Larmandier-Bernier Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs Longitude (1.5L)

Sparkling from Champagne, France

B-21 Top Recommendation
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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.

94V

93WA

92WS

92W&S

The NV Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs Longitude 1er Cru sizzles with tension and energy. Chalk and limestone soils in the villages of Vertus, Cramant and Oger give birth to a Champagne endowed with so much vibrancy. Citrus, yellow flowers, spice and baked apple tart add aromatic nuance, but it is the wine's pure drive and texture that stand out most. This is a fabulous showing. The current release is based on 2016, with 40% wines from a perpetual reserve that dates back to 2004. Dosage is 4 grams per liter. Disgorged: October, 2019.

94 points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous (Nov 2020)

Disgorged in December 2018 and based on the 2015 vintage, the latest release of NV Extra-Brut Blanc de Blancs Premier Cru Longitude is showing very well indeed, opening in the glass with a classy and youthfully reserved bouquet of lemon oil, freshly baked bread, crisp yellow orchard fruit and wet chalk. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, elegantly textural and concentrated, with racy acids, terrific tension and a pinpoint mousse. This new disgorgement is especially harmonious and complete. Longitude is routinely one of the region's finest values; indeed, along with Egly-Ouriet's VP bottling, this is one of my two "house" Champagnes.

93 points, William Kelley, Wine Advocate (Issue # 248 - Apr 2020)

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. Drink now through 2025. 4,500 cases made, 150 cases imported.

92 points, Alison Napjus, Wine Spectator (Dec 2020)

Pierre Larmandier blends this wine from his biodynamically farmed vineyards running along a north-south axis in the Côte des Blancs. He ferments it with ambient yeasts in a mix of old foudres and neutral barrels, later blending in 40 percent from a perpetual reserve he began in 2004. The wine is cool and rich, with briskness in the bubbles and in the buzz of gentle acidity that lends a chalky abrasion to the finish. Its focus and length make it a refreshing companion to grilled fish.

92 points, Wine & Spirits (Dec 2020)

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$129.98

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