Producer: Christian Bourmault  
Region: Champagne, France  
Blend: 100% Chardonnay 
Year: Non-Vintage 

John Gilman, 91 Points 

"The Grand Eloge cuvée of non-vintage Blanc de Blancs from Christian Bourmault is produced from fruit farmed in Cuis, and hails from the same two lieux à dits of Basses Vignes and Les Fêtes from which the Lettre à Terre emerges (please see below). However, the Grand Eloge comes from younger vine parcels in these two vineyards, so that the average age of the vines here is thirty to forty years of age, and a bit of the malo is also blocked for this bottling. This is also from the base year of 2014, but with thirty percent of the blend reserve wines from 2013, and it too is aged for thirty-six months sur latte. It was disgorged in October of 2018 and finished with a slightly higher dosage of six grams per liter. The bouquet offers up a lovely blend of apple, pear, chalky soil tones, almond, brioche and a very discreet touch of oak. On the palate the wine is bright, full-bodied and complex, with lovely balance and grip, pinpoint bubbles and good length and grip on the complex and stylish finish. This is not quite as long as the Lettre à Terre bottling, and the slightly lower percentage of reserve wines in the blend makes the perception of oak a bit less out of the blocks. This is the cuvée that is designed for earlier drinking and it is already very charming. 2020- 2035+."  

Alcohol: 12% 

Organic 

*Price and availability in store may vary. Vintage date may differ from pictured.