines, low dosage, and six years on lees make this one of the most compelling Blanc de Blancs available today.

Guy Charlemagne Champagne Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs B.C. Origine Les Chétillons — Le Mesnil-sur-Oger 2012

Guy Charlemagne is one of Le Mesnil-sur-Oger’s most revered grower-producers, farming a precious parcel within Les Chétillons — one of the most celebrated single-vineyard Chardonnay sites in all of Champagne. The Charlemagne family tends nearly one hectare across four parcels in Les Chétillons and Les Chétillons de Haut, planted between 1970 and 1991 using massal selections on south- and east-facing slopes. The vines’ roots penetrate deep into exposed chalk, giving the wine its defining combination of concentration, salinity, and mineral precision. B.C. Origine is the estate’s most uncompromising expression: fermented in seasoned oak barrels, with malolactic fermentation completely blocked to preserve acidity and tension, and aged under natural cork — a labor-intensive technique known as tiré bouché liège practiced here since the 1988 vintage. The 2012 spent approximately 12 years on its lees before being disgorged by hand in May 2025. Production was limited to roughly 2,000 bottles — the first time this vintage was offered in a standard 750ml format.

In the glass: lemon oil, crisp orchard fruit, dried citrus, green apple, and white flowers layered with biscuit, almond, toasted bread, green tea, smoke, and subtle reductive notes. The palate is concentrated and sharply defined — fine mousse, vibrant acidity, a powerful chalk-driven backbone — leading into a remarkably long, saline finish of flint, mouthwatering bitterness, and persistent mineral tension. Best served in a white-wine or Burgundy-style glass, not a flute.

Vinous 92 — “The 2012 Blanc de Blancs Les Chétillons is creamy, open-knit and very easy to like. Lemon confit, marzipan, spice and floral overtones capture all the exuberance and radiance of the year.”

• Producer: Guy Charlemagne, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Champagne, France
• Vintage: 2012
• Appellation: Champagne Grand Cru
• Vineyard: Les Chétillons, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger
• Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
• Style: Vintage Blanc de Blancs, Extra Brut
• Fermentation: Seasoned oak barrels; malolactic fermentation blocked
• Aging: ~12 years on lees under natural cork (tiré bouché liège)
• Bottled: February 2013 | Disgorged: May 2025
• Production: ~2,000 bottles
• Alcohol: 12.5% | Size: 750ml
• Serve: 48–54°F in a white-wine or Burgundy-style glass
• Best Paired With: Caviar, oysters, lobster, seared scallops, turbot, Dover sole, roasted poultry, aged Comté

A once-in-a-decade release from one of Le Mesnil’s most important growers — 12 years on the lees, ~2,000 bottles, and a chalk-driven precision that only Les Chétillons can deliver.

Guy Charlemagne | Les Coullemets — Mesnillésimes | Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut | Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Côte des Blancs, Champagne | 2016

Guy Charlemagne is a celebrated grower-producer based in Le Mesnil-sur-Oger — one of Champagne's most prestigious Grand Cru villages, renowned worldwide for producing Blanc de Blancs of extraordinary mineral precision, tension, and longevity. The estate's vineyards average 58–60 years of age and are planted with massal selections, contributing depth, concentration, and a strong sense of place. Guy Charlemagne uses extended bottle aging and slightly reduced pressure for its parcel wines, creating a fine mousse and elegant, creamy texture while preserving clarity and tension.

Les Coullemets is part of Guy Charlemagne's distinguished “Mesnillésimes” series — single-vineyard, single-vintage expressions of individual Le Mesnil lieux-dits that showcase the unique character of each parcel. Les Coullemets is produced entirely from Chardonnay grown in the chalk-rich soils of Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, reflecting the naturally firm structure, mineral precision, and saline depth for which the village is celebrated.

The 2016 vintage in Champagne produced wines of exceptional freshness, tension, and aging potential. The bouquet opens with white flowers, crisp apple, citrus peel, and ripe pear, followed by fresh pineapple, brioche, toasted nuts, gentle spice, and a subtle smoky quality. On the palate, taut and energetic — bright acidity with a refined mousse and a pronounced chalky mineral core. Lemon, white peach, almond, and orchard fruit lead into a long, fresh finish marked by bitter citrus, salinity, and finely etched minerality. The Extra Brut dosage keeps the wine dry and focused, allowing the purity of the Chardonnay and the distinctive character of Les Coullemets to remain at the forefront. Expressive now, with the structure and concentration to develop further with additional bottle age.

Serve as a sophisticated aperitif or pair with oysters, caviar, lobster, crab, seared scallops, grilled sole, halibut with lemon butter, sushi, and mild creamy cheeses.

• Producer: Guy Charlemagne
• Cuvée: Les Coullemets (Mesnillésimes series)
• Classification: Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut
• Appellation: Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Côte des Blancs, Champagne, France
• Grape: Chardonnay (100%)
• Vintage: 2016
• Vine Age: ~58–60 years; massal selections
• Alcohol: 12.5% ABV
• Serving: 48–54°F; enjoy now or cellar for further development
• Bottle Size: 750ml

Critical Acclaim — Vintage 2016

• Vinous — 91 pts: Laced with hints of lemon oil, chalk, mint and dried flowers. Light on its feet and vibrant — a classic Champagne from Mesnil. Bracing saline notes support the mid-palate and finish.

R. Pouillon & Fils | Soléra | Extra-Brut | Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, Vallée de la Marne, Champagne | 1997–2018 Base | Biodynamic

R. Pouillon & Fils is one of Champagne's most exciting and principled grower-producers, based in the Premier Cru village of Mareuil-sur-Aÿ in the Vallée de la Marne. Fabrice Pouillon farms his vineyards according to organic and biodynamic principles, with a deep commitment to expressing the individual character of each parcel and the terroir of Mareuil-sur-Aÿ.

Soléra Extra-Brut is one of Fabrice Pouillon's most distinctive and intellectually compelling Champagnes — a multi-vintage cuvée created from a perpetual reserve established in 1997, designed to diminish the influence of any single harvest and place the character of Mareuil-sur-Aÿ firmly at the center of the wine. Each year, approximately 30% of the soléra is drawn off for secondary fermentation and replaced with 30% wine from the new harvest. This continuous process allows numerous vintages to become seamlessly integrated, adding layers of maturity and complexity while preserving the freshness and vitality of the most recent wine.

The blend is an equal partnership of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from Mareuil-sur-Aÿ — Pinot Noir contributing structure, depth, and vinous power; Chardonnay bringing freshness, lift, and finely defined acidity. From the creation of the soléra through the addition of the 2010 vintage, the reserve was aged entirely in stainless steel. It is now maintained in upright oak vessels with full malolactic fermentation — an evolution in élevage that contributes additional texture and dimension without obscuring the purity of the fruit or the mineral character of the terroir.

Electric and terroir-driven, with high-toned aromatics, fresh acidity, and exceptional length. The bouquet opens with orange zest, ripe pear, apple blossom, fennel seed, and warm brioche, with notes of steeped raspberry, whole-grain toast, honeycomb, spice, and a subtle hint of Timut pepper. On the palate, medium- to full-bodied, bright, and seamless — generous fruit and layered texture balanced by tangy acidity and ample chalky extract. A fine, persistent mousse carries the flavors across the palate, while the Extra-Brut dosage keeps the finish dry, precise, and energetic. Light on its feet yet possessing remarkable depth and intensity, continuing to unfold with each sip.

Pair with oysters, lobster, roasted poultry, mushroom dishes, smoked fish, aged Comté, and other firm or nutty cheeses.

• Producer: R. Pouillon & Fils
• Cuvée: Soléra Extra-Brut
• Style: Multi-vintage Extra-Brut
• Appellation: Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, Vallée de la Marne, Champagne, France
• Blend: 50% Chardonnay, 50% Pinot Noir
• Soléra Established: 1997; most recent addition 2018
• Method: ~30% drawn off and replaced annually with new harvest wine
• Farming: Organic & biodynamic principles
• Élevage: Initially stainless steel (through 2010); now upright oak vessels; full malolactic fermentation
• Dosage: Extra-Brut
• Bottle Size: 750ml

Critical Acclaim

• Wine Advocate — 94 pts: Orange zest, pear, fennel seeds, warm brioche, and a hint of Timut pepper. Medium- to full-bodied, bright, and seamless with striking complexity. Ample chalky extract and tangy acidity define its structure, with a persistent mousse through the long finish.
• Wine Spectator — 92 pts: Rapier-like acidity with expressive flavors of steeped raspberry, whole-grain toast, apple blossom, and a touch of honeycomb.

R. Pouillon & Fils | Les Blanchiens | Premier Cru Brut Nature | Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, Vallée de la Marne, Champagne | 2017 | Biodynamic | Zero Dosage

R. Pouillon & Fils is one of Champagne's most exciting and principled grower-producers, based in the Premier Cru village of Mareuil-sur-Aÿ in the Vallée de la Marne. Fabrice Pouillon farms his vineyards according to biodynamic principles — a commitment to the land that goes beyond organic certification, working in harmony with natural cycles to produce wines of exceptional purity, vitality, and terroir expression.

Les Blanchiens is considered one of the defining wines of the Pouillon estate — a mono-cru vintage Champagne from a single south-facing parcel in Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, farmed biodynamically on clay-limestone soils. An equal blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, the two varieties are fermented separately in used neutral barriques and raised for approximately 18 months in neutral oak before bottling — the restrained use of older oak adding texture and complexity without masking the purity of the fruit or the distinctive character of the terroir.

As a Brut Nature Champagne, Les Blanchiens is finished without dosage — zero grams per liter — placing the focus entirely on the quality of the fruit, the structure of the vintage, and the mineral tension of the vineyard. This is a wine that demands and rewards attention.

The bouquet is distinctive and complex — opening with unique aromas of black tea and bitter orange, joined by ripe citrus, orchard fruit, dried flowers, gentle spice, toasted grain, and subtle chalky minerality. On the palate, powerful yet remarkably light on its feet: Pinot Noir provides drive and structure, while Chardonnay contributes brightness, precision, and energy. Finely delineated texture with vibrant acidity and a persistent mousse carrying the wine into an exceptionally long, focused finish. A vinous, gastronomic Champagne that continues to reveal new layers as it opens in the glass.

Pair with oysters, caviar, lobster, grilled fish, scallops, roast poultry, mushroom dishes, aged Comté, and other firm or nutty cheeses.

• Producer: R. Pouillon & Fils
• Cuvée: Les Blanchiens
• Classification: Premier Cru Brut Nature (Zero Dosage)
• Appellation: Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, Vallée de la Marne, Champagne, France
• Blend: 50% Pinot Noir, 50% Chardonnay
• Vintage: 2017
• Farming: Biodynamic
• Soils: Clay-limestone; south-facing
• Vinification: Varieties fermented separately in neutral barriques
• Élevage: ~18 months in neutral oak
• Malolactic Fermentation: Yes
• Dosage: Zero (Brut Nature)
• Bottle Size: 750ml

R. Pouillon & Fils | Les Terres Froides | Blanc de Blancs Extra-Brut | Tauxières-Mutry, Montagne de Reims, Champagne | 2020 | Organic

R. Pouillon & Fils is one of Champagne's most exciting and principled grower-producers, based in the Premier Cru village of Mareuil-sur-Aÿ in the Vallée de la Marne. Fabrice Pouillon farms his vineyards with rigorous organic principles and biodynamic practices — emphasizing healthy soils, balanced vines, careful observation, and minimal intervention, allowing each vineyard's natural character to remain at the center of the finished Champagne.

Les Terres Froides — "the cold lands" — is a precise and mineral-driven Blanc de Blancs from a distinctive single vineyard in the village of Tauxières-Mutry, within the Montagne de Reims. Fabrice Pouillon farms approximately half a hectare in the lieu-dit Les Fourches, southwest of Tauxières-Mutry and close to Tours-sur-Marne. The vineyard's northern exposure and cool microclimate contribute to a long, gradual ripening season, preserving exceptional freshness, acidity, and aromatic precision. Tauxières-Mutry was historically awarded a 99% rating under the échelle des crus classification — just one point below Grand Cru status — and the soils in this parcel contain a higher proportion of chalk than those closer to the village, creating an exceptional environment for Chardonnay.

The wine is vinified in a combination of neutral barriques and traditional enameled tanks, undergoes malolactic fermentation, and is raised for approximately eight months before bottling — a restrained approach that preserves the freshness and saline character of the Chardonnay while adding subtle texture and complexity.

Lemon zest, crisp green apple, white peach, pear, and delicate white flowers on the nose, evolving into crushed chalk, oyster shell, fresh bread, and subtle spice. On the palate, taut, focused, and beautifully delineated — bright citrus and orchard fruit carried by vibrant acidity and a fine, persistent mousse. A pronounced chalky minerality gives the wine tension and exceptional length. The Extra-Brut dosage keeps the finish dry, refreshing, and laser-precise.

For Chablis drinkers. For those who would rather begin a meal with oysters and end it with nothing but a refill. This is Champagne at its absolute finest.

Pair with oysters, shellfish, caviar, sushi, grilled fish, scallops, goat cheese, fresh cheeses, and lightly prepared poultry.

• Producer: R. Pouillon & Fils
• Cuvée: Les Terres Froides Blanc de Blancs
• Style: Blanc de Blancs Extra-Brut
• Appellation: Tauxières-Mutry, Montagne de Reims, Champagne, France
• Grape: Chardonnay (100%)
• Vintage: 2020
• Farming: Organic with biodynamic principles
• Vineyard: Les Terres Froides (lieu-dit of Les Fourches); northern exposure; ~0.5 ha
• Soils: Chalk-rich clay-limestone; 99% échelle des crus
• Vinification: Neutral barriques & enameled tanks; malolactic fermentation
• Élevage: ~8 months before bottling
• Dosage: Extra-Brut
• Alcohol: 12% ABV
• Bottle Size: 750ml

R. Pouillon & Fils | Grande Vallée | Extra-Brut | Vallée de la Marne & Montagne de Reims, Champagne | 2021 Base | Biodynamic

R. Pouillon & Fils is one of Champagne's most exciting and principled grower-producers, based in the Premier Cru village of Mareuil-sur-Aÿ in the Vallée de la Marne. Fabrice Pouillon farms his vineyards according to biodynamic principles — a commitment to the land that goes beyond organic certification, working in harmony with natural cycles to produce wines of exceptional purity, vitality, and terroir expression.

Grande Vallée — formerly known as Réserve Brut — is a compelling expression of the Vallée de la Marne through the distinctive lens of Fabrice Pouillon. The cuvée brings together fruit from across the domaine's holdings in the Vallée de la Marne and Montagne de Reims, creating a broad and detailed portrait of the estate's varied terroirs. The blend is approximately 65% Pinot Noir, 20% Pinot Meunier, and 15% Chardonnay, grown on clay-limestone soils — the Pinot Noir providing structure and depth, Pinot Meunier contributing generous fruit and suppleness, and Chardonnay bringing lift, freshness, and precision.

Fermentation takes place with native yeasts in a combination of neutral barrels, small vats, and traditional enameled tanks. The wine undergoes full malolactic fermentation and is raised for approximately eight months before bottling. Since the 2019 vintage, Pouillon has employed his innovative Méthode Fabrice Pouillon across the range — using naturally sweet grape must from the estate rather than externally sourced sugar for the secondary fermentation and dosage, preserving a purer connection between the finished Champagne, its fruit, and its place of origin.

Luminous golden in the glass with an expressive, earthy bouquet. Aromas of juicy plum, ripe orchard fruit, subtle savory notes, gentle wood influence, and a faint oxidative complexity. On the palate, lighter and more energetic than the nose initially suggests — generous fruit with fine tension, firm Pinot structure, and bright, refreshing acidity. The texture is expansive yet remarkably agile, with a persistent mousse and a long, mineral-driven finish. Depth without heaviness, intensity without excess.

Excellent as an aperitif and particularly well suited to oysters, shellfish, roast poultry, mushroom dishes, aged cheeses, and savory pastries.

• Producer: R. Pouillon & Fils
• Cuvée: Grande Vallée
• Style: Extra-Brut
• Appellation: Vallée de la Marne & Montagne de Reims, Champagne, France
• Blend: ~65% Pinot Noir, 20% Pinot Meunier, 15% Chardonnay
• Base Vintage: 2021
• Farming: Biodynamic
• Soils: Clay-limestone
• Fermentation: Native yeasts; neutral oak, small vats & enameled tanks
• Élevage: ~8 months before bottling; full malolactic fermentation
• Dosage: Estate grape must (Méthode Fabrice Pouillon)
• Bottle Size: 750ml

Critical Acclaim

• Vinous Media — 91 pts: Earthy and expansive — ripe red pepper, juicy plum and a subtle oxidative edge. Lighter and fresher than the nose suggests, with inherent juiciness, firm Pinot structure and bright acidity. Individual, expressive and surprisingly light on its feet.

R. Pouillon & Fils | Méthode Fabrice Pouillon — Chemin du Bois | Extra-Brut | Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, Vallée de la Marne, Champagne | 2018 | Organic & Biodynamic

R. Pouillon & Fils is one of Champagne's most exciting and principled grower-producers, based in the Premier Cru village of Mareuil-sur-Aÿ in the Vallée de la Marne. Fabrice Pouillon farms his vineyards according to organic and biodynamic principles, with close attention paid to soil health, vine balance, and full physiological ripeness at harvest.

Chemin du Bois is one of Fabrice Pouillon's most innovative and daring Champagnes — created to demonstrate how thoughtful farming, natural ripeness, and minimal intervention can reshape the traditional Champagne method. Produced entirely from Pinot Noir grown in the single Chemin du Bois vineyard in Mareuil-sur-Aÿ on clay-limestone soils, this cuvée is defined by Pouillon's proprietary Méthode Fabrice Pouillon — a radical departure from conventional Champagne production.

Conventional Champagne permits the addition of externally sourced sugar at three stages: chaptalization, the prise de mousse that creates the bubbles, and dosage after disgorgement. Chemin du Bois uses none of it. Instead, approximately 15% of the juice is reserved in stainless steel until spring. The remaining juice ferments spontaneously with ambient yeasts in neutral barrels. After approximately 12 months, the finished base wine is blended with the reserved grape juice, initiating a second natural fermentation entirely from the estate's own fruit. When dosage is used, it too is prepared from grape juice rather than refined sugar. The result is a Champagne of remarkable purity, individuality, and direct terroir connection.

Full-bodied and muscular, the 2018 combines the generosity and warmth of the vintage with Pouillon's characteristic precision. Ripe orchard fruit, citrus peel, red apple, and subtle red-fruit tones joined by warm brioche, spice, toasted grain, and chalky minerality. On the palate, broad and textural with a powerful, gastronomic attack, a layered mid-palate supported by vibrant acidity, a persistent mousse, and a long, enveloping finish. Despite its breadth and concentration, the wine remains energetic and beautifully controlled.

A profound, vinous Champagne intended as much for the table as for celebration. Pair with roast poultry, veal, pork, lobster, seared scallops, mushroom dishes, aged Comté, and other richly flavored cheeses.

• Producer: R. Pouillon & Fils
• Cuvée: Méthode Fabrice Pouillon — Chemin du Bois
• Style: Extra-Brut
• Appellation: Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, Vallée de la Marne, Champagne, France
• Grape: Pinot Noir (100%)
• Vintage: 2018
• Farming: Organic & biodynamic principles
• Soils: Clay-limestone; single vineyard Chemin du Bois
• Fermentation: Ambient yeasts in neutral barrels; no externally sourced sugar at any stage
• Secondary Fermentation: Initiated by reserved estate grape juice (15% of harvest)
• Élevage: ~12 months in oak casks; full malolactic fermentation
• Dosage: Extra-Brut (estate grape juice only)
• Bottle Size: 750ml

Critical Acclaim — Vintage 2018

• Wine Advocate — 92 pts: Full-bodied and muscular — broad-shouldered and textural opening developing into a layered and flavorful mid-palate. Vibrant acidity provides energy and definition, while the long, enveloping finish captures the warmth and generosity of the 2018 vintage.

Pascal Doquet | Champ d'Alouettes | Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs Extra-Brut | Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Côte des Blancs, Champagne | 2005

Pascal Doquet is one of the Côte des Blancs' most respected grower-producers, farming certified organic vineyards in Le Mesnil-sur-Oger — one of Champagne's most celebrated Grand Cru villages, renowned worldwide for producing Blanc de Blancs of extraordinary mineral precision, tension, and longevity. Doquet has been certified organic by Ecocert since 2010, a commitment to the land that translates directly into wines of exceptional purity and terroir transparency.

Champ d'Alouettes — "Field of Larks" — is a single mid-slope lieu-dit in the heart of Le Mesnil-sur-Oger. The parcel's chalk-rich, freely draining soils encourage the vines to develop extraordinarily deep root systems, giving the finished Champagne remarkable mineral intensity and depth. Pascal Doquet selected fruit from some of the estate's finest vines in this parcel to produce a wine that reflects the identity of the site with exceptional clarity.

The 2005 vintage in Champagne was warm and generous, producing wines of exceptional concentration and ripeness. The wine was vinified and matured partly in oak barrels, adding texture and subtle breadth without overwhelming its mineral character. Malolactic fermentation was deliberately avoided to preserve the natural freshness and tension of the Chardonnay. It then spent an exceptionally long period — approximately 15 years — aging on its lees in bottle, developing the fine mousse, creamy texture, and complex mature aromas associated with carefully cellared vintage Champagne. Final dosage of approximately 3 g/L places it firmly in the Extra-Brut category.

Deep golden in the glass with a fine, persistent bead. The bouquet opens with lemon oil, candied citrus peel, baked apple, and ripe pear, followed by layers of toasted brioche, hazelnut, almond, dried white flowers, and subtle honeycomb. With air, notes of crushed chalk, oyster shell, smoke, and warm spice emerge, revealing the extraordinary complexity of extended lees aging. On the palate, structured, vinous, and beautifully concentrated — preserved lemon, yellow apple, Mirabelle plum, and citrus zest balanced by toasted nuts, biscuit, and delicate spice. A firm chalky backbone provides freshness and precision despite the richness of the mature vintage. The Extra-Brut dosage keeps the finish dry, focused, and saline, with lingering notes of citrus, roasted hazelnut, and mineral chalk.

A fully developed, gastronomic Champagne drinking beautifully now. Serve moderately chilled in a generous Champagne or white wine glass. Pair with oysters, scallops, langoustines, lobster, turbot, sole in beurre blanc, roast chicken with mushrooms, truffle risotto, aged Comté, Parmesan, and mature goat cheese.

• Producer: Pascal Doquet
• Cuvée: Champ d'Alouettes
• Classification: Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs
• Appellation: Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Côte des Blancs, Champagne, France
• Grape: Chardonnay (100%)
• Vintage: 2005
• Farming: Certified Organic (Ecocert since 2010)
• Soils: Cretaceous chalk; single lieu-dit Champ d'Alouettes
• Vinification: Partly in oak barrels; no malolactic fermentation
• Lees Aging: ~15 years on lees in bottle
• Dosage: ~3 g/L (Extra-Brut)
• Alcohol: ~12.5% ABV
• Availability: Extremely limited
• Bottle Size: 750ml

Pascal Doquet | Vertus — Cœur de Terroir | Premier Cru Vintage Champagne | Vertus, Côte des Blancs, Champagne | 2009 | Organic

Pascal Doquet is one of the Côte des Blancs' most respected grower-producers, farming certified organic vineyards across several important Champagne villages. His Cœur de Terroir — "heart of the terroir" — collection is devoted to individual villages, historic parcels, and the distinctive character of their soils. The Vertus Cœur de Terroir was the very first wine conceived for this series — a fitting tribute to Vertus, the village at the heart of Doquet's estate.

The fruit comes from Pascal's finest Premier Cru sites in Vertus: Barrilliers, Nuisats, Vieille Voie, Corvées, Grange au Bar, Les Grues, and La Barre — vineyards rooted in Cretaceous chalk and clay that give the wine both mineral definition and a broader, more generous texture than the sharply linear Champagnes of nearby Le Mesnil-sur-Oger. All vineyards are certified organic by Ecocert.

The 2009 blend is composed of 70% Chardonnay and 30% Pinot Noir — the Pinot Noir sourced from La Barre, contributing structure, depth, and a subtle red-fruit character, while the Chardonnay provides freshness, chalky tension, and length. The wine was vinified and matured for approximately 11 months in neutral oak barrels, with full malolactic fermentation adding creaminess and roundness. After bottling, the Champagne spent an exceptional 12 years aging sur latte before disgorgement, developing extraordinary complexity and richness while preserving the mineral energy of the Vertus terroir. Finished with a very low dosage of approximately 2 g/L MCR — stylistically near Extra-Brut despite the Brut designation.

Full-bodied and deeply layered with a fine, persistent mousse. Aromas of ripe apple, preserved lemon, and pear joined by toasted brioche, hazelnut, dried flowers, and subtle red-fruit notes. With air, mature tones of pastry, warm spice, chalk, and savory lees emerge. On the palate, broad and creamy, balanced by bright acidity and a firm mineral core. The finish is long, dry, and saline, with lingering notes of citrus, orchard fruit, toast, and chalk. A gastronomic Champagne with the depth and maturity to accompany a full meal.

Serve in a white wine glass rather than a narrow flute to fully appreciate its developed aromas and layered texture. Pair with roasted poultry, veal, lobster, scallops, mushroom dishes, truffle risotto, creamy sauces, aged Comté, Gruyère, and mature goat cheese.

• Producer: Pascal Doquet
• Cuvée: Vertus — Cœur de Terroir
• Classification: Premier Cru Vintage Champagne
• Appellation: Vertus, Côte des Blancs, Champagne, France
• Blend: 70% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot Noir
• Vintage: 2009
• Farming: Certified Organic (Ecocert)
• Vineyards: Barrilliers, Nuisats, Vieille Voie, Corvées, Grange au Bar, Les Grues, La Barre
• Soils: Cretaceous chalk and clay
• Vinification: 11 months in neutral oak; full malolactic fermentation
• Lees Aging: 12 years sur latte
• Dosage: ~2 g/L MCR (near Extra-Brut)
• Alcohol: 12.5% ABV
• Bottle Size: 750ml

Pascal Doquet | Mont Aimé — Cœur de Terroir | Premier Cru Blanc de Blancs | Côte des Blancs, Champagne | 2007 | Organic | No Added Sulfites

Pascal Doquet is one of the Côte des Blancs' most respected grower-producers, farming just under nine hectares of certified organic vineyards across several important Champagne villages. Widely recognized for mineral-driven wines made with a strong commitment to vineyard health and organic agriculture, Doquet has been certified organic by Ecocert since 2010. His Cœur de Terroir — "heart of the terroir" — collection identifies his most site-specific and limited-production wines: single-village, single-vintage bottlings intended to capture the identity of an individual place with exceptional clarity, rather than blending fruit from several villages.

Mont Aimé is a historic chalk outcrop situated east of Vertus in the southern Côte des Blancs — a less familiar but genuinely distinctive corner of Champagne. Although the vineyards face south, the site has a noticeably cooler microclimate than Doquet's parcels in Vertus and Le Mesnil-sur-Oger. The Chardonnay here ripens approximately one week later, extending the growing season and helping the fruit retain exceptional freshness, acidity, and aromatic precision. The site's chalky soils contribute the firm mineral structure and persistent saline character that distinguish this Champagne.

The 2007 Mont Aimé is therefore both a mature vintage Champagne and a focused expression of this cooler terroir. Made without added sulfites. Extended bottle aging has given this Champagne considerable depth and tertiary complexity while preserving the energy and mineral definition associated with Pascal Doquet's wines.

Creamy, finely textured, and beautifully balanced. The nose opens with ripe apple, spiced pear, and exotic spices, evolving into layers of cinnamon, subtle chocolate, toasted pastry, and chalky minerality. On the palate, medium-bodied with fine bubbles, fresh acidity, and a precise, flavorful, and persistent finish. Ready to enjoy now, with continued evolution under proper cellar conditions.

Serve slightly warmer than a young non-vintage Champagne to allow its mature aromas to fully emerge. Pair with seared scallops, lobster, roasted turbot, grilled seafood, mushroom dishes, poultry in cream sauce, aged Comté, creamy washed-rind cheeses, and aged French goat cheese.

• Producer: Pascal Doquet
• Cuvée: Mont Aimé — Cœur de Terroir
• Classification: Premier Cru Blanc de Blancs
• Appellation: Mont Aimé, Côte des Blancs, Champagne, France
• Grape: Chardonnay (100%)
• Vintage: 2007
• Farming: Certified Organic (Ecocert since 2010)
• Sulfites: No sulfites added
• Alcohol: ~12.5% ABV
• Bottle Size: 750ml

Critical Acclaim — Vintage 2007

• James Suckling — 93 pts: Beautifully mature and terroir-focused — creamy texture, refined bubbles, exotic spice, and the distinctive chalky freshness of Mont Aimé. Balance, comforting texture, and spicy complexity.

Pascal Doquet | Diapason | Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs | Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Côte des Blancs, Champagne | 2015 Base | Organic

Pascal Doquet is one of the Côte des Blancs' most respected grower-producers, farming certified organic vineyards in Le Mesnil-sur-Oger — one of Champagne's most celebrated and prestigious Grand Cru villages, renowned worldwide for producing Blanc de Blancs of extraordinary mineral precision, tension, and longevity. Doquet has farmed organically for many years and has been certified by Ecocert since 2010, a commitment to the land that translates directly into wines of exceptional purity and terroir transparency.

Diapason is a remarkable Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs from the celebrated Cretaceous chalk soils of Le Mesnil-sur-Oger. The ripe 2015 harvest forms the base of the cuvée, complemented by reserve wines maintained through a perpetual reserve system. The fruit comes from old Chardonnay vines rooted deeply in Le Mesnil's chalk, including parcels planted as far back as the 1920s — vines whose extraordinary depth of root gives the wine its signature tension, salinity, and finely etched mineral character.

Grapes are harvested by hand and fermented with indigenous yeasts. Approximately half the wine is vinified in neutral oak barrels, the remainder in enamel-lined tanks — preserving freshness while adding subtle texture and complexity. Malolactic fermentation is completed, and the Champagne spends an extended period aging on its lees before disgorgement at a restrained dosage of approximately 3.5 g/L, allowing the purity of fruit and terroir to remain at the forefront.

The bouquet opens with vibrant aromas of lemon peel, Asian pear, gooseberry, white flowers, and passion fruit, followed by deeper notes of pastry dough, toasted almond, dried apricot, and chalk. On the palate, concentrated yet beautifully controlled — a creamy, finely textured mousse supported by bright acidity and a firm mineral structure. Citrus, nectarine, pear, ginger, and salted almond develop across the palate, leading to a long, precise, and distinctly saline finish. Powerful enough to accompany a meal, refined enough to serve as an aperitif.

Pair with oysters, lobster, scallops, caviar, grilled white fish, sushi, roast chicken, creamy cheeses, and aged Comté. Serve well chilled at 46–50°F in a white wine or tulip-shaped Champagne glass.

• Producer: Pascal Doquet
• Cuvée: Diapason
• Classification: Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs
• Appellation: Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Côte des Blancs, Champagne, France
• Grape: Chardonnay (100%)
• Base Vintage: 2015
• Farming: Certified Organic (Ecocert since 2010)
• Soils: Cretaceous chalk; vines from the 1920s
• Fermentation: Indigenous yeasts; 50% neutral oak, 50% enamel-lined tanks
• Dosage: ~3.5 g/L (Extra Brut)
• Bottle Size: 750ml

Yann Alexandre Champagne Sous-les-Roses Blanc de Noirs — Montagne de Reims 2017

From a single parcel in the village of Courmas, this grower Champagne is one of the most compelling Blanc de Noirs we carry. Yann Alexandre farms the Sous-les-Roses vineyard on shallow calcareous-clay soils ideally suited to Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, and the 2017 vintage — a late year followed by a great summer — produced beautifully mature, structured fruit. The blend of 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Pinot Meunier is fermented in stainless steel and oak barrel, then aged approximately five years en tirage under natural cork, building remarkable complexity, depth, and a refined mousse.

The result is a dry, focused, and gastronomic Champagne. Ripe stone fruit, brioche, and mineral tension lead to a full-flavored yet precise palate with fine texture and a long, vinous finish. At just 4 g/L dosage, this is Champagne for the table — equally at home with roast poultry, duck, veal, mushroom dishes, aged cheeses, and charcuterie.

• Producer: Yann Alexandre, Courmas, Montagne de Reims, Champagne, France
• Vintage: 2017
• Appellation: Champagne AOC
• Vineyard: Sous-les-Roses, Courmas — shallow calcareous-clay soils
• Blend: 60% Pinot Noir, 40% Pinot Meunier
• Vinification: Stainless steel and oak barrel; partial malolactic fermentation
• Élevage: ~6 months in stainless steel and oak barrel
• Lees Aging: ~5 years en tirage under natural cork
• Dosage: 4.0 g/L
• Residual Sugar: 4.0 g/L
• Acidity: 5.55 g/L
• Alcohol: 12%
• Farming: Certified Sustainable by OCACIA
• Size: 750ml
• Best Paired With: Roast poultry, duck, veal, mushroom dishes, charcuterie, aged cheeses, grilled fish

A rare single-vineyard Blanc de Noirs from a meticulous grower — Yann Alexandre's Sous-les-Roses is the kind of Champagne that rewards both the table and the cellar.

J. Vignier’s Pur Cramant is a rare, single-vineyard Grand Cru Champagne created to capture the character of one exceptional parcel in Cramant. For this cuvée, Nathalie Vignier selects a different lieu-dit from her family’s Cramant holdings according to which site she believes most clearly expresses the personality of the vintage. For the 2016 release, that vineyard was Les Fourches.

Located in the southern part of Cramant, close to the renowned Bateau vineyard, Les Fourches is planted with Chardonnay vines more than 55 years old. The parcel’s northeast-facing slopes and distinctive combination of clay-rich marl over pure Cretaceous chalk create a Champagne with both depth and precision. The marl contributes texture and power, while the deep chalk subsoil provides freshness, tension and the refined mineral character associated with the finest wines of the Côte des Blancs.

Produced entirely from Grand Cru Chardonnay, the wine was fermented and aged in stainless steel to preserve the purity of the fruit and the clarity of the vineyard expression. It underwent full malolactic fermentation and remained on its lees until bottling in April following the harvest. The Champagne then spent approximately 64 months aging en tirage before disgorgement, developing a fine mousse, greater complexity and a beautifully integrated texture.

Pur Cramant Les Fourches is precise, concentrated and elegantly structured. Aromas of lemon zest, white peach, green apple and white flowers are complemented by subtle notes of brioche, almond and chalk. The palate is energetic and finely textured, with bright citrus, ripe orchard fruit and a pronounced mineral core. Its Extra-Brut dosage keeps the finish dry, focused and persistent while allowing the character of the old vines and chalk-rich terroir to remain at the forefront.

This is a sophisticated, terroir-driven Champagne that is equally compelling as an aperitif or served with food. Pair it with oysters, caviar, scallops, lobster, sushi, roasted white fish, creamy poultry dishes, mushroom risotto or aged cheeses.

Wine Details

• Producer: J. Vignier
• Cuvée: Pur Cramant
• Lieu-Dit: Les Fourches
• Vintage: 2016
• Region: Champagne, France
• Appellation: Côte des Blancs
• Village: Cramant
• Classification: Grand Cru
• Wine Style: Blanc de Blancs Extra-Brut
• Grape Variety: 100% Chardonnay
• Vine Age: More than 55 years
• Orientation: Northeast
• Soil: Cretaceous chalk, marl and clay
• Farming: Certified sustainable by Socofret
• Vinification: Stainless steel
• Élevage: Stainless steel
• Malolactic Fermentation: Yes
• Lees Aging: Approximately 64 months en tirage before disgorgement
• Residual Sugar: 4.3 g/L
• Acidity: 4.4 g/L
• pH: 3.07
• Alcohol: 12.25%
• Bottle Size: 750ml