THE CHAMPAGNE GUIDE 93 POINTS - "...it's a more than admirable result, a Champagne of tension and persistence, contrasting a tight lemon and grapefruit core with the yellow summer fruits of Brochet's ripe style. Long barrel and bottle age have drawn out compelling notes of charcuterie, toast and wood spice, producing a creamy soft texture and strong autolytic character. The minerality of the accessible chalk of the village is prominent, soft supple and deeply salty. A wine of well-defined acid line, impressive length and seamless coherence. 93 Points." Dosage 4 grams/liter; 6500 bottles produced.
PETER LEIM 1 1/2 STARS - "While Brochet typically makes this cuvée as a multi-vintage blend, this release is pure 2011—this was his first harvest that was officially certified organic, following three years of being in conversion, and the new Ecocert rules don’t permit blending of certified grapes with those in conversion, meaning that he couldn’t use his existing reserve wines. This is composed of 40 percent Chardonnay, 40 percent Meunier and 20 percent Pinot Noir, and despite my reservations about its vintage, I’m highly impressed: it’s marked by a dark, umami-like complexity, yet it’s savory rather than vegetal, complemented by plenty of ripe citrus, pear and red-fruit flavors. It finishes with clean, fragrant length, feeling harmonious and inviting. Last tasted: 3/15."
PETER LEIM 1 1/2 STARS - "While Brochet typically makes this cuvée as a multi-vintage blend, this release is pure 2011—this was his first harvest that was officially certified organic, following three years of being in conversion, and the new Ecocert rules don’t permit blending of certified grapes with those in conversion, meaning that he couldn’t use his existing reserve wines. This is composed of 40 percent Chardonnay, 40 percent Meunier and 20 percent Pinot Noir, and despite my reservations about its vintage, I’m highly impressed: it’s marked by a dark, umami-like complexity, yet it’s savory rather than vegetal, complemented by plenty of ripe citrus, pear and red-fruit flavors. It finishes with clean, fragrant length, feeling harmonious and inviting. Last tasted: 3/15."