Vieille Vigne du Levant Grand Cru Extra Brut 2010 – Larmandier-Bernier

Color:

In bright, luminous straw yellow, the wine presents itself clear and in brilliant brilliance with a filigree, yet lively perlage.

Nose:

The nose of this wine tells stories of heaven and earth, of fruit and soil. Bright yellow sunlight from above and shiny gold from deep within the earth are also the aromatic motto of this Blanc de Blancs from 100% Chardonnay. Its fruity components are set and yellow-fleshed. Quince, fresh fig and a yellow, mealy apple kick things off and are glazed with honey. Agave juice, sultanas and dried apricots follow on its heels. Depth and spice are introduced by the earthy scents of beechnuts and truffle butter, as well as onion skin, roasted fennel seed and a hint of subtly peaty yet not smoky Irish whiskey. Multi-layered and arousing curiosity, yet completely at peace with itself, this Champagne is pure charismatic olfactory pleasure.

Palate:

The 2010 Vieille Vigne du Levant Grand Cru Extra Brut from Larmandier-Bernier appears self-confident and room-filling on the palate. Just as balanced as the promise of its nose announced, it presents itself in the drink. Fine and playful, its perlage takes over even the last corner of the palate. Friendly takeover.

The wine's fruit shows a deliberate and subtle use of oxidation. This, together with its tickling acidity and chalky texture, enhances the depth of the champagne, giving it an even more vinous dimension. The aromas are dense and varied, but not overpowering, and the wine is a continuous echo of the spiciness of almond speculoos and the sparseness of stony minerality.

Great wine and an exemplary testament to the fact that you can capture a moment, yet it lives on.