2013 Larmandier-Bernier - Terre de Vertus Blanc de Blancs 1er Cru

The 2013 Brut Nature Blanc de Blancs Terre de Vertus 1er Cru is a tight, edgy Champagne that needs a good bit of air, as it is very reticent today. Readers will find a tight Blanc de Blancs that emphasize the savory, earthy side of Chardonnay. It will be interesting to see if the 2013 softens a bit, but it is pretty austere, just as it was last year. Today, it is pretty reticent. The Terre de Vertus is a blend of fruit from the Les Barillers and Les Faucherets lieu-dits. It was fermented and aged in a combination of barrique and used neutral foudres. Bottled with no dosage and Disgorged: October 2019.

Tasted blind in a comparison of champagne and English sparkling wine. 100% Chardonnay. Quite deep gold. Lightly savoury nose. Some evidence of autolysis and real age suggests champagne. Fine mousse and the acidity is not too aggressive. Not too dry either (in fact, it tasted as though there had been some dosage). Relatively complex. Serious champagne? (JR)

A more composed and contained vintage for chardonnay, this blanc de blancs is an assemblage of six parcels, all closely located in the village of Vertus, totaling 2.5 hectares. The nose has a very fresh and chalky edge with dried flowers and fresh lemons. The palate has a very succulent, composed and elegant shape with powerful, contained fruit. A cooler vintage has refined this nicely. Super dry, mineral finish. A strong vintage for this Champagne. Drink or hold.