Being cask fermented, it has a complex structure and its unique bouquet allies power and richness, balance and generosity. Harvest: 2003-2002-2000-1999-1998 Grapes: 50% Chardonnay 50% Pinot Noir Terroirs: Vineyard "Les Crayons" in Oeuilly (Marne valley). Chalk. 65-yrs old vines. Vinification: Vinification in 4-wine oak barrels. No malolactic fermentation. Barrel fermentation with the lees regularly stirred back into the wine. Remains in barrels until May. Disgorging: See date on rear label. Manual. Dosage: 0g/l James Suckling JUL23: Score 96This is showing deep and complex notes of beeswax, walnuts, soy, oyster shells and quince. Rich and delicious, with salty and nutty components at play throughout. Long and savory. Very sleek and soft bubbles. Phenolic. One to have with food. 50% pinot noir and 50% chardonnay, based on the 2005 and 2004 vintages. Disgorged June 2022. 0g/L dosage. Drink now.

60% Chardonnay, 40% Pinot Noir 45% in oak barrels no fining, no filtration dosage: Extra Brut,   

100% Chardonnay – Ungrafted (as they were in pre-phylloxera days) Dosage: 0 g/l 8-12 years of bottle maturity Dating from the Lutetian era 45 million years ago, this terroir is the only remaining place where the Chardonnay can be grown ungrafted on its own roots. La Vigne d'Antan (The Vines of Yesteryear) reveals the true nature of the chardonnay grape, with aromas unknown elsewhere since the 19th century. This exclusive Champagne invites you to a timeless tasting of a wine of rare purity. Terroir: "Les Sables" in Oeuilly (Marne valley). Vinification: Vinification in 4-wine oak barrels. No malolactic fermentation. Barrel fermentation with the lees regularly stirred back into the wine. Remains in barrels until May. Bottling: 24th July 2003 Disgorging: Manual, from 2017 (see rear label for exact date).  

This vintage cuvée is the flagship of our House. And to ensure excellence, we only produce thisChampagne in exceptional years and always in small quantities. The philosophy behind thisChampagne is for it to reflect the quintessence of the vintage, when we blend the grapes. EachMillésime Extra Brut will therefore be different from the last, so that it reflects the full breadth oforganoleptic qualities offered by mother nature.SOIL: Clay and silt with some marl at depth for the Pinot Noir and limestone for the Chardonnay Average.Age of the vines: 50 yearsBLEND: 53% Chardonnay and 30% Pinot Noir and 17% Pinot MeunierDOSAGE: 4 g/lBotttles produced: 6096VINIFICATION :*At harvest grapes from the oldest plots are selected, redolent of the richest characteristics thattypify the Terroir*During pressing, only "tête de cuvee” juices (finest juices from the first pressing) are selected*Vinification entirely in oak barrels*Absence of malolactic fermentation, retaining all the natural acidity of the grape.*Bottled without filtering*Second fermentation in the bottle following ancient rules, using a cork rather than a metal capsule.*Bottles aged in our cellar for at least 8 years (rather than the 3 years usually required)*Bottling run limited to 6096 bottles and 367 magnums.TASTING :The complex nose lets aromas of red and blackcurrant and cherry burst out, mixed with a delicateand sensual oakiness and underpinned by vanilla, cinnamon and pear. Attractive scents of citrus(lemon, mandarin), peach and roasted apricot close this superb olfactory experience.The attack on the palate is pure and of rare density, punctuated by a savoury minerality. It is then theturn of the Chardonnay to reveal its palette of buttery brioche and toast notes, which slip over intocoffee and chocolate.The smooth and creamy effervescence turn this Champagne into a great wine .PAIRING:To enjoy this Champagne at its best we recommend that you decant it about 30 minutes before tasting at 12° C so that the dormant energy preserved during the long years of aging can express itself fully. Dyed-in-the-wool champagne lovers will appreciate this Vintage Champagne as an aperitif. But this great wine can be matched with unusual dishes such as a sea urchin and crab “nage” with saffron, a risotto with truffles and parmesan or a superb piece of lightly grilled beef PRESS REVIEWSJAMES SUCKLING.COM - Oct 2016 - 96/100 / Bettane & Desseauve 2017 : 16,5/20 / Guide RVF 2017 15/20 / Guide Hachette 2016 ! Coup de coeur ***Le point - J.Dupont - 2013 : 18/20 / Guide Larousse du Champagne 2014 : ***** / Guide Gault Millau 2014 : 16.5/20Guide Revel - Canada - 2013 : 17/20 / Tyson Stelzer - Australie - 2014 : 95/100 / Wine advocate - USA : 91/100 / Wine Spectator - USA : 91/100 StephenTanzer’s - USA : 93/100