Base 2021. Disgorged November 2023. Base 2022. Disgorged Dec 2024. Dubbed “just impeccable, especially within its peer group” by Galloni, Laherte’s Meunier-led ‘entry-level’ Champagne comes from eight different parcels across the Coteaux Sud d’Épernay and Vallée de la Marne. The blend of 60% Meunier, 30% Chardonnay and 10% Pinot Noir represents the diversity of the Estate’s plantings. Some 40% of the blend these days is drawn from the two preceding vintages.
The juice naturally ferments in a mixture of vessels, including two 50-hectolitre Rousseau tronconique casks, old barrels, foudre and concrete. The wines were always aged on lees and see partial malolactic conversion (around 60-70% on average). Based on the 2021 vintage with 40% reserve wines, it’s taut and juicy with loads of delicious, racy, redcurrant and apple skin Meunier fruit fused with citrus and saline tang from the Chardonnay. This Extra Brut bottling is disgorged with 4 g/L dosage. As fun is it is to drink, it’s a serious and complex wine for the price.