2018 Champagne Christophe Baron Champagne Les Closeaux Crouttes-sur-Marne
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Tasting notes
Disgorged in April 2022 without dosage, Christophe Baron's 2018 Brut Nature Les Closeaux is both forward and expressive, opening with an enticing bouquet of candied pear, tangerine zest and cherry plum. On the palate, it is full-bodied and vinous, showcasing a generous, fruit-driven profile supported by ripe yet vibrant acidity, culminating in a long, saline-tinged finish. As ever, it hails from a warm, early-ripening site in Crouttes-sur-Marne, where shallow soils contribute to a broader, more horizontal expression relative to the estate’s other cuvées. Notably, this is also the parcel they typically harvest first.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jeb Dunnuck
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Ripe and inviting, this is another fantastic wine from Christophe Baron. Pouring a shimmering straw with a subtle copper hue, the 2018 Champagne Les Closeaux Brut Nature is also generous with fruit-forward appeal out of the gates, revealing notes of fresh apricot, tangerine, hay, and honeycomb. Elegant and even on the palate, it has a pillowy mousse similar to the 2019, with lovely concentration for the vintage and notes of ripe citrus through the finish. It is a lovely wine to enjoy over the coming 15 years. Disgorged April 2022. 1599 magnums were produced.
The 2018 Brut Nature Les Closeaux (Magnum) is the most open and accessible of Christophe Baron's 2018s. It had plenty of Meunier character, but also softer edges that make it very easy to enjoy today. Dried pear, spice, mint, red cherry and crushed rocks abound. The Closeaux could easily be mistaken for Pinot Noir given its flavor profile and overall feel. At the same time, sandy soils confer notable sensuality. It’s a gorgeous wine by any measure.