NV Larmandier-Bernier Non Dose Terre de Vertus

Smells quite mature. Tight knit and complex. Very satisfying despite the lack of added sugar. Really dense and intellectual. A fair price if this is the sort of champagne you’re after. (Krugish.) (JR)

Quite broad on the nose. Intellectual wine. Very dry and demanding. High acidity. Slightly hard work without food. Or perhaps it is just too young? (JR)

The NV (2007) Brut Blanc de Blancs Premier Cru Nature Terre de Vertus is another fabulous wine loaded with impeccable pedigree and sheer class. It is a rich, vinous Champagne that completely covers the palate with layers of intense fruit. This is a more linear, focused style than the NV Premier Cru. White peaches, flowers and chalk are some of the notes that wrap around the finish. The Terre de Vertus is 10% Chardonnay from Les Barillers and Les Faucherets, both naturally in Vertus. The wine was vinified and aged in neutral oak, and bottled with no dosage. This is Lot # LTDV71210. Disgorged December 2010. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2017. Biodynamic farming and non-interventionalist winemaking are at the heart of Pierre and Sophie Larmandier’s impeccably run domaine. The wines are fermented with indigenous yeasts, large neutral casks are increasingly favored and bottling is done with no fining or filtration. These are some of the purest, most impeccable wines being made in Champagne today. Importer: Polaner Selections, Mt. Kisco, NY; tel. (914) 244-0404