Lebeau-Batiste Blanc de Blancs Champagne Grande Reserve BRUT NV – Organic

Emilie Lebeau and her husband Florent met at 1am in a nightclub when they were 17 and have remained together as partners in life and wine ever since. Now, at the grand old age of 31, they oversee a multi-generation, multi-century, final-year-of-organic conversion farm that sits in what seems to be Champagne’s most “in crowd”, of-the-moment village, Chavot-Courcourt.

Nestled against the western border of the Cote de Blanc, 5 minutes south of Epernay and a few minutes northwest of Grand Cru villages Cuis and Cramant, Chavot is a treasure trove of old-vine Chardonnay vines and ancient limestone vineyards. this young couple bottles instantly gratifying, complexly textured, long lees-aged, and undeniably delicious and crowd-pleasing wines. There is deep minerality and terroir-driven tension for Champagne geeks and also luxurious fruit, biscuity notes, and judicious low dosage. 

In comparison to the Brut Tradition from the same producer, the Grande Réserve is more pointed and focused. It veers on the edge of a Chablisienne grassiness. An absolute steal at the price. Transparent yellow, a nose of great finesse, and a more than fine mousse. Opens with aromas of freshly cut grapefruit and wildflowers. A sparkling, invigorating palate that never ends, fullness at the end of the palate on exotic citrus fruits and cashew nuts.  100% Chardonnay.