Description
“Aurélien Laherte continues to turn out some of the most compelling wines in all of Champagne. As always, the range here is quite vast, which makes singling out favorites next to impossible. [Laherte’s] approach that achieves a striking mix of textural richness and energy in Champagnes that bristle with varietal, site and vintage character. As good as the top wines are, I often find just as much pleasure in the entry-level offerings for their quality and value.” Antonio Galloni, Vinous
“These are chiseled, characterful wines, founded on thoughtful farming, and they represent fine values in the world of grower Champagne. They will appeal to those with a high tolerance for acidity and appreciate a laser-sharp, incisive style.” Kristaps Karklins, The Wine Advocate
Barely in his 30s, Aurélien Laherte farms all of his family’s (astonishing) 75 parcels of vines biodynamically or organically. These sites are mostly scattered across the hills south of Épernay. Through microscopic attention to detail, hand harvesting and exemplary wood based élevage, Laherte has put this part of Champagne back on the grower map. All of his wines are naturally fermented with wild yeast with no additions and are hand disgorged with very low dosage.
Base 2022. Disgorged Dec 2024. Dubbed “just impeccable, especially within its peer group” by Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media, Laherte’s Meunier-led ‘entry-level’ Champagne comes from eight different parcels across the Coteaux Sud d’Épernay and Vallée de la Marne. The blend of 60% Meunier, 30% Chardonnay and 10% Pinot Noir represents the diversity of the Estate’s plantings. Some 40% of the blend these days is drawn from the two preceding vintages.
The juice naturally ferments in a mixture of vessels, including two 50-hectolitre Rousseau tronconique casks, old barrels, foudre and concrete. The wines were always aged on lees and see partial malolactic conversion (around 60-70% on average). Based on the 2022 vintage with 40% reserve wines, it’s taut and juicy with loads of delicious, racy, redcurrant and apple skin Meunier fruit fused with citrus and saline tang from the Chardonnay. This Extra Brut bottling is disgorged with 4 g/L dosage. As fun is it is to drink, it’s a serious and complex wine for the price.
It’s simply a top value grower wine; bright, pure and juicy with loads of delicious, jubey and red apple Meunier fruit. The quality being delivered for this price is outstanding. Do not hesitate here. Towered over most Grand Marques NV champagnes in our tasting! This will impress!
“The NV Extra Brut Ultradition is a very pretty, gracious wine consisting of a blend of 60% Pinot Meunier, 30% Chardonnay and 10% Pinot Noir from eight vineyard sources. Perfumed floral and spice notes give the Ultradition lovely brightness to match its mid-weight, notably vinous personality. Orchard fruit, chamomile, dried herbs, mint and crushed rocks are all wonderfully expressive. This is an especially nuanced edition.” 90 points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous
RRP $144 Our Special Price $99.99 when you buy 6 or more of this wine.
