Champagne Laherte Frères Pinot Meunier Extra Brut Les Vignes d'Autrefois 2019

“The 2019 Champagne Les Vignes D'Autrefois Extra Brut is made from Meunier coming from plots within Sud Epernay that were planted in 1947. The area is at the bottom of a hill that's susceptible to frost, which is why they planted to Meunier on the chalk soils as opposed to the sand or clay of the Marne. Pouring a rich straw hue, the wine offers expressive notes of crushed chalk, fresh red cherry, and a sapidity of graham. Medium-bodied on the palate, it has a focused yet generous feel, with fresh notes of orange citrus and crunchy earth, and finishes with more intense focus on the back palate. It would pair well with classic dishes such as oysters and shellfish. Mouthwatering and very long, it's in a very attractive place now and has the structure to hold over the coming decade. Disgorged November 2022. 2 grams per liter dosage.”

“The 2019 Extra Brut Vignes d'Autrefois (100% Meunier) is a very pretty wine, although it is on the understated side. Dried flowers, orchard fruit and spice emerge gradually, but it is also quiet and not fully expressive at this stage. Perhaps that will come in time. Dosage is 2-4 grams per liter. Disgorged: November, 2022.”