Vilmart & Cie Grand Cellier Premier Cru Champagne [WS94][W&S92][V91][JD90]

"A mouthwatering Champagne that shows seamless integration of the plush and creamy mousse, rapierlike acidity and expressive range of peach, chopped nut, ripe green apple, star anise and honeysuckle aromas and flavors that persist on the long finish. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir." 

"This is a 70-30 blend of chardonnay and pinot noir grown in clay-limestone soils. The components come from harvests in 2014 through ’16, the wines aged 10 months in foudre. It’s spicy in its structure and lasting in its fruit, with flavors ranging from the red blush of pear skin to orange and dry pineapple. Powerful, generous and still tight, this should develop well over the next several years." 

"The NV Brut Grand Cellier is a classy, super-polished wine from Vilmart. Bright, effusive aromatics and generous citrus flavors abound. Marzipan, chamomile, dried flowers and sage lend complexity to this beautifully defined edition of the Grand Cellier." 

"Made from 70% Chardonnay and the remainder Pinot Noir, the NV Champagne Grand Cellier Brut was raised for 10 months in large foudre before spending 30 months sur latte. The nose is rounded and soft, with a delicate perfume of vanilla pastry, Anjou pear, and white flowers. The palate is rounded but dry, with citrus zest that lifts through the modest finish. Best After 2023." 

Winemaker Notes: 

"The pale lemon shade with golden and green highlights is shimmering and luminous. This wine develops a fine, elegant and long-tasting mousse. On the first nose, the wine reveals white flower aromas (honeysuckle, lilac), citrus notes as well as fresh butter and cream. After airing, as it is getting warmer, this Champagne exhales another spectrum of aromas. The wine reveals spicy notes of ginger, lemongrass, which were unsuspected until then. The beautiful quality of the acidity (present throughout the tasting) is especially remarkable. The frank vinosity of the wine (roundness and alcohol) gives an impression of strength and freshness. The wine appears both broad yet tight. These various sensations produce a pure, creamy and silky textured wine. The finish is clean, slightly mineral and long. The last aroma is the grapefruit. The impression will be remembered as a harmonious, healthy and vibrant wine."