Jean-Luc Lallemet’s Champagnes are stellar examples of the distinctive terroir of the northern Montagne de Reims. In this part of the Montagne the slopes have a more northerly exposure and the soil is more calcareous, with a lot less clay content than is typical for the rest of the region. The result is a more taut and refined Champagne than one is apt to find in Bouzy or Ambonnay. So while this Brut's effusive black raspberry, cherry and currant candy aromas clearly announce that this is a black grape Champagne, its palate has the sleekness and crystalline minerality that is more suggestive of a Côte de Blancs Champagne. Even by grower standards Lallement is a tiny house with a total production of just 1,700 cases, so you know that our allocation can’t hold out very long once the word gets out about this gem.
WINERY NOTES: "The nose is expressive, powerful, revealing aromas of brioche and toast. The mouth is reminiscent of the nose, with pleasant fruity notes (peach, cherry plum) followed by a slightly spicy touch on the finish. It remains flexible and persistent. The dosage allows to keep a good freshness to this wine. Blend of Pinot Noir (80%) and Chardonnay (20%) with a very measured dosage (6g / l)."
VINOUS 91 POINTS -"Pale yellow. Musky aromas of peach pit, redcurrant, chamomile and smoky minerals. Tactile and sharply delineated, with very good energy to its orange pith, fig and anise flavors. A dusty mineral quality adds bite to the long, vibrant, sharply focused finish. All the fruit for this wine was grown in the Verzenay and Verzy grand crus."
WINERY NOTES: "The nose is expressive, powerful, revealing aromas of brioche and toast. The mouth is reminiscent of the nose, with pleasant fruity notes (peach, cherry plum) followed by a slightly spicy touch on the finish. It remains flexible and persistent. The dosage allows to keep a good freshness to this wine. Blend of Pinot Noir (80%) and Chardonnay (20%) with a very measured dosage (6g / l)."
VINOUS 91 POINTS -"Pale yellow. Musky aromas of peach pit, redcurrant, chamomile and smoky minerals. Tactile and sharply delineated, with very good energy to its orange pith, fig and anise flavors. A dusty mineral quality adds bite to the long, vibrant, sharply focused finish. All the fruit for this wine was grown in the Verzenay and Verzy grand crus."
