LARMANDIER-BERNIER Terre de Vertus Non Dosé 1er Cru
| Grapes: Chardonnay |
Origin: France, Non Vintage |
Lea & Sandeman review
100% Chardonnay from Premier Crus vineyards planted in 1982 and 1962, given absolutely no 'dosage', making it an ultra brut, and in Pierre Larmandier's words a true expression of the Vertus 'terroir'. Elegant, restrained, with toasty, citrus flavours and underlying minerality this really is a sensational wine.
Other reviews and comments
From the thoughtful grower Pierre Larmandier, this elegant blanc de blancs champagne made from pure Chardonnay in an appetisingly dry style, shows the biscuity character of yeast maturation in bottle with a creamy mousse of bubbles and a mouthwateringly mineral aftertang that makes this a sommelier's favourite recommendation for first course shellfish dishes.
12.5% abv.
91-100/100
www.thewinegang.com
The Blanc de Blancs Premier Cru Nature Terre de Vertus features notes of chalkiness, lime peel and flowers that recall a great Sancerre. This medium-bodied Champagne reveals a focussed personality, with notable energy and freshness to spare on the finish. I found it hard to move on to the next wine. In a word: awesome.
93/100
Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate
No vintage is on the label, but Pierre Larmandier says it’s 100% 2006. Pure Chardonnay and no dosage: mineral, weighty, round, with huge personality.
Margaret Rand’s Pick of Delicious Vintage Fizz – Houses and Growers.
5 stars
Decanter Magazine
Extremely delicate – almost a featherweight – and very easy to love, despite the zero dosage. Very clever winemaking.
18
Jancis Robinson MW OBE - www.JancisRobinson.com
Une legere réduction au nez, une bouche vivace avec des notes minérales. Un tirage droit, tendu, encore tres jeune. Le temps devra l'arrondir.
17/20
La Revue du Vin de France
Dry to the point of austerity, or 'ultra brut' as they say in France. Bracing. Piercing. Minera. Extreme. 100% Chardonnay. Real drive and energy.
Victoria Moore, The Daily Telegraph
A 2006 in all but name. Fine scents of nature, linden, white flowers. Brisk chardonnay drive, perfectly balanced. Decanter June 2011 Very Dry Champagne Report. 17 points
****
Decanter Magazine
This is a biodynamic, dual-vineyard wine from Vertus. Youthful, fruit-forward nose with distinct earthy minerality. The palate is bone dry. With zero dosage, this is not everybody's wine, but fans of purist, terroir Champagnes will love it. 2009-2014
****
Decanter Magazine
The epitome of a "grower's Champagne", this comes from Chardonnay vines grown on a single terroir in Vertus, and is made exclusively from the 2004 vintage. It is undosed and therefore contains no residual sugar. The aromas are immediately individual and contrasting: white flowers and minerals. The palate too is austere yet fruity, with citrus flavours and a hint of rhubarb flower ona long finish. Try with oysters.
Dominic Rippon, Dominic's France, the cool climate
Smells quite mature. Tight knit and complex. Very satisfying despite the lack of added sugar. Really dense and intellectual. A fair price if this is the sort of champagne you’re after. (Krugish.)
18
Jancis Robinson MW OBE - www.JancisRobinson.com
Cette cuvée non dosée offre une robe or clair et un nez fin et vif alliant le fruit et la minéralité. L'attaque en bouche se montre éclatante sur un style racé, fin et élégant. Un champagne droit et tout en finesse et en longueur...
La Revue du Vin de France
Pale gold. Exotically perfumed nose show Jura-like dried yellow fruits, nut skin and beurre blanc aromas complicated by dried flowers and anise. Surprisingly bright on the palate, with deep but energetic pear skin, yellow plum and hazelnut flavors, along with succulent herbs and gentle bracing acidity. Exotic, singular, no-dosage Champagne-and not for everyone.
92/100
Josh Raynolds, Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar
Mixed Cases
DISCOUNTED BY ANOTHER £1 PER BOTTLE FROM THE NORMAL 'CASE PRICES' for each of the three Champagnes in this mixed case. 4 bottles each of Pierre's 'Tradition, 'Blanc de Blancs' and Terre de Vertus'. Purity, precision, bone dry subtlety, long mineral finshes. If you like your Champagne uncompromisingly dry and bright, these are the boys for you - three different cuvées, all absolutely top-notch.
With every man and his wife on the lookout for Champagne "deals", it is sad that so many people overlook the best "deals" of all - high quality, grower-made Champagnes, packed with character, and at prices significantly below any of the best prices you might find for Grande Marque Champagnes.