The story of the Larmandier-Bernier estate goes back centuries, but things only really got interesting after the late 1980s, when Pierre Larmandier took over. He immediately moved towards sustainable (and eventually, biodynamic) viticulture and indigenous fermentation, putting this estate well ahead of the current set of like-minded grower-producers.

Now Larmandier-Bernier is, according writer Peter Liem, "one of the finest producers in the Côte des Blancs", garnering rave reviews not just from Liem but other top critics like Vinous' Antonio Galloni.

The wines are unified stylistically, with chalky cores and delicate, lifted citrus and floral notes that seem drawn in pastel. But there are also strong differences, a testament to the distinct personalities within the Côtes des Blancs.

What importer Polaner Selections has to say about this wine...

VINEYARD
Sourced from two parcels in the village of Avize -- Chemin de Plivot and Chemin de Flavigny. These vineyards previously contributed to the Longitude cuvee.
SOIL
Chalk and clay.
VITICULTURE
The vines are farmed biodynamically and the grapes are harvested by hand.
VINIFICATION
Pierre & Sophie purchased a smaller press in 2009 in order to vinify these small Avize parcels separately. Natural yeast fermentation in used barriques and old foudres.
AGING
The wine is left on its lees during the winter and aged in the cool cellars, disgorged 6 months prior to release. 2 grams dosage. Disgorged by hand: