Small-Producer Champagnes 12-28-23

 
We’re featuring some of our favorite grower and small producers of Champagnes:

Andre Clouet, The Best Value in Bouzy
Benoît Déhu, Mastery of Meunier
Diebolt-Vallois, Budget-Friendly, Top-Quality Cote des Blancs
Gatinois, Opulence in Äy
Pascal Doquet, THE Farmer of Champagne
R. Dumont, Chablis-eque Soils, Champagne Spirit
RH Coutier, Beloved and Bold from Ambonnay

and more!

 

“Clouet farms some incredible Grand Cru plots around his home village of Bouzy as well as in the famous and very coveted middle slopes of Ambonnay with many vines in the best lieux-dits in the Champagne region. While great for celebrating events and special occasions, this Andre Clouet Silver Blanc de Noirs Brut Nature, with its beautiful and vivid mouse, goes sublimely well with food and makes for a noble companion with any meal. I am always impressed by Clouet’s lineup of Champagne(s), but especially so this stylish zero dosage Blanc de Noirs, which I highly recommend!” –Kerry Winslow, Grapelive

Founded in 1741, the Champagne House of Andre Clouet has been making some of the most recognizable Champagnes in their entire village for centuries. Jean-Francois Clouet, the current owner and winemaker, is committed to making wines that reflect the rich history of the region. His wines do just that, while representing some of the best values available.

Clouet sources his cuvees from the assorted plots in the Grand Cru village of Bouzy. The village specializes in powerfully structured Pinot Noir.  His latest releases offer ethereal fruit, dense minerality, and effusive aromatics. Don’t sleep on the Silver Label, a Grand Cru, bone-dry Brut Nature Champagne that offers generous aromatics to balance the crystalline-acidity and layers of minerals.

Andre Clouet has been the unofficial house Champagne of Vinopolis for years, and is always worth having on hand as a budget-friendly way to elevate your next meal or party.

Highlights In Stock Now from Andre Clouet:

Andre Clouet Grande Reserve Blanc de Noirs Brut NV 750ml $39 special, 20 bottles in stock now
Andre Clouet Grande Reserve Blanc de Noirs Brut NV 1.5L $89 special, 13 magnums in stock now
Andre Clouet Grande Reserve Blanc de Noirs Brut NV 3L $279 special, 4 three-liters in stock now
100% Grand Cru Pinot Noir from Bouzy
Decanter 92 points “[Reviewed 2021] Incredible value for a blanc de noirs (100% Pinot Noir) grower Champagne from the grand cru vineyards of Bouzy. It shows gorgeous aromas of stone fruit, citrus and strawberry, with complex brioche nuances, remarkable balance, ongoing elegance and a rich, refined, persistent finish. Drinking Window 2021 – 2026.”

Andre Clouet Silver Grand Cru Blanc de Noirs Brut Nature NV 750ml $39 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-12 Andre Clouet Silver Grand Cru Blanc de Noirs Brut Nature NV 750ml $389 special (that’s only $/bottle!)
Andre Clouet Silver Grand Cru Blanc de Noirs Brut Nature NV 1. 5L $89 special, 6 magnums in stock now
Andre Clouet Silver Grand Cru Blanc de Noirs Brut Nature NV 3L $279 special, 16 three-liters in stock now
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 92+ points “[Reviewed Apr 2021] Clouet’s NV Silver Brut Nature Grand Cru is a pure Bouzy Pinot Noir that was disgorged without any dosage. This disgorgement displays a medium intense golden color and a complex and refined bouquet of ripe and pureed apples and discreet chalky as well as brioche aromas. The palate is elegant, straight and fresh, very pure and salty on the finish. This is a challenging Brut Nature that needs to be aged for two or three years to gain complexity and finesse and to smooth its current edges. The finish is mineral, limestone and salty but also a bit drying at this moment.”

Andre Clouet Grand Cru Brut Rosé NV 750ml $49 special, 25 bottles in stock now
Andre Clouet Grand Cru Brut Rosé NV 3L $319 special, 3 three-liters in stock now
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 90 points “The latest release of Clouet’s deeply colored NV Brut Rosé No 3 Grand Cru is showing well, opening in the glass with notes of blood orange, red berries, ripe apples and oatmeal. On the palate, it’s full-bodied, broad and vinous, with ripe acids, a frothy mousse and a moderately intense finish. This is an attractive, gastronomic rosé that hails exclusively from Bouzy.” [Reviewed April 2019]

Shop all selections from Andre Clouet on our webstore now!

As the eighth generation Champagne winemaker in his family, Benoît Déhu first cut his teeth at Bollinger before striking out on his own in 2010. Working off of his family holdings in the Marne, with barrels made from the forest bordering the property, these are meticulously crafted grower Champagnes at their finest.

Déhu has been blessed with the characteristic terroir of the Marne that contributes to his wine’s incredible aromatics and structure, namely the green clay overlaying pure limestone chalk. Eschewing new oak for aging, dosage for sweetness and flavoring, and intervention in general, these are some of the purest expressions of terroir you’ll ever find.

The majority of his grapes are sourced from his two-hectare vineyard, Rue De Noyers, which is planted to Pinot Meunier. The vineyard is farmed biodynamically and plowed mostly by horse. The results are less than 4,000 cases annually. It’s a small miracle that we acquire the amounts that we do, most of which we sell directly to another cult winemaker who shall remain nameless.

Our offerings include his rarely produced Rosé de Saignée, his flagship Rue des Noyers, and his Pinot Noir-included cuvée: Initiation. Given the majority of Pinot Meunier at play with these wines, you can expect mineral- and spice-driven Champagnes that have decades of aging potential ahead.

“This is a fine set of new releases from Benoît Déhu. As always, the emphasis is on Meunier and Pinot Noir. The top wines are done in barrel, but with the malolactic fermentation blocked, which always preserves tension to balance the natural richness of the red varieties. All of these wines were bottled with no dosage, another choice that emphasizes tension. Readers who have not tasted these incredibly distinctive Champagnes owe it to themselves to do so.” -Antonio Galloni, Vinous

Highlights In Stock Now from Benoît Déhu:

Benoît Déhu ‘Initiation’ Brut Nature NV (2020) 750ml $79 special, 24 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 92 points “[Review for 2019-base] The NV Initiation, a blend of 77% Pinot Meunier and 23% Pinot Noir from two parcels in Fossoy, is a fine entry-level offering. Dried flowers, mint, spice and ginger all grace this attractive, mid-weight Champagne. There is a bit of reduction, but it works well in this style. I especially admire the finish here. Bottled with no dosage.”
Importer note “Cuvée Initiation is the newest addition to the Déhu lineup. Made from Pinot Noir and his signature variety Pinot Meunier, which Benoît planted using massale selection of Pommard clone from Burgundy. Oak vinification and ageing, unfined and unfiltered, low dosage. The wine is zippy and round with a persistent finish.”

Benoît Déhu Cuvée de L’Orme Brut Nature NV (2017) 750ml $149 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 94 points “The NV (2017) Cuvée L’Orme is another impressive Champagne from Benoît Déhu. Aromatic and light on its feet, L’Orme shows the more delicate, nuanced side of Pinot Noir off to great effect. Kirsch, wild flowers, mint, spice and dried flowers are all nicely lifted. L’Orme is classy, understated and impossible to resist. Bright acids and veins of salinity extend the finish effortlessly. No dosage.”
Importer note “100% Pinot Noir from a tiny parcel previously planted with elm trees (Orme). This barrel-aged, zero dosage cuvee captures the attributes of complexity, personality and pedigree that make Déhu Champagnes so alluring.”

Benoît Déhu Cuvée La Rue des Noyers Brut Nature NV (2018) 750ml $99 special, 5 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 94 points “The NV (2018) Cuvée La Rue des Noyers is classy, elegant and polished, all in the understated style of the year. Pear, dried flowers, chamomile and spice are all nicely layered. Soft contours wrap it all together in style. Consisting of 100% Meunier from a biodynamically farmed site in Fossoy, this was aged in barrels mostly made from trees in the surrounding forest. The 2018 is a bit lighter than some recent years, but there is plenty of subtle intensity here and a good bit of vibrancy as well. Zero dosage.”

Benoît Déhu Rosé de Saignée Cuvée La Rue des Noyers Brut Nature NV (2020) 750ml $132 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 93 points “The NV (2020) Rosé Saignée Cuvée La Rue des Noyers (100% Pinot Meunier) is terrific, especially for the year. Bright red-toned fruit, blood orange, spice, mint and dried herbs all develop in the glass. Vinified from completely de-stemmed fruit that sees no pressing, this a pretty light saignée Rosé – that is neither good nor bad, just a comment on style. The finish is redolent of savory, earthy Meunier character. Zero dosage.”

Shop all selections from Benoit Dehu on our webstore now!

 

 

The Côte des Blancs region in Champagne is home to some of the most sought after and exquisite sparkling wine in the world. In the Cote des Blancs village of Cramant, Diebolt-Vallois is a star player, in part due to the quality of their vineyard holdings in the region and nearby Epernay. The estate has focused on Blanc de Blancs since their founding in 1959. These are very classic representations of Champagne. With a house style characterized by crisp minerality, food friendly acidity and refreshing fruit profile expressing notes of orchard fruits and citrus.

A staff favorite and an incredible value across the board!

Highlights In Stock Now from Diebolt-Vallois:

Diebolt-Vallois Blanc de Blancs Brut NV 750ml $41.90 special, 30 bottles in stock now
Diebolt-Vallois Blanc de Blancs Brut NV 1.5L $112 special, 6 magnums in stock now
Diebolt-Vallois Blanc de Blancs Brut NV 375ml $26 special, 3 half-bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 91 points “[Most recent review for a previous disgorgement] Rich aromas and flavors of poached apricot, melon, tangerine and hazelnut are enlivened by vibrant acidity in this well-knit Champagne, with a creamy finish of graphite and spice.”

Diebolt-Vallois Prestige Blanc de Blancs Brut NV 750ml $49 special, 15 bottles in stock now
Wine & Spirits 94 points “[Most recent review for a previous disgorgement] The austere power of this wine buzzes in the mouth, a tingle of limestone, apple flesh and the pale toast of lees. It’s a delicate, pure chardonnay that becomes dramatic in its intensity and breadth. The precision of the flavors will serve this well as it ages.”

Late disgorgement release by the winery!
Diebolt-Vallois ‘Fleur de Passion’ Blanc de Blancs Brut 2008 750ml $399 special, 5 bottles in stock now
Diebolt-Vallois ‘Fleur de Passion’ Blanc de Blancs Brut 2008 1.5L $799 special, 3 magnums in stock now
Winery note “Pure Chardonnay made from our oldest plots located in Cramant Grand Cru terroir. This Blanc de Blancs, 100% 2008 harvest, is vinified in oak barrels without malolactic fermentation nor filtration. This bottling [was] prolonged by an ageing on lees during 13 years in our cellars… The Champagne Fleur de Passion is the jewel in the range from the house of Diebolt-Vallois. It is only made in the very best years. This wine is created entirely in barrel, following the major principles of the first wine Jacques Diebolt made together with his grandfather in 1953. Fleur de Passion is a precious and delicate champagne, it is complex, intense and long on the palate. 100% chardonnay.”

Diebolt-Vallois Brut Rosé NV 750ml $44.50 special, 22 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 91 points “[Most recent review for a previous disgorgement] An elegant rosé Champagne, fresh with crunchy acidity and lacy texture, this shows a delicate mesh of star fruit, pink grapefruit pith, star anise and pickled ginger. Chalk-tinged finish.”

Shop all selections from Diebolt-Vallois on our webstore now!

 

 

Äy is an easy village to love in Champagne—and also a place that’s easy to have never heard about. It’s Pinot country but its biggest and most famous landowner, Bollinger, doesn’t have anything on their labels to let you know where they’re based. Nevertheless, that richer, more powerful style that everyone associated with Bollinger (and the other big producer in the town, Gosset) is very much the flavor of Äy. The Champagnes from the village show tons of rich fruit and opulent, impressive textures to match their cepage—there’s no doubt they’re Pinot-based bubbles.

Of the producers in Äy, Gatinois might be the most undervalued. The family farms some of the best land in the town and works with a very high proportion of a massale selection of Pinot Noir called “Petite Pinot d’Äy” that has extremely small berries. These small berries ensure an exceptionally flavorful base wine that translate into the finished product—Gatinois’ wines are rich, textured and powerful. We’re excited to carry them again, just in time for New Year’s and other holiday celebrations.

Highlights In Stock Now from Gatinois:

Gatinois Äy Grand Cru Reserve Brut NV 750ml $59 special, 10 bottles in stock now
Tasting note “With the classic dark cherry notes of Ay Pinot Noir, this Brut Tradition from historic Gatinois family has incredible depth of fruit and a mineral backbone that makes for easy drinking!”
Gilbert & Gaillard “Golden hue. The nose opens up to wonderful fruity notes of pear flesh and red fruits. Full-bodied, melted palate with fine bubbles showcased by persistent freshness. A long, expressive Champagne with real allure, perfect for parties.”

Gatinois Äy Grand Cru Tradition Brut NV 750ml $49 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Gilbert & Gaillard “Light gold with iridescent highlights flirting with orange. Crunchy fruit on the nose (apple flesh, red berry fruits). Fleshy, quite full-bodied palate brimming with freshness. Highly expressive, lingering fruit aromas.”

Gatinois Äy Grand Cru Brut Rosé NV 750ml $64.50 special, 24 bottles in stock now
Gilbert & Gaillard “Salmon-pink. Focused, fruit-forward nose of raspberry and strawberry. Full, melted and full-bodied palate with precise, intense fruit expression framed by freshness. A nicely crafted rosé Champagne drinking well from the aperitif through to dessert.”

Shop all selections from Gatinois on our webstore now!

 

 

“It’s the viticulture that makes the difference, not the vinification.” -Pascal Doquet

With an eye towards thoughtful, organic farming, Pascal Doquet epitomizes grower Champagne. Not only does his estate encompass some of the finest terroir in all of Champagne in the illustrious Côte des Blancs, his organic-certified parcels boast significant amounts of old vines. His resulting Champagnes are a magnificent tribute to his masterful and conscientious farming.

Though the wines are rarely reviewed, most recent notes can be found from Stephan Reinhardt of the Wine Advocate in 2018. Reinhardt wrote up the 2006 releases and their accompanying NVs. Much of his prose is dedicated to descriptions of the mineral character of the wine, with repeated use of terms such as saline, chalky, iodine, flinty, or crystalline. While rich in mineral notes, these wines are not austere. Instead, they deliver generous layers of fruit and leesy character balanced by refreshing elegance.

These are grower Champagnes in the truest sense of the term, strikingly beautiful, and extremely limited in quantity.

“The wines of Pascal Doquet burst with energy and verve and deliver mineral-laden, multi-layered expressions of his terroirs.  These are wines for people looking to experience the scintillating flavors of the Côte-des-Blancs ‘sans maquillage’ (without makeup).” -Schatzi Wines

Highlights In Stock Now from Pascal Doquet:

Pascal Doquet ‘Arpege’ Blanc de Blancs Premier Cru Extra Brut (2017-base) NV 750ml $69 special, 27 bottles in stock now
Importer note “The chardonnay for “Arpège” comes from Vertus, Villeneuve and Mont Aimé—the grapes that are not in the Coeur de Terroir series. There is substantial reserve wine in the blend, preserved in enamel tanks to maintain freshness. Aromas of spice, black tea and pear dominate the flinty-silex soils from the Mont Aimé and lend smokiness and depth to the structure.”

Pascal Doquet ‘Champs Libres’ Blanc de Blancs Brut (2018-base) NV 750ml $49 special, 28 bottles in stock now
100% Chardonnay from 2018. Vinification 100% in vats.

Pascal Doquet ‘Diapason’ Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs Brut (2015-base) NV 750ml $89 special, 8 bottles in stock now
Pascal Doquet ‘Diapason’ Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs Brut NV 1.5L $169 special, 2 magnums in stock now
Importer note “Pascal’s grandfather consolidated to 1 hectare in which Pascal still owns 60 acres of, including “Les Migraines” where he has very old vines, planted in 1929. Approximately half is fermented in enamel and the rest in neutral barrel. It’s as impressive a non-vintage Champagne as is available anywhere. There are aromas of ginger, anise, zest and sandalwood, and the Champagne emphasizes the spicy characteristics of Le Mesnil. The wine finishes with some cut which helps focus the finish.”

Pascal Doquet Le Mont Aime Blanc de Blancs Premier Cru Extra Brut 2009 750ml $95 special, 9 bottles in stock now
Importer note “The Mont Aimé lieu-dit is east of Vertus and faces due south. Even so, it is a cooler microclimate than Pascal’s parcels in Le Mesnil and Vertus and ripening here can happen a week later. Previous vintages were fermented in tank to support the racy, linear style of the wine, but as things evolve, Pascal now ferments roughly half in neutral barrel and half in enamel lined stainless steel tanks, which brings out a cool blueberry and smoky characteristic common to flinty, silex soils.”

Pascal Doquet Champ d’Alouettes Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru, Le Mesnil-Sur-Oger 2004 750ml $179 special, 12 bottles in stock
From the single vineyard Champ d’Alouettes in the village of Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, the rarest of his cuvees.

Shop all selections from Pascal Doquet on our webstore now!

 

 

The Dumont family grows their wines in the Aube. This is a small sub-region of Champagne is known for its Kimmeridgian soils and for being the home of dozens of up-and-coming to rock-star producers (such as Vouette e Sorbee and Marie Courtin). Producers in the regions of Champagne that surround Epernay often snubbed the Aube for not being “true” Champagne while buying grapes from the region to fill their winemaking vats. Champagne insiders know better, and look here for innovation and value.

A note from Wine Traditions, importer of R. Dumont Champagnes for the USA: “The Champagne house of the Dumont family is situated in Champignol-lez-Mondeville, a village in the southern Champagne region of the Aube, some 90 miles southeast of Reims and Epernay. Characterized by forested hills, streams and vineyards, it is a natural and reflective environment that has attracted people such as Saint Bernard (Clairvaux) and Renoir (Essoyes). The Dumonts have owned vineyards in this area for over two hundred years and today three Dumont brothers work together to produce champagne exclusively from their own 22 hectares. The soils are a geological extension of those in Chablis, namely kimmeridgian chalky clay. The vineyard is planted with 90% Pinot Noir and 10% Chardonnay. Bernard Dumont’s comments are insightful. ‘We grow grapes on the same soils as the vine growers in the Chablis region. There, they produce white wine from white grapes and here we produce white wine from red grapes.'”

Highlights In Stock Now from R. Dumont:

R. Dumont & Fils Solera Reserve Blanc de Blancs, Champagne NV 750ml $49 special, 11 bottles in stock now
Importer note “Dumont is one of the very few Champagne producers who produces a champagne using the solera method. Bernard Dumont has dedicated one stainless steel tank to the project which was first filled in 1991. He works exclusively with chardonnay for this cuvée and has been adding to the tank every year, making it at present, a blend of approximately 20 vintages. This solera system produced its first release in 2010. One of the most striking features of this champagne is the different effect created by producing a champagne from aged wine (the aging occurs after the first fermentation) followed by the typical duration of two years “sur lattes” as contrasted with a champagne produced from relatively young wines which are aged for a long time after the secondary fermentation and thus remain in contact with the lees “sur lattes” for an extended period. The dosage is 6 grams. Production is about 400 cases annually.”

R. Dumont & Fils Extra Brut Millesime, Champagne 2012 750ml $59 special, 13 bottles in stock now
Importer note “The vintage wines, which are a blend of 65% Pinot Noir and 45% Chardonnay, are assembled and then matured “sur lattes” for five to six years before being disgorged. According to the characteristics of the vintage the dosage varies.”

R. Dumont & Fils Tradition Brut, Champagne, France NV 750ml $33 special, 17 bottles in stock now
R. Dumont & Fils Tradition Brut, Champagne, France NV 375ml $21.90 special, 14 half-bottles in stock now
Importer note “The Dumont Brut NV is a blend of 90% Pinot Noir and 10% Chardonnay. The grapes from their vineyard have qualities that seem less aggressive and more sumptuous than those from the northern districts. In addition, vinification of whole berries at low temperatures enhances this quality of soft elegance. The NV is a blend of vintages typically between two and five years old. It is aged for two years on the lees before disgorgement. Dosage is 7 grams.”

R. Dumont & Fils Cuvée Rosé Brut, Champagne NV 750ml $39 special, 21 bottles in stock now
Importer note “The Dumont Brut Rosé is made exclusively from Pinot Noir. A selection is made in the vineyard from parcels that are particularly ripe and from bunches with deeply colored skins. Fermentation proceeds as with red wines but the wine is drawn off the skins after a day or so with the Dumonts looking carefully at the balance of extraction, color and tannin. This method, known as “saignée”, is a tricky art but one that can produce the most natural and delicately complex style of Rosé champagne. The Brut Rosé NV is aged for two years on the lees before disgorgement and dosage is 10 grams.”

Shop all selections from R. Dumont on our webstore now!

 

 

The wines of R.H. Coutier are perpetually some of the most beloved Champagnes in the shop.  Based in the Grand Cru village of Ambonnay, the Coutier Champagnes display the power and richness of the village—and at a price that’s unmatched for their town.  We sell dozens of cases of their “Tradition” bottling but the gem in the lineup is their Blanc de Blancs.

Combining the natural power of Ambonnay with the lighter, lacier textures of Chardonnay-driven Champagne, this is a wine that manages to fuse to contradictory features in a thrilling, crowd-pleasing way—at a tremendous price. With a ton of complexity and class for the money, it’s one to stock up on for your next celebration.

Highlights In Stock Now from R.H. Coutier:

R.H. Coutier Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Brut NV 750ml $41.90 special, 32 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 92 points “[Review for 2022 release] The NV Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru is fabulous. Rich and quite dense, the Blanc de Blancs is decidedly powerful, maybe a bit more than usual. This release is based on 2018, and the richness of the year really comes through in the wine’s layered, expansive feel. Tangerine oil, lemon confit, white flowers, spice and chamomile build effortlessly. This is an especially heady, vinous Champagne with all the elements very much in balance.”
Importer note “Disgorged December 2022, base vintage 2019 60% + 40% reserves.”

R.H. Coutier Cuvée Tradition Grand Cru Brut NV 750ml $39 special, 24 bottles in stock now
Wine & Spirits 91 points “[Review for 2022 disgorgement] 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.”
Importer note “Disgorged February 2022, base 2017 60% + 40% reserves.”

R.H. Coutier Cuvée la Pierre aux Larrons Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs 2016 750ml $89 special, 9 bottles in stock now
Importer note “In 1948, Henri Coutier was one of if not THE first to plant chardonnay in Ambonnay, a Grand Cru villages normally devoted to Pinot Noir. He planted this varietal in a single-vineyard plot called Pierre aux Larrons, and this plot has become the source of all massale selection chardonnay cuttings that the winery uses. In 2015, his grandson Antoine returned to the estate to vinify his first vintage and the decision was made to make the first single-vineyard chardonnay bottling for the estate.”

Shop all selections from R.H. Coutier on our webstore now!

Bérêche et Fils Brut Réserve NV (2020-base) 750ml $65 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 92 points “The NV Brut Réserve is bright and finely sculpted right out of the glass. There’s terrific purity and energy running through the Brut Réserve. Crushed red berry fruit, white pepper, crushed rocks and mint all race out of the glass. This release is based on 2020, with a good bit of reserve wine (35%) that serves to create terrific balance. The 5.5 grams of dosage is not at all felt.”

José Michel & Fils Special Club Brut 2014 750ml $69 special, 11 bottles in stock now
Winery notes “This Prestige cuvee blended with 50% Meunier and 50% Chardonnay, some of which is produced from vines of over 70 years old, is patiently aged across many years in the darkness of our cellars and reveals the superb alchemy between two contrasting and yet complementary grape varieties. This Cuvée is made according to the very sought-after “Club Trésor de Champagne” charter that can only be claimed by 25 Champagne Wine Growers.”

José Michel & Fils Tradition Brut NV 750ml $39 special, 21 bottles in stock now
José Michel & Fils Tradition Brut NV 375ml $21.90 special, 12 half-bottles in stock now
Importer note “The non-vintage Brut is a blend in which the 70% Pinot Meunier forms the base and 30% Chardonnay adds complexity and finesse. In addition to the base vintage (typically 2 years old), the NV Brut benefits from being blended with reserve wines that are often 4 or 5 years old. The champagne is typically 2+ years “sur lattes” and carries a dosage of 9 grams.”

Joseph Perrier ‘La Côte à Bras’ Cumières Blanc de Noirs Brut Nature 2012 750ml $95 special, 9 bottles in stock now
Wine Enthusiast 94 points “This single-parcel Champagne, rich in mature Pinot fruit, is at its best. Its richness is very much in the house style of Joseph Perrier, giving spice, density and satisfying concentration. Drink now.”

Joseph Perrier Cuvée Royale Brut 2012 750ml $74.50 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Roger Voss-Wine Enthusiast 93 points “With its poise between toasty, warm maturity and fresh white fruits, this Champagne is at its peak. It has good depth and touches of spice that add complexity and richness to a wine that is now ready to drink. Roger Voss”

Joseph Perrier Cuvée Royale Blanc de Blancs Brut NV 750ml $59 special, 10 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 90 points “This stylish wine balances crisp fruit with a mineral texture and well-structured acidity. The wine is still young, with a tight, zesty texture and crispness. It should be better from 2019. Roger Voss”

Pierre Peters Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Brut L’Esprit de 2018 750ml $119 special, 2 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 91 points “The L’Esprit de 2018 is a very pretty wine that shows the natural complexity of a Champagne that has spent a few years in bottle. Floral and light on its feet, the 2018 also reflects a vintage with higher yields in its mid-weight structure. Lemon peel, white flowers, mint, sage and almond are all nicely layered. The 2018 is not terribly complex or deep, but it is immensely charming. Disgorged: November 2022.”

Pierre Peters L’Etonnant Monsieur Victor Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru 2016 750ml $499 special, 2 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 97 points “The 2016 L’Etonnant Monsieur Victor Edition TB.16 is one of the best wines I have tasted from Rodolphe Péters. Bright and soaring, the 2016 is a real head-turner. The purity of the citrus, floral and mineral notes is just remarkable. Hazelnut, dried citrus peel and tangerine oil open with aeration. The 2016 is a wine of exquisite subtlety and nuance. As always, Monsieur Victor is a blend of one tank of his Chétillons and a tank of Réserve Oubliée. I loved it. Disgorged: December 2022. Dosage is 4 grams per liter.”

Pierre Peters Réserve Oubliée Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs Brut NV 750ml $128 special, 4 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 94 points “The NV Brut Réserve Oubliée (base 2017) currently shows a bit more freshness and verve than the 2016 base tasted alongside it, which could be a reflection of the base vintages and/or disgorgement dates. In any event, I would prefer to cellar this for at least a year. Bright citrus, white flowers, crushed rocks and bright saline notes confer energy. The 2017 is a wine for readers who enjoy tense Champagnes. I especially admire how the wine opens with time in the glass. It’s a beguiling Champagne to be sure. As a reminder, the Réserve Oubliée is a selection of Cuvée de Réserve that spends an extra year on its lees and is aged on cork. Disgorged: October 2022. Dosage is 4 grams per liter.”

Frederic Savart “Bulle de Rosé” Premier Cru Brut Rosé NV 750ml $84.50 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Importer note (Grand Cru Selections) “Fred’s rosé is a rosé d’assemblage composed of 70% Pinot Noir, 22% Chardonnay, and 8% still red wine. It comes entirely from the village of Ecueil. It is fermented mostly in stainless steel, with around 20% of the blend made in neutral barrels. The dosage is 6g/L”
“Disgorged July 2023. Base vintage 80% 2020, 20% 2021.”

Frederic Savart ‘Les Noues’ Ecueil Premier Cru Extra Brut 2019 750ml $155 special, 2 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 93 points “The 2019 Extra-Brut Les Noues is 100% Pinot Noir from a parcel planted on sand over chalk. It is endowed with tremendous textural richness and breadth that captures the natural intensity of this radiant year. Crushed flowers, red berry fruit, mint, cinnamon and light nutty overtones all grace this exquisite, open-knit Champagne. Even with its very recent disgorgement, the 2019 is very easy to enjoy right now. Disgorged: February 2023.”

Frederic Savart ‘L’Ouverture’ Ecueil Blanc de Noirs Premier Cru Brut NV 750ml $64.50 special, 16 bottles in stock now
Importer note (Grand Cru Selections) “L’Ouverture is Fred Savart’s entry level Champagne but it is far from one-dimensional. It is 100% Pinot Noir all from the village of Ecueil, half of which was fermented in mostly neutral barrel with the other half is fermented in stainless steel. The wine only sees partial malolactic fermentation. Fred doesn’t guide the malolactic fermentation, instead it is the inclusion of reserve wine that goes through malolactic fermentation because it has gone more temperature swings.”
Importer note “Disgorged July 2023. Base vintage 80% 2021 plus 10% 2019 & 2020.”

Frederic Savart ‘Le Mont Benoit’ Premier Cru Extra Brut 2019 750ml $188 special, 2 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 94 points “The 2019 Brut Nature Le Mont Benoit is superb. Ample and substantial in feel, the 2019 Mont Benoit impresses with its sheer stature. Readers will find an intense Champagne that is all texture. Dried citrus peel, chamomile, spice and a kiss of French oak all run this wonderfully expressive, resonant Champagne from Savart. The Mont Benoit is another new release in this range that straddles the line between Champagne and still wine. Disgorged: February2023.”
Importer note (Grand Cru Selections) “Le Mont Benoit (made a household name by Emmanuel Brochet) is a single parcel in Villers-aux-Noeuds. Fred’s plot is 95% Pinot Noir, and 5% Chardonnay. The dosage is 3g/L.”

Suenen ‘C+C’ Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut NV (2019) 750ml $119 special, 10 bottles in stock now
Importer’s Notes “Grapes sourced from Chouilly and Cramant grand cru vineyards. Alongside the Oiry bottling the C+C represents one of the two NV bottlings that Aurélien produces. In general the C+C is a bit richer with more breadth than the Oiry bottling.”

Suenen ‘Le Mont-Aigu’ Chouilly Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut 2016 750ml $249 special, 6 bottles in stock now
No reviews for the 2016 vintage. 2015 review provided for reference.
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 95 points “The 2015 Extra-Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Chouilly Le Mont-Aigu has turned out brilliantly, unwinding in the glass with scents of citrus oil, white flowers, bread dough and almond paste. Medium to full-bodied, racy and incisive, with a pillowy pinpoint mousse and chalky structuring extract, it’s the result of yields that would be considered low even in the Côte d’Or (a mere 25 hectoliters per hectare), as the vines are infected with leaf roll virus.”

Suenen ‘La Cocluette’ Oiry Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut 2016 750ml $219 special, 4 bottles in stock now
No reviews for the 2016 vintage. 2015 review provided for reference.
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 93 points “From a parcel planted in 1925, Suenen’s 2015 Extra-Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Oiry La Cocluette unwinds in the glass with aromas of citrus zest, freshly baked bread, dried white flowers and wet stones. Medium to full-bodied, ample and pillowy, with racy acids and a long, precise finish, it has turned out very well.”

Bonus Champagne Arriving Tomorrow:

Louis Roederer Collection 243 Brut NV 750ml $59 pre-arrival special, 36+ bottles available
Audrey Frick-Jeb Dunnuck 93 points “The NV Champagne Collection 243 Brut is the third release and is based on the 2018 vintage, with the addition of 30% of the perpetual reserve started in 2012 and 10% reserve wine that has been aged in oak. It is ripe and balanced, with yellow flowers, honeycomb, and plum, and it has elegant concentration and underlying tension, precise mousse, and rich salinity, with lingering notes of croissant and delicate smoke. This will be an exciting wine in the range to follow. Drink 2022-2037.”
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 92 points “Based on the 2018 vintage and complemented by reserve wines from a solera established in 2012, as well as younger foudre-aged reserve wines, Roederer’s newly released NV Brut Collection 243 is a pillowy, enveloping Champagne evocative of crisp stone fruits, honeycomb, white flowers and buttery pastry. Medium to full-bodied, fleshy and generous, with an ample core of fruit, bright acids and a saline finish, it will offer demonstrative drinking on release.”
Wine Spectator 92 points “A vibrant Champagne that’s fine and creamy on the palate, almost plush, but bright and well-balanced throughout. Reveals a chalky base note that underscores layers of ripe pear and nectarine fruit, mandarin orange peel, oyster shell and chamomile. Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Meunier. Drink now. 40,000 cases imported.”

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