Larmandier Bernier Blanc De Blancs Extra Brut 'Latitude' NV

Another high quality 'grower' discovery. I can personally vouch for the fruit intensity and purity - when was the last time you drank a Champagne that felt like you were drinking a super high end Chardonnay 'still' wine?

2017 base with 40% reserve wines going back to 2004, disgorged October 2019. Latitude is 100% Côte des Blancs Chardonnay from vineyards on the southern side of Vertus.

"The NV Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs Latitude 1er Cru is a fabulous introduction to the Larmandier-Bernier wines. It offers a compelling mix of Chardonnay brightness with the breadth and natural resonance that comes so easy from the clay-rich soils that are common in the southern edge of Vertus. Dried lemon peel, chamomile, mint, sage and almond nuances flesh out in this beautifully resonant, expansive Blanc de Blancs. This release is based on 2017, with 40% wines from a perpetual reserve that dates back to 2004." 93 points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous

“Few growers’ ranges in Champagne are as consistently outstanding as that of Larmandier”. Andrew Jefford – The New France

The vineyards are biodynamically worked (almost unheard of in Champagne) and the average age of the vines is 35 years (most Champagne vineyards are considered 'old' and due for replanting at 25 years).