LARMANDIER BERNIER CHAMPAGNE TERRE DE VERTUS PREMIER CRU
Vintage2013
96
A more composed and contained vintage for chardonnay, this blanc de blancs is an assemblage of six parcels, all closely located in the village of Vertus, totaling 2.5 hectares. The nose has a very fresh and chalky edge with dried flowers and fresh lemons. The palate has a very succulent, composed and elegant shape with powerful, contained fruit. A cooler vintage has refined this nicely. Super dry, mineral finish. A strong vintage for this Champagne. Drink or hold.
LARMANDIER BERNIER CHAMPAGNE VIEILLE VIGNE DU LEVANT GRAND
Vintage2010
96
From two parcels in Cramant that total one hectare, this has a very chalky nose with lemon biscuit and some attractively oxidative, nutty, savory elements. The palate has a very silky, elegant and contained feel with long, fresh, lightly spiced lemon-biscuit flavors to close. Very complex. Very distinctive. Drink or hold.
LARMANDIER BERNIER CHAMPAGNE LES CHEMINS D’AVIZE GRAND CRU
Vintage2012
95
From a single, 0.7ha plot in Avize. The 2012 has a very rich nose with intense yellow peaches and citrus fruit, showing exceptional maturity and some exotic nuances. The palate is seductive and round with a very expressive feel and plenty of supple, smooth, pastry-like texture. Lemon-curd and pie-crust finish. Drink now.
LARMANDIER BERNIER CHAMPAGNE LONGITUDE PREMIER CRU
93
A base of 2015 vintage (it is normally one year older than Latitude). The striking, crushed-chalk and lemon aromas here are so pure. The palate has a very smooth, crisp and fresh array of attractively vibrant, dry, lemon flavors. Long, pure and dry. Drink now.
LARMANDIER BERNIER CHAMPAGNE ROSÉ DE SAIGNÉE
93
A blend of pinot noir with 10-15% pinot gris, co-planted ten years ago, in amongst 45-year-old vines. The nose is very floral with papaya and pink grapefruit, some praline and fresh, rose-like florals. The palate has the same hit of fragrant roses with plenty of peaches and a silky, smoothly textural palate. The entire parcel is macerated for between three and four days, for texture more than color. Very unique. Drink now.
LARMANDIER BERNIER CHAMPAGNE TERRE DE VERTUS PREMIER CRU
Vintage2012
93
A riper vintage that has plenty of lemon cream and peaches, as well as some florals and gentle, sweet, bready elements, too. The palate has a sweet core of lemons and peaches with cashews to close. A smooth, fleshy vintage. Drink or hold.
LARMANDIER BERNIER CHAMPAGNE LATITUDE
92
From the south of Vertus, this has a very fresh, lemon and peach style with a gentle, lemon-pastry edge. The palate has a very fleshy feel with attractively ripe and supple, fleshy and gently chalky finish. Base of 2016 vintage with 35% reserve wines. Drink now. Disgorged September 2018.
En savoir plus : https://www.jamessuckling.com/wine-tasting-reports/champagnes-great-moment-quality-matched-value/