2013 Vilmart et Cie Les Blanches Voies Blanc de Blancs 1er Cru

Sourced from the lieu-dit Les Blanches Voies, a single parcel in the premier cru of Rilly-la-Montagne planted in 1960, Vilmart’s 2013 Blanc de Blancs Les Blanches Voies was disgorged in April 2021 with a dosage of four grams per liter—the lowest in their range. Matured in entirely new 228-liter barrels from Tonnellerie Rousseau, this Champagne has largely absorbed the oak influence during its seven years sur lattes, followed by four additional years post-disgorgement. It soars from the glass with a vibrant bouquet of lemon zest, pear and honeysuckle mingling with a hint of exotic fruit. On the palate, it is medium- to full-bodied, layered and ample, with an incisive core and a saline signature, concluding with a persistent finish. This Champagne is poised to evolve beautifully over the next 10 to 15 years, unfolding even deeper layers of aromatic complexity with time.

The 2013 Blanc de Blancs Les Blanches Voies is every bit as magnificent as it was last year. It's a quintessential 2013 that marries fruit intensity with energy and structure, the classic signatures of this great, late-ripening vintage. Citrus, tropical overtones, spice, graphite and exotic flowers infuse the palate with tremendous depth. The 100% new oak is impeccably balanced. Dosage is 4 grams per liter. Disgorged: April 2021.

The 2013 Extra-Brut Blanc de Blancs Les Blanches Voies has it all. Rich, vibrant and wonderfully deep, the 2013 shows an extra kick of mid-palate intensity compared to the 2012 tasted alongside it. Lemon confit, graphite, hazelnut, spice and dried flowers are all amplified in a Blanc de Blancs that at times has a Pinot-like level of textural richness and volume. The 2013 is vivid, focused and exceptionally beautiful. This fruit was picked on October 4, the last October harvest at Vilmart. Dosage is 4 grams per liter, on the low side for Vilmart, but perfectly judged for this wine. Disgorged: April 1, 2021.