Labor Day Sale - Champagne & Sparkling!

Robin and Andréa McBride grew up on opposite sides of the world — Robin in Monterey, California, Andréa in New Zealand — and only discovered each other as adults, two half-sisters connected by their shared father and a shared passion for wine. In 2005 they founded McBride Sisters Collection, becoming the largest Black-owned wine company in the United States. The Black Girl Magic label is their love letter to celebration: wines crafted to bring people together, named for the joy and power of Black women everywhere.

The California Sparkling Brut is a luminous lemon-gold with soft lush bubbles and an immediately expressive nose of fresh pear, pineapple, and ripe melon lifted by lily florals. On the palate it is bright and juicy — crisp apple, white peach, and citrus zest come alive with a gentle effervescence that keeps every sip refreshing. The finish is clean and lingering, with just enough weight to hold its own at the brunch table or the celebration toast. A blend of Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Pinot Gris from California, it is as versatile as it is joyful.

• Producer: McBride Sisters Collection
• Label: Black Girl Magic
• Style: California Sparkling Brut NV
• Appellation: California, USA
• Blend: Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Fresh pear, pineapple, ripe melon, lily florals, crisp apple, white peach, citrus zest
• Food Pairings: Savory cheese board, smoked salmon, brunch dishes, oysters, fruit tarts

Founded by two sisters, built for celebration — Black Girl Magic Sparkling Brut is joy in every bubble.

The Vintage Champagne flute is perfect for beautifully developed champagnes. Its slim yet slightly tapered shape encourages the fine bead while highlighting aromatics in vintage champagnes, making it the choice for those connoisseurs who are after an elegant flute.

The glass includes a 'sparkling point' to aid the formation of bubbles.

This product is made of clear crystal glass.

Sommeliers was the world’s first wine friendly glass collection and a design revolution created by Claus J. Riedel (9th generation). The range adheres to the Bauhaus design principle of form follows function, as Claus J. Riedel had discovered that certain wines showed more depth and better balance when enjoyed from certain shapes. Thin-blown and unadorned, Sommeliers was the beginning of RIEDEL's dominance of the global wine glass market.

This product is handmade.

Our master glassmakers individually craft each item so every piece has a unique character. Due to the nature of crafting, small tolerances in the size and weight of each product, tiny bubbles, imperfections, or slight surface variations are an acceptable part of the process.

This pack contains a single piece. 

Lamberti Prosecco 187ml

Named after one of Verona's oldest noble families, Lamberti has been crafting wines from the Veneto since 1964. This single-serve 187ml Prosecco is a delightful expression of the Glera grape — dry, elegant, and effervescent — perfect for intimate celebrations, aperitivo moments, or anytime you want a glass of Italian sparkle without opening a full bottle.

Tasting Notes

Pale straw yellow with fine, persistent bubbles. Delicate aromas of green apple, honeydew, and fresh pear. On the palate, crisp and dry with a clean, refreshing finish.

Winemaking

Fruit is sourced from hillside vineyards across Treviso in the Veneto, harvested slightly before full maturation to preserve natural acidity. Secondary fermentation follows the Charmat method in pressurized tanks, enhancing the Glera grape's aromatic freshness.

Food Pairings

Ideal as an aperitif or alongside light bites. Pairs beautifully with shrimp, small salads, light soups, and delicate fish dishes.

• Grape: Glera
• Region: Prosecco DOC, Veneto, Italy
• Style: Sparkling, Dry (Brut)
• Size: 187ml

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

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2017

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

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

Tasting Notes

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

Food Pairing

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

Specifications

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

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

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

Expert Reviews - Base 2022

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

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

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

Tasting Notes

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

Food Pairing

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

Specifications

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

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

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

Expert Reviews

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

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

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

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

Tasting Notes

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

Food Pairing

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

Specifications

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

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

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

Expert Reviews

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

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

Tasting Notes

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

Food Pairing

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

Specifications

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wine Details

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

94 Points — Vinous

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

— Antonio Galloni, Vinous, 94 Points

Wine Details

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

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

Benoît Déhu’s Cuvée Initiation Brut Nature is a distinctive grower Champagne from Fossoy, on the western edge of the Vallée de la Marne in Champagne, France. Déhu is an eighth-generation vigneron whose family Champagne house dates to 1787. After working at Champagne Bollinger, he returned to the family estate and began pursuing a highly personal approach centered on biodynamic farming, parcel expression, low-intervention winemaking and the potential of Meunier.

Initiation is a blend of Meunier and Pinot Noir. The Meunier comes from Déhu’s celebrated La Rue des Noyers parcel, while the Pinot Noir is sourced from a small parcel lower on the hillside with predominantly clay and sand soils. Déhu planted the Pinot Noir using massale selections derived from a Pommard clone from Burgundy, bringing an intriguing Burgundian influence to this deeply Champenois wine.

La Rue des Noyers forms the heart of Déhu’s independent project: a 1.7-hectare parcel farmed biodynamically, with a portion traditionally worked by horse. Déhu is particularly known for fermenting and aging his wines in oak, including barrels made from trees harvested in the nearby forest of Fossoy. His Champagnes favor tension, energy and minerality rather than overt richness.

For the 2021 base, malolactic fermentation was blocked and the wine was bottled with no dosage, giving the Champagne its taut, dry and mineral-driven personality. The finished wine combines crushed-stone minerality with floral, herbal and red-fruited nuances, showing impressive energy and precision. The wine was disgorged on April 26, 2024.

90 Points — Vinous

“The NV (2021) Initiation is an attractive wine, perhaps a bit lithe in this release, but still very pretty. Crushed rocks, flowers, mint, dried herbs and red-toned fruit all grace the palate. Blocked malolactic fermentation and no dosage further amplify the wine's decidedly taut leanings. All things considered, this is a gorgeous 2021. Disgorged: April 26, 2024.”

— Antonio Galloni, Vinous, 90 Points

Wine Details

Producer: Benoît Déhu
Wine: Cuvée Initiation Brut Nature
Base Vintage: 2021
Region: Champagne, France
Area: Western Vallée de la Marne
Village: Fossoy
Grapes: Meunier and Pinot Noir
Meunier Source: La Rue des Noyers
Pinot Noir: Massale selection from Pommard clone; clay and sand soils
Farming: Biodynamic practices at La Rue des Noyers
Vinification: Oak fermentation and élevage; malolactic fermentation blocked
Dosage: No dosage / Brut Nature
Disgorgement: April 26, 2024
Rating: Vinous 90 Points
Bottle Size: 750ml

Benoît Déhu Champagne Cuvée Initiation Brut Nature (Base 2021) 750ml

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

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

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

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

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

Wine Details

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

About Paul Bara

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

Why We Like It

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

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

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

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

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

Press Notes

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

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

Wine Details

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

About Paul Bara

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

Why We Like It

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

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

About Champagne Paul Bara

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

Tasting Notes

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

Critical Acclaim

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

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

Winemaking

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

Food Pairings

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

About R.H. Coutier

R.H. Coutier Tradition Brut (Base 2021) is a generous, characterful Champagne from one of Ambonnay's most respected grower-producers — a family estate with deep roots in this celebrated Grand Cru village of the Montagne de Reims. Composed of 80% Pinot Noir and 20% Chardonnay, sourced entirely from estate-grown fruit in Ambonnay, this is a classically styled Grand Cru Champagne with the depth and structure to accompany the table and the freshness to shine as an aperitif.

Tasting Notes

The nose opens with ripe orchard fruit, tangerine oil, honeycomb, mint, and freshly baked pastry — inviting and complex from the first pour. On the palate, the wine is medium to full-bodied with a soft, pillowy mousse and a fleshy core of fruit, balanced by tangy acidity. Notes of tart lemon, lime, sourdough, and rhubarb add layers of complexity, while Ambonnay’s limestone-rich soils provide freshness and definition through the long, chalky finish. Rich yet energetic — a Champagne of genuine character.

Critical Acclaim

Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate — 91 Points: “Exhibiting notions of waxy orchard fruit, honeycomb, mint, tangerine oil and fresh pastry, it’s medium to full-bodied, bright and pillowy, with tangy acids and a fleshy core of fruit. Full of flavor and character, this is a fine effort.”

Wine & Spirits — 91 Points: “The Coutier family blends 20 percent Chardonnay into the Pinot Noir for this cuvée, all of it estate grown in the Grand Cru village of Ambonnay. The wine balances tart lemon and lime scents with notes of sourdough starter and rhubarb. Almost cakey in its richness, this has the limestone acidity to cut through rich foods, whether seared foie gras or braised short ribs.”

Food Pairings

Serve with roast poultry, seared foie gras, braised short ribs, mushroom dishes, rich seafood, aged cheeses, and buttery pastry-based appetizers. Equally compelling as a standalone aperitif.

R.H. Coutier Extra Brut Rosé (Base 2022) is an elegant, Chardonnay-led Rosé Champagne from one of Ambonnay's most respected grower-producers — a family estate with deep roots in this celebrated Grand Cru village of the Montagne de Reims. Composed of 60% Chardonnay and 40% Pinot Noir, sourced entirely from organically farmed estate fruit in Ambonnay, this is a Rosé of genuine finesse: pale, precise, and beautifully balanced, with the mineral energy of Grand Cru Chardonnay at its core.

The 2022 base brings generous structure and ripeness — approximately 77% of the blend from the harvest, complemented by reserve wines that add complexity and continuity. Pale and refined in the glass, the Champagne opens with notes of cranberry, wild red berries, dried flowers, and a delicate hint of mint. Subtle earthy and savory nuances emerge with air, adding depth and intrigue. On the palate, the wine is graceful and energetic, with fine, persistent bubbles, fresh acidity, and a clean Extra Brut finish of impressive length and clarity. Light, ethereal, and impeccably balanced.

Awarded 90 Points by Vinous: “A very pretty, nuanced Champagne. Cranberry, dried flowers, mint and crushed autumn leaves all grace this racy, pale-colored Rosé. It’s a touch light and ethereal, with all the elements very nicely balanced.” Organically farmed, grower-produced, and site-specific — a Rosé Champagne of genuine character at an introductory price.

Serve at 46–50°F. Exceptional as an aperitif and a refined partner for smoked salmon, tuna tartare, charcuterie, roast duck, mushroom dishes, soft cheeses, and berry-accented savory preparations.

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

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

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

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

93+ Points — Jeb Dunnuck
92 Points — James Suckling

Pure Chardonnay. Ninety months on the lees. Two grams of dosage. Champagne Geoffroy's 2017 Volupté Millésime is a refined and deeply expressive Blanc de Blancs from two chalk-rich lieux-dits in Cumières Premier Cru — Tourne Midi and Les Chênes — parcels prized for the mineral precision and white-fruit character they bring to Chardonnay. Fermented in equal parts oak and enamel-lined steel, aged without malolactic fermentation and disgorged in November 2024, it is a silky, chiseled Champagne with a long, chalky and beautifully defined finish.

The Place

Cumières is a historic Premier Cru village in Champagne's Vallée de la Marne, situated west of Hautvillers and overlooking the Marne River. Although the village is more commonly associated with Pinot Noir and Meunier, its chalk-rich lieux-dits of Tourne Midi and Les Chênes are especially well suited to Chardonnay, producing wines with mineral precision, white-fruit clarity and the freshness to support extended lees aging.

The Grape: 100% Chardonnay

Chardonnay is Champagne's most mineral-expressive variety and the sole grape in Volupté. In the chalk-influenced soils of Tourne Midi and Les Chênes, it develops white peach, ripe lemon and green apple character alongside a pronounced chalky minerality and the hazelnut complexity that emerges with extended lees contact.

Winemaking

The grapes are harvested by hand at optimum ripeness and carefully sorted. Vinification is conducted in an equal combination of oak barrels and enamel-lined stainless-steel tanks — oak contributing texture and breadth, steel preserving freshness and aromatic precision. Malolactic fermentation is avoided, retaining the vintage's natural acidity and mineral tension.

After assemblage, the wine undergoes secondary fermentation in bottle and spends approximately 90 months aging on its lees — gaining exceptional texture, aromatic complexity and finely integrated bubbles. It is disgorged in November 2024 with a dosage of just 2 g/L, keeping the finish dry, focused and distinctly mineral.

Tasting Notes

The 2017 Volupté displays a bright straw-gold color with an elegant, persistent stream of fine bubbles. The bouquet opens with white peach, ripe lemon, green apple and smoky wet stone, joined by raw hazelnut, subtle mocha and a delicate reductive tension that lifts and focuses the nose.

The palate is medium-bodied and silky, with a creamy mousse, polished texture and bright, persistent acidity. Candied citrus, white fruit and toasted nuts lead into a long, chalky and beautifully defined finish. Spicy and overt, with lanolin and exquisite green apple and lemon interplay, the wine shows chewy acidity and polished phenolics that give it both energy and elegance.

Professional Ratings

93+ Points — Jeb Dunnuck: Bright straw/yellow color with notes of mocha, ripe lemon balm, smoky wet stones, white peach and raw hazelnut. A slight reduction, but not pronounced. Medium-bodied with a silky texture and clean, bright acidity. Disgorged November 2024 with 2 g/L dosage. Drink 2025–2040.

92 Points — James Suckling: An overt and spicy wine full of toasty aromas with an exquisite mix of green apples and lemons. A bit of lanolin. Medium-sized bubbles with long chewy acidity and polished phenolics. Drink now.

The Producer

The Geoffroy family has cultivated vineyards in Cumières 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. The estate farms approximately 14 hectares, with most vineyards in Cumières and additional parcels in neighboring Vallée de la Marne villages.

Food Pairing

An excellent match for roasted or grilled white fish, langoustines, lobster, scallops, goat cheese, aged Parmesan and seared foie gras. Equally compelling as a sophisticated aperitif.

Serving and Cellaring

Serve at approximately 48–52°F in a white-wine or tulip-shaped Champagne glass. Delicious now for its freshness and complexity, but structured to develop further through approximately 2040.

Producer: Champagne Geoffroy
Cuvée: Volupté Millésime
Vintage: 2017
Country: France
Region: Champagne
Subregion: Vallée de la Marne
Village: Cumières Premier Cru
Classification: Premier Cru
Style: Vintage Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut
Grape: 100% Chardonnay
Vineyards: Tourne Midi and Les Chênes
Farming: Practicing organic and sustainable
Harvest: Hand harvested and sorted
Vinification: 50% oak barrels, 50% enamel-lined stainless steel
Malolactic Fermentation: None
Lees Aging: Approximately 90 months
Disgorgement: November 2024
Dosage: 2 g/L (Extra Brut)
Wine Type: Dry sparkling wine
Bottle Size: 750ml

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

95 Points — Jeb Dunnuck
93 Points — James Suckling
93 Points — Wine Advocate

Ten years on the lees. One of Champagne's most patient cuvees. Geoffroy's 2015 Terre Millésime is produced only in selected years from the finest barrel and cask selections in Cumières Premier Cru — and held back a full decade before disgorgement. The result is a vintage Champagne of remarkable depth and harmony: ripe stone fruit, dried citrus peel, chalk and iodine, framed by a pillowy mousse and a long, crystalline saline finish. Disgorged July 2024 with zero dosage.

The Place

Cumières is a historic Premier Cru village in Champagne's Vallée de la Marne, situated west of Hautvillers and overlooking the Marne River. Its favorably exposed hillside vineyards are known for producing Champagnes with ripe fruit, vinous texture and expressive personality. Clay and limestone contribute richness and structure; underlying chalk preserves freshness and mineral definition.

The Geoffroy family has cultivated vines here since the 17th century, and Cumières remains the heart of the estate's identity and production.

The Terre Millésime Cuvee

Terre Millésime is Geoffroy's most ambitious and age-worthy cuvee — produced only in exceptional years and never released young. The assemblage is drawn from a selection of barrels and casks chosen through comprehensive tastings, and the composition varies by vintage. In 2015, the blend is 75% Pinot Noir and 25% Chardonnay.

Following secondary fermentation, the wine spends approximately ten years aging sur lattes before disgorgement. This extended lees contact develops a refined, complex mousse and layers of brioche, toasted nut, spice and savory mineral character that could not be achieved through shorter aging.

The wine is disgorged without dosage — 0 g/L — making it a true Brut Nature despite the Extra Brut designation on the label.

The 2015 Vintage

The 2015 growing season in Champagne was warm and generous, producing concentrated, expressive fruit with excellent natural ripeness. For Terre Millésime, the vintage delivered the depth, structure and aging potential required for a decade of lees maturation. The result is a wine with ripe stone fruit, mature citrus and a muscular yet fresh profile that Jeb Dunnuck describes as having "volume without weight."

Winemaking

The grapes are harvested by hand and carefully sorted. Gentle pressing selects only the finest juice. Fermentation and maturation take place in a combination of oak barrels and larger casks, contributing texture, complexity and a subtle oak influence that frames rather than dominates the wine.

After assemblage, the wine undergoes secondary fermentation in bottle and spends approximately ten years aging on its lees before disgorgement in July 2024. It is released without fining, filtration or dosage.

Tasting Notes

The 2015 Terre Millésime opens with an expressive bouquet of dried orange peel, apricot, crisp pear, ripe apple and spice, with a faint hint of sage and iodine. Notes of sea spray, toast and gentle oak emerge with air.

The palate is medium- to full-bodied and pillowy, with a rounded, fleshy mousse that fills the palate and enhances the wine's broader structure. Bright acidity and a taut, chalky core provide focus and tension, while the generous mid-palate delivers stone fruit, lemon and savory complexity. The finish is long, dry and mineral, with persistent crystalline salinity and lingering citrus, toast and chalk.

Professional Ratings

95 Points — Jeb Dunnuck: Ripe notes of apricot, black fruits, savory cologne, iodine, sea spray and toast. Medium to full-bodied with volume without weight and a long palate. A rounded mid-palate with a mousse that fleshes out and fills the palate. A touch more oak influence frames the wine while retaining freshness, 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. 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay. Disgorged July 2024. Drink 2025–2040.

93 Points — James Suckling: Spicy and expressive, with aromas of grapefruit, cedar, cloves and gingerbread. 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. As always, the product of barrel and cask selection based on comprehensive tastings, followed by extended maturation sur lattes. The assemblage is never identical year to year. In 2015: 75% Pinot Noir and 25% Chardonnay. Expressive bouquet of dried orange peel, apricot, crisp pear and spice with a faint hint of sage. Medium- to full-bodied and pillowy, with bright acidity and a taut, chalky core leading to a long, saline 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, long cellar aging and restrained dosage. The estate farms approximately 14 hectares, with most vineyards in Cumières and additional parcels in neighboring Vallée de la Marne villages.

Food Pairing

An exceptional gastronomic Champagne for roast chicken, lobster, scallops, mushroom risotto, veal, pork tenderloin, duck and aged cheeses such as Comté, Gruyère or Parmesan. Its depth and saline finish also make it a natural partner for truffles, foie gras and richly sauced poultry dishes.

Serving and Cellaring

Serve at approximately 50–54°F in a tulip-shaped Champagne glass or generous white-wine glass. The 2015 is drinking beautifully now and should continue developing richer brioche, toasted-nut and savory complexity through 2040.

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
Blend: 75% Pinot Noir, 25% Chardonnay
Farming: Practicing organic and sustainability-focused
Harvest: Hand harvested and sorted
Lees Aging: Approximately 10 years
Disgorgement: July 2024
Dosage: 0 g/L (Brut Nature)
Wine Type: Dry sparkling wine
Bottle Size: 750ml

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

94 Points — Vinous

The prestige bottling. The finest vintage. The most celebrated designation in grower Champagne. Henri Goutorbe's 2015 Cuvée Special Club is the house at its most refined and expressive — a Pinot Noir-driven vintage Champagne from Aÿ Grand Cru, produced under the Special Club designation reserved for top members of the Club Trésors de Champagne. Disgorged October 2024 after nearly a decade in the cellar, it captures both the personality of the generous 2015 vintage and the pedigree of one of Champagne's most celebrated villages.

The Special Club Designation

The Club Trésors de Champagne is an association of elite grower-producers committed to expressing individual terroir and village character. Members may only release a Special Club bottling in years they deem exceptional, and each wine must pass a blind tasting panel before it can carry the designation. The distinctive embossed bottle is a guarantee of quality, provenance and the producer's highest ambitions for that vintage.

The Place: Aÿ Grand Cru

Henri Goutorbe is based in Aÿ, one of Champagne's 17 Grand Cru villages and the historic heartland of Pinot Noir in the Vallée de la Marne. Aÿ's south-facing slopes, deep chalk soils and warm mesoclimate allow Pinot Noir to achieve exceptional ripeness and concentration, producing wines with body, ripe red and dark fruit, and a distinctly vinous character. The village's chalk-rich geology preserves freshness and mineral tension, preventing the wines from becoming heavy or overripe.

The Blend

The 2015 Special Club is composed of 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay, sourced from the estate's finest Grand Cru parcels in Aÿ. Pinot Noir provides the wine's structure, depth and ripe red-fruit character; Chardonnay contributes freshness, lift and the mineral precision that gives the wine its elegant, long-lived profile.

The 2015 Vintage

The warm, generous 2015 growing season produced concentrated, expressive fruit throughout Champagne. In Aÿ, Pinot Noir achieved excellent ripeness while retaining the acidity and structure necessary for extended aging. The vintage delivered the depth and personality required for a Special Club bottling — a wine designed to reward patience and develop complexity over many years in the cellar.

Winemaking and Aging

The grapes are harvested by hand and carefully sorted. Vinification follows traditional methods, with fermentation in temperature-controlled tanks and extended aging on the lees in bottle. The wine was disgorged in October 2024 — nearly a decade after the harvest — allowing it to develop the layered complexity, refined mousse and subtle oxidative depth that define a mature prestige Champagne.

Tasting Notes

The 2015 Special Club opens with layered aromas of kirsch, cinnamon, dried flowers, ginger, citrus confit and marzipan. With air, notes of ripe orchard fruit, baked apple, toasted brioche, roasted nuts and subtle pastry cream emerge, underscored by delicate mineral tension.

The palate is broad and vinous yet precise, with fine mousse, impressive concentration and a long, elegant finish marked by pear, lemon curd, spice and chalky tension. Vinous describes the finish as deceptively long and understated — a thing of beauty — and notes that the wine has been gently shaped by the passage of time in a way that reveals the essence of Aÿ in a ten-year-old Champagne.

Professional Ratings

94 Points — Vinous (December 2025): 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. Disgorged October 2024.

The Producer

Henri Goutorbe is a historic family grower-producer based in Aÿ Grand Cru. The estate has farmed its own vineyards for generations and produces a range of Champagnes that reflect the depth, richness and mineral character of Aÿ terroir. The Goutorbe style is built around ripe Pinot Noir, careful vineyard work and traditional winemaking — producing Champagnes that are expressive, structured and age-worthy.

Food Pairing

Rich enough to enjoy on its own, the Special Club pairs beautifully with lobster, scallops, roast chicken, truffle dishes, foie gras, creamy cheeses and elegant seafood preparations. Its depth and Pinot Noir structure also make it an excellent partner for duck, veal and mushroom-based dishes.

Serving and Cellaring

Serve at approximately 50–54°F in a generous tulip-shaped Champagne glass or white-wine glass. Already showing beautifully, the 2015 has the structure and concentration to develop additional complexity through the early 2030s.

Producer: Henri Goutorbe
Cuvée: Cuvée Special Club
Vintage: 2015
Country: France
Region: Champagne
Subregion: Vallée de la Marne
Village: Aÿ Grand Cru
Classification: Grand Cru
Style: Vintage Brut Champagne
Blend: 70% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay
Disgorgement: October 2024
Harvest: Hand harvested
Wine Type: Dry sparkling wine
Bottle Size: 750ml

92 Points — Wine Spectator
91 Points — Vinous

Pinot Noir from the heart of Aÿ. Henri Goutorbe's Cuvée Prestige is the signature non-vintage Brut of one of the Vallée de la Marne's most respected family estates — a grower Champagne built around the richness, depth and vinous character that Aÿ Premier Cru Pinot Noir delivers better than almost anywhere else in Champagne. Rich yet lively, layered with vanilla, pastry cream, brioche, blackberry and blood orange zest, it is an excellent introduction to the Goutorbe house style: fruit-forward, structured and generous, with enough acidity to keep the wine elegant and fresh.

The Place

Henri Goutorbe is based in Aÿ, one of Champagne's most celebrated Premier Cru villages and the historic heartland of Pinot Noir in the Vallée de la Marne. Aÿ's south-facing slopes, deep chalk soils and warm mesoclimate allow Pinot Noir to achieve exceptional ripeness and concentration, producing wines with body, ripe red fruit and a distinctly vinous character that sets them apart from the lighter, more delicate styles of the Montagne de Reims or Côte des Blancs.

The Goutorbe family has farmed vines in Aÿ for generations, and the estate's identity is inseparable from the village. Their vineyards are planted predominantly on the chalk-rich slopes that give Aÿ Champagne its characteristic combination of richness and mineral freshness.

The Blend

Cuvée Prestige is led by approximately 70% Pinot Noir, with 25% Chardonnay and a small proportion of Pinot Meunier. Pinot Noir contributes body, ripe red and dark fruit, and the vinous depth that defines the Goutorbe style. Chardonnay brings freshness, lift and precision. Meunier adds aromatic charm and suppleness to the blend.

The assemblage draws on reserve wines from multiple vintages, giving Cuvée Prestige consistency and complexity beyond what a single harvest could provide.

Winemaking

The grapes are harvested by hand and carefully sorted. Vinification follows traditional Champagne methods, with fermentation in temperature-controlled tanks and extended lees aging in bottle to develop the wine's creamy mousse and subtle notes of brioche, pastry and toasted almond.

The dosage is calibrated to complement the wine's natural fruit and acidity without masking its character — keeping Cuvée Prestige firmly in the Brut category while preserving the generosity and approachability that define it.

Tasting Notes

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, harmonious finish.

Wine Spectator describes it as rich yet lively, with layered notes of vanilla, pastry cream and brioche joined by blackberry, salted almond and blood orange zest, carried through a harmonious finish by fine acidity and texture.

Professional Ratings

92 Points — Wine Spectator: 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.

91 Points — Vinous: A Pinot Noir-driven Champagne with generous fruit, attractive richness and the structure typical of the estate's home village of Aÿ.

The Producer

Henri Goutorbe is a historic family grower-producer based in Aÿ, one of Champagne's most prestigious Premier Cru villages. The estate has farmed its own vineyards for generations and produces a range of Champagnes that reflect the depth, richness and mineral character of Aÿ terroir. The Goutorbe style is built around ripe Pinot Noir, careful vineyard work and traditional winemaking — producing Champagnes that are expressive, structured and age-worthy.

Food Pairing

Cuvée Prestige is an excellent aperitif and a versatile food Champagne. Serve with oysters, smoked salmon, shellfish, roast chicken, creamy pasta, mushroom risotto, soft cheeses or lightly seasoned pork. Its body and red-fruit character also make it a natural partner for charcuterie and poultry dishes with cream or mushroom sauces.

Serving and Cellaring

Serve well chilled at approximately 46–50°F in a tulip-shaped Champagne glass or white-wine glass. Ready to drink now and will continue to develop over the next three to five years.

Producer: Henri Goutorbe
Cuvée: Cuvée Prestige
Country: France
Region: Champagne
Subregion: Vallée de la Marne
Village: Aÿ Premier Cru
Classification: Premier Cru
Style: Non-Vintage Brut Champagne
Blend: Approximately 70% Pinot Noir, 25% Chardonnay, 5% Pinot Meunier
Farming: Family estate vineyards
Harvest: Hand harvested
Wine Type: Dry sparkling wine
Bottle Size: 750ml

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.

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 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

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

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.

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