This blend is 50% Chardonnay from the Côte de Sézanne (half fermented in barrel, the rest in tank), 30% Pinot Noir tank-fermented from Avenay Val d'Or in the Vallée de la Marne, and 20% tank-fermented Pinot Meunier from old vines in Cuis. The base vintage is 2020 (70%) with the remaining 30% taken from a perpetual reserve started in 1986 which has already been complexed by barrel maturation. Dosage is just 3g/l but the Champagne still retains its hedonistic sensibility.
WINE ADVOCATE 91 POINTS -"The NV Extra-Brut Dans un Premier Temps (2020) is the last vintage that Dhondt will produce of this "entry" cuvée, as he is going to isolate his vines from the Sézannais for a standalone bottling that's more coherent with his approach in the Côte de Blancs. The swan song rendition is very attractive, however, delivering notes of pear, white flowers and hazelnuts, followed by a medium to full-bodied, charming and vinous palate that's animated by a pillowy mousse."
WINE ADVOCATE 91 POINTS -"The NV Extra-Brut Dans un Premier Temps (2020) is the last vintage that Dhondt will produce of this "entry" cuvée, as he is going to isolate his vines from the Sézannais for a standalone bottling that's more coherent with his approach in the Côte de Blancs. The swan song rendition is very attractive, however, delivering notes of pear, white flowers and hazelnuts, followed by a medium to full-bodied, charming and vinous palate that's animated by a pillowy mousse."
