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B-21 Top Recommendation Read More
Equally appealing for collectors of fine wine looking to stock up on impeccably crafted Champagne at bargain prices and for Champagne lovers who just can’t get enough of the really good stuff, these Larmandier-Bernier selections beautifully express their terroir with underlying, mineral-driven energy and impeccable balance, boasting “notable pedigree and pure class” according to critic Antonio Galloni and all superb values.
Sourced from 18 hectares of biodynamically certified estate vineyards in the Cotes des Blancs, the dynamic duo of 7th generation Pierre Larmandier and his wife Sophie craft their deeply textured Champagnes from Premier and Grand Cru vines averaging 35 years and ranging over 80 years, vinifying the rigorously sorted, hand-picked grapes partly or wholly in oak with indigenous yeasts on the lees for about a year, then adding low amounts of sugar or dosage and bottling without filtering or fining before extended aging in the cellar. Incorporating 40% of reserve wines begun in 2004, the two non-vintage cuvees are a study in contrasts, the 93 pt. Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs Latitude offering fleshy, rounded fruit while the 94 pt. Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs Longitude is “more chiseled than its Latitude counterpart,” both finishing long on a fine-beaded mousse and among the region’s finest values, “a classy introduction” according to the Wine Advocate’s William Kelley into the incredible depth of this portfolio. Also aged for over two years in bottle, Pierre crafted the elegant 94 pt. Larmandier-Bernier Extra Brut Premier Cru Rose de Saignee with mostly Pinot Noir that’s fully macerated over several days to yield its alluring dark rose color and rich flavors, described as “perennially superb” by William Kelley (Saignee translating as “bleeding” in French, referring to the unique method of incorporating the juice of the red-skinned grapes). Sourced from 100% Chardonnay from the single mid-slope “Les Barillers” parcel in Vertus, Vinous critic Antonio Galloni calls the muscular 93 pt. 2015 Brut Nature Blanc de Blancs Premier Cru Terre de Vertus “a brilliant wine that combines textural richness and energy” while the powerful 94 pt. 2014 Brut Nature Blanc de Blancs Premier Cru Terre de Vertus (available exclusively in magnums) is “full bodied, layered and vinous” according to the Wine Advocate’s William Kelley, both crafted in the zero dosage/no added sugar style and aged for over 5 years before bottling.
Counted “among Champagne’s finest estates” according to the Wine Advocate’s William Kelley, elite grower-producer Larmandier-Bernier crafts each cuvee to express its unique vineyard origins with minimal intervention, these knock-out selections a must buy for every Champagne lover and collector of the world’s finest sparkling wines at value prices that make it easy to experience their full range of dynamic, one of a kind Champagnes. |
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The NV Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs Latitude 1er Cru is a fabulous introduction to the Larmandier-Bernier wines. It offers a compelling mix of Chardonnay brightness with the breadth and natural resonance that comes so easy from the clay-rich soils that are common in the southern edge of Vertus. Dried lemon peel, chamomile, mint, sage and almond nuances flesh out in this beautifully resonant, expansive Blanc de Blancs. This release is based on 2017, with 40% wines from a perpetual reserve that dates back to 2004. Dosage is 4 grams per liter. Disgorged: October, 2019.
93 points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous (Nov 2020)
A tangy overtone of pink grapefruit peel rides the fine mousse in this creamy Champagne. It's layered with a subtle mesh of apricot, lemon thyme and minerally brine and chalk notes. Well-cut and harmonious. Drink now through 2025. 6,000 cases made, 100 cases imported.
92 points, Alison Napjus, Wine Spectator (Dec 2020)
Based on the 2016 vintage and disgorged in December 2018, the latest release of Larmandier-Bernier's NV Extra-Brut Blanc de Blancs Latitude bursts with a generous bouquet of yellow orchard fruit, peach, blanched almonds and white flowers that's less citrusy and stony than the corresponding Longitude. Full-bodied, broad and textural on the palate, it's fleshy and enveloping, with ripe but racy acids and a muscular core of fruit, concluding with an expansive finish. The contrast between the Larmandier's two non-vintage cuvées couldn't be more obvious.
91 points, William Kelley, Wine Advocate (Issue # 248 - Apr 2020)