Tarlant Cuvee Louis Brut Champagne [JG94+][JS94][WE94][WA93][WS91]

Producer: Tarlant   
Region: Champagne, France  
Blend: Sparkling Blend 
Year: Non-Vintage 

John Gilman, 94+ Points 

"The Cuvée Louis bottling is the top of the line from the Tarlant family, with its first vintage having been the 1982. Today, it is not a vintage-dated bottling, but rather one that is based on eighty-five percent of a base year and fifteen percent a blend of reserve wines from the three previous vintages. In this case, the wine is base year 1999, so that the reserve part of the blend hails from 1998, 1997 and 1996. The wine is a fifty-fifty blend of chardonnay and pinot noir, planted in the lieu à dit of “Les Crayons” in Oeuilly back in 1946. The wine was barrel-fermented in four year-old casks and aged until May of 2000 in barrel prior to blending and bottling. This is a stunning wine, offering up a superb bouquet of pear, white peach, fresh-baked bread, a stunning soil signature, pastry tones, gentle smokiness, an exotic touch of saffron and a bit of butteriness in the upper register. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied and very complex, with lovely secondary layers already emerging, a fine core, elegant mousse and excellent mineral drive on the very long, beautifully balanced and classy finish. Great juice." 

James Suckling, 94 Points 

"This has a deeper gold-ish hue and plenty of autolysis-driven grilled nuts in addition to nougat and berry pastries. The palate has a chiseled, refined and chalky feel – compressed by age but very fresh still. It's smooth and made up of a delicate layering of elegant peaches and a light cherry finish. A Champagne that shows nice balance but is complex at the same time. Made from equal parts Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. A blend of 1996, '97, '98, '99 and 2000 vintages laid down on lees in 2001 and disgorged in 2015." 

Wine Enthusiast, 94 Points 

"*Cellar Selection* Equal parts Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, this is a powerfully rich wine based on the 1998 and 1997 vintage. It is full, packed with citrus, peach and apricot flavors mingling with a beautiful, generous creamy texture. This is a glorious Champagne, a worthy homage to Louis Tarlant who pioneered the family’s Champagne in the early 20th century." 

Wine Advocate, 93 Points 

"The Cuvée Louis Brut Nature is a 50/50 Pinot Noir and Chardonnay blend sourced in the lieut-dit Les Crayons. This is based on the 2008 vintage (85%) and Réserve wines of 1998, 1997 and 1996 (15%); it opens with a deep and complex, very mineral bouquet. The purity, precision and elegance on the palate is stunning, as is the intensity of flavors. The wine has a nice reduction and tightness, and keeps the freshness. Impressive wine with food." 

Wine Spectator, 91 Points 

"Flavors of poached pear, star fruit and lemon preserves mix with hints of chalk, brioche and chopped almond in this harmonious Champagne, with a lively bead and fresh, well-cut acidity." 

Alcohol: 12% 

*Discounts do not apply to items like this one in the Fine & Rare category. Price and availability in store may vary.