$78.99 on 6+ (code: 6saves3)

93 pts Vinous (Galloni)
Drinking Window 2024 - 2032
The 2020 Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs Les Grandes Crayères 1er Cru is terrific. Bright and finely cut, the 2020 possesses notable energy to play off its understated, mid-weight personality. A kiss of French oak rounds out the contours nicely. Lemon confit, marzipan, dried flowers and spice emerge over time. Although I tend to avoid such comparisons, the Crayères bears a striking resemblance to the Chardonnays of another region in France. Dosage is 2 grams per liter. Disgorged: November 2023. - By Antonio Galloni on March 2024

From the Côteaux Sud d’Épernay, Laherte Frères’ Les Grandes Crayères is sourced from a single parcel in Chavot planted to Chardonnay in 1983. The vineyard sits on deep chalk under a thin layer of clay and sand, a soil profile that delivers both crystalline minerality and concentrated fruit. Farmed biodynamically, the vines are tended with meticulous care to highlight terroir purity.

Technical details:

• 100% Chardonnay, old vines

• Organic & biodynamic viticulture

• Fermented with indigenous yeasts in neutral oak barrels

• Matured 36+ months on lees

• Dosage: Extra Brut (approx. 3–4 g/L)

• Millésime: 2020

Tasting notes:
The 2020 vintage, marked by warmth yet balanced by fresh nights, yields a Blanc de Blancs of remarkable tension and generosity. Aromas of lemon curd, crisp apple, and white peach mingle with chalk dust, almond skin, and delicate florals. On the palate, it shows a fine balance of ripe orchard fruit and vibrant citrus, carried on a spine of saline minerality. Oak aging brings subtle spice and creaminess, while the finish is long, chiselled, and mouthwatering, echoing crushed limestone and zest.

This is a vivid, terroir-driven Champagne that bridges richness and precision. While beautifully expressive now, it has the structure and chalky backbone to age gracefully over the next 8–10 years. Ideal with oysters, sashimi, or delicate seafood dishes that highlight its saline core.