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.
Professional Reviews
Robert Parker
What importer Polaner Selections has to say about this wine...
VineyardLocated in the Grand Cru of Cramant, these Chardonnay vines are 50-70+ years in age and are (uniquely) located on the east-facing side of the Cramant hill. “Levant” references the sun rising (lever) in the east.SoilChalk and limestoneViticultureThe vineyards are farmed biodynamically and all grapes are hand harvestedVinificationFermented using natural yeasts in a combination of 60% used barriques and 40% used foudres and left on the lees during the winter. Bottled unfined and unflitered, dosage is 2 grams/liter.AgingKept in the cool cellars between 36-48 months, hand disgorged and aged an additional 6 months prior to release. Disgorged by hand
Details
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Grape Variety
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Vintage
Champagne , 2014
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Size
750ml
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Farming Practice
Biodynamic
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Sweetness
Dry
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Body
Medium Bodied
Champagne
Champagne boasts some of the world’s greatest luxury brands with Krug, Cristal and, of course, Dom Perignon. But it’s also home to hundreds of small dynamic producers—farmers who grow their own grapes (often organically) and make (often with natural methods) tiny amounts of pure and absolutely delicious wine that reflect the individual personalities of their villages and terroirs. Toast with these wines, for sure. But also treat them like the great wines they are: taste, drink, explore!
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