Larmandier-Bernier - Vieilles Vignes du Levant Grand Cru Extra Brut 2014

Pierre Larmandier has long had a pioneering spirit. He took over his family’s Côte des Blancs estate in 1988, at which point the Cramant was designated as a single vineyard Champagne, an extreme rarity in the region at that time.

As one of the earliest practitioners of biodynamic viticulture in the region, Pierre works to minimize yields. He does not fear ripeness, but rather, seeks maturity of sugars and acidity in search of balance – the holy grail in grape growing.

Larmandier-Bernier produces reference point Champagnes that fully demonstrate the profound potential of low-/no-dosage bottlings that revel in their energy, purity and impeccable balance.

The Vieilles Vignes de Levant Extra Brut is a vintage cuvée produced from the oldest Grand Cru vines in the village of Cramant, ranging from fifty to eighty year-old vines. It is a single vintage cuvée fermented in oak, a combination of large foudres and smaller Burgundy barrels that are used. The wine receives a very low dosage of two grams per liter prior to release.

"The 2014 Extra Brut Vieilles Vignes de Levant Grand Cru is a gorgeous, vinous Champagne. It emerges from 60-to-80-year-old vines on Cramant's east-facing slope. Tangerine peel, hazelnut, spice, menthol and dried flowers are all signs of a Champagne that has arrived at its peak of maturity. Even so, the balance here is exquisite. Readers seeking Champagne with a bit of bottle-age complexity will adore this. Dosage is 2 grams per liter. Disgorged: September 2023." - 94 Points, Vinous

Producer: Larmandier-Bernier

Country: France

Region: Champagne

Varietal: Chardonnay

Appellation: Champagne

Vintage: 2014

Size: 750ml