NV Vilmart & Cie "Grand Cellier" Brut

Champagne, France

Vilmart & Cie. traces its history back to 1890 and, from the beginning, Vilmart has always made champagne exclusively from estate-owned vines. Since 1989 the estate has been in the hands of Laurent Champs, the fifth generation. Champs has never used any herbicides or chemical fertilizers since taking over the estate. All of the vineyards are planted with cover crops and plowed, and Champs enjoys an additional advantage in that his parcels are relatively large—only 12 different parcels over 11 hectares—meaning that he is more protected from contamination by chemical treatments in neighboring plots. Vilmart & Cie. is not only one of the greatest grower-estates in Champagne, but one of the finest champagne producers of any type in the region.

70% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot Noir / 50% 2016 50% 2015-2014 / No ML / Aged 10 months large used oak / En Tirage: 30 + months.

"The NV Brut Grand Cellier (2015 base) is fabulous. Rich, ample and creamy, the Grand Cellier is so alluring from the very first taste. All the Vilmart signatures - most notably uncommon elegance - come through loud and clear. Baked apple tart, pear, spice and a hint off butter add nuance, but it is the wine's overall feel that impresses most. Readers will have a hard time keeping their hands off this seductive Champagne from Vilmart." 93 Points - Vinous Media