N/V Brut Nature Grand Cru, Benoît Lahaye (2015 Base Vintage)

N/V Brut Nature Grand Cru, Benoît Lahaye (2015 Base Vintage)

This small, energetic, family-run biodynamic domaine of just 4.8 hectares makes exciting wines in the spectacularly well-named village of Bouzy, as well as in Ambonnay. They converted to biodynamic viticulture in the early 2000s, and their low yields and emphasis on fruit maturity produce wines with exceptional concentration and balance. Oak ageing adds to their complexity. They carry out malolactic fermentation and disgorge without the addition of dosage. This comes from Grand Cru parcels of vines with an average age of 30 years. The blend contains 55% wines from the 2015 vintage and reserve wine from the 2014 vintage and earlier. It spent two and a half years ageing in bottle before disgorgement.

Critic score
92/100 info

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Wine details

  • Region & country
    Champagne, France
  • Grape
    90% Pinot Noir
    10% Chardonnay
  • Maturity
    Ready 2021 - 2031info
  • Colour
    White
  • Sweetness
    Dry
  • Style
    Sparkling
  • Unit Volume
    Bottle (75cl.)
  • ABV
    12%

Tasting notes

Based on the 2015 vintage and complemented by fully 50% reserve wines, Lahaye's NV Brut Nature Grand Cru is derived from holdings in Bouzy (which represents 80% of the blend) and Ambonnay, which he feels are better blended than bottled separately. Offering up a complex bouquet of yellow orchard fruit, toasted nuts and dried white flowers, the wine is medium to full-bodied, racy and precise, with fine depth at the core, a delicate mousse and a chalky, sapid finish.

William Kelley, Wine Advocate (March 2020)
92+/100
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