This is really good. Vilmart have 11 hectares of vines in the Monntagne de Reims, in the small village of Rilly la Montagne. No chemical fertilizers, insecticides or herbicides are used. The base wines are aged in oak. This is a proper wine: still primary and youthful, but with great potential.
Champagne Vilmart & Cie Grand Cellier Brut Premier Cru NV France
The base wines for this are aged in foudres and small oak for 10 months; no malolactic; 70% Chardonnay and 30% Pinot Noir. This is from the 2010/11/12 vintages. Super refined and fresh with some depth to the pear and lemon fruit, and some fine toastiness. Structured and fresh with great concentration. Notes of toast and spice, with lovely precision. Tight and primary with lots of potential for future development. Truly exceptional. 94/100 (£42 Berry Bros & Rudd)
GROWER CHAMPAGNE:
- Gatinois Aÿ Grand Cru Brut Tradition NV
- Michel Arnould Grand Cru Brut Réserve NV
- Ulysse Collin Blanc de Noirs Les Maillons Extra Brut NV France
- Pierre Péters Cuvée du Réserve Blanc de Blancs Brut Grand Cru NV France
- R&L Legras Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru NV
- Bérêche et Fils Campania Remensis Extra Brut Rosé NV
- Savart L’Ouverture Premier Cru NV
- Raphaël & Vincent Bérêche Montagne Premier Cru 2004
- Savart L’Accomplie 1er Cru NV
Damn Jamie,
We have tried to keep this a secret for years but after Robert Parker noticed this winery prices went up almost 30% and the little stock they have was sold out in months. Last year they didn’t even have wine left for us long term customers when we arrived at their doorstep for our yearly visit.
And now you’re a fan too. So now the serious wine community will find their way to this great winery too………. But, I can tell, it’s worth it so enjoy!
Back to our list of small quality wineries with affordable prices we visit each year. We have a vacancy now and maybe you can give a suggestion (privately off course! ;-)) were to visit.
Kind regards,
Mark Haans
The Netherlands
I just finished off some of this wine disgorged in 2004, and it was stunning with years to go. So yes, lots of potential for development with this wine.