Robert Parker

"Disgorged in October 2018 with 4.5 grams per liter dosage the latest rendition of Savart's NV Brut Premier Cru L'Ouverture is a blend of the 2014 2015 and 2016 vintages produced entirely from Pinot Noir some 30% of which is purchased as grapes. Offering up a classy bouquet of minty yellow orchard fruit white flowers fresh peach and warm pastry it's medium to full-bodied fine-boned and elegant with a pinpoint mousse ripe but racy acids and a long finish. Pristinely balanced its understated delicacy is typical both of the site and Savart's style. Fred Savart's Champagnes from Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grown in the villages of Écueil and Villers-aux-Noeuds have rapidly become some of the most sought after?and thanks to their production hard to find?wines in the region. Savart abandoned a fledgling career as a professional footballer to return to this four-hectare domaine in 2005 and the vines are now farmed without pesticides herbicides or synthetic fertizilers. His vins clairs ferment in tanks barrels and demi-muids spending some ten months sur lies with or without malolactic fermentation before triage under natural cork with neither filtration fining nor sulfites. Dosage is minimal. These are delicate incisive and quietly intense: contemplative Champagnes that reward attention though they're dangerously drinkable too. While it's hardly necessary to fan the flames of already insatiable worldwide demand all these releases come warmly recommended."