2017 Cœur de Cuvée, Vilmart et Cie
Laurent’s father first made this now emblematic cuvée in 1989. As the name suggests, it is the heart of the juice from the press, offering up a complex and intense expression of the vintage. It is a blend of 80% Chardonnay and 20% Pinot Noir which comes from premier cru vineyards in the heart of the Montagne de Reims, and shows taut control and an elegant, complex structure. Malolactic fermentation is blocked, and the wine shows tension and grip, with a juicy, ripe citrus character and racy, saline freshness. The wine was matured in old oak, giving a softness and breadth on the palate.