We're so happy with how well this year has gone for our in-store tastings! We know they were sorely missed over that lengthy hiatus through 2020/21, and we've made an effort to keep things varied, interesting, and above all, delicious. We finish a great year off in bubbly style, as has been the theme this December (we've loved seeing how busy they've been getting!)
There'll be five different drops of varied expressions on show this Saturday (17th), hosted by the wonderful Natasha Arnavas from Bibendum Wine Co! Drop by anytime 12 to 2pm - bottles like the 95-point Agrapart Blanc de Blancs, and the much-loved Latitude from Larmandier-Bernier will be very welcome in this summer heat!
NV Laherte Frères Blanc de Noirs Brut Nature - $120 on special ; $135 RRP
// 50% Pinot Noir (from Le Breuil) and 50% Pinot Meunier (from the Côteaux Sud d’Epernay)
"This is a stunning release that combines the supple fruit of Pinot Meunier, the vinosity of Pinot Noir and the salinity of the chalky soils. It’s a beautifully vibrant and deep colour. The nose is flush with fresh summer fruit, red florals and chalky minerals which are mirrored on the harmonious and balanced palate. Nervy tension, tensile energy and live-wire freshness close out what is a very pure and mouth-watering wine. Disgorged April 2022." - Importer Notes
NV Laherte Frères Rosé de Meunier - $120 on special ; $135 RRP
This “dazzling” Pinot Meunier represents superb value in a market where rosé wines are getting more and more expensive. It's a blend of Meunier done three ways. Firstly, 60% of the volume is from fruit pressed off in the traditional way to make a white wine (over one-third of this component was reserve wines aged in barrels). Secondly, 30% was made as a saignée rosé (the juice left in contact with the skins for a short period). The final 10% of the blend is from a full-blown red wine. In simple terms, this is a deliciously vibrant, complex and vinous rosé, packed with red jube and grenadine fruit, hints of iodine and terrific freshness. Disgorged June 2021" - Importer Notes
The NV Extra Brut Rosé de Meunier is dazzling. Rich yet focused, with superb depth, Laherte's Extra Brut Rosé is a magical Champagne in every way. Orange peel, sweet red berry fruit, cranberry, mint and chalk are some of the many aromas and flavors that develop as this breathtaking Champagne shows off its pedigree. In a word: magical." - 94 points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous
NV Larmandier-Bernier Latitude Blanc de Blancs - $125 on special ; $139 RRP
// 2019 base, disgorged December 2021.
"The Latitude is 100% Côte des Blancs Chardonnay from vineyards on the southern side of Vertus. These vineyards are on roughly the same latitude, hence the name, which also hints at the breadth of texture that the wines from these sites (having more clay in the soil) tend to offer up." - Importer Notes
“The NV Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs Latitude 1er Cru is a fabulous introduction to the Larmandier-Bernier wines. It offers a compelling mix of Chardonnay brightness with the breadth and natural resonance that comes so easy from the clay-rich soils that are common in the southern edge of Vertus. Dried lemon peel, chamomile, mint, sage and almond nuances flesh out in this beautifully resonant, expansive Blanc de Blancs. Dosage is 4 grams per liter.” - 93 points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous
NV Agrapart Terroirs Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut Grand Cru - $159 on special ; $175 RRP
"Disgorged March 2022. The Terroirs is already one of Champagne’s most compelling Blanc de Blancs. It is 100% Grand Cru with the fruit sourced from only great sites across four villages in the Côte des Blancs: Avize, Cramant, Oger and Oiry. This is a more tightly wound Terroirs, with vibrant citrus pith and crunchy nectarine as well as plenty of rock-salty goodness on the lingering close. It will certainly benefit from another year under cork, but is still wonderful now." - Importer Notes
“Creamy and flavorful, yet it remains precise and vertical, with an array of lemons, green apples, pie crust, almonds, hazelnuts and chalk. Medium-bodied with creamy, fine bubbles. Lots of energy, with zesty citrus notes at the end. Layered blanc de blancs. 100% Chardonnay from 4 Grand Cru villages. Drink now or hold.” - 95 Points, James Suckling
“The NV Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs Terroirs Grand Cru is bright, punchy and full of the tension that is such an Agrapart signature. Grapefruit, mint, white pepper and crushed rocks all lend quite a bit of brilliance to this striking, sculpted Champagne. The balance and purity here is unreal, especially at this price point." - 93 Points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous
2017 Chartogne-Taillet 'Les Barres' - $172 on special ; $195 RRP
// 100% Pinot Meunier.
"Les Barres yields wines with textures that vary over time. At first, in their youth, the wines are rich, spherical, enveloping, almost sticky (reminiscent of grape skins from non-grafted plants). Over time, the structure becomes more refined and elongated, the saltiness appears, revealing a supple, creamy and ample wine." - House Notes
"Les Barres is one of Chartogne’s best-known vineyard plots, and with very good reason. This small plot of ungrafted vines was planted in 1952, and the vines dig deeply (up to three metres) into the chalky subsoil. The low yielding output from this special parcel results in some of the most powerful wines in the Chartogne-Taillet stable. Fermentation takes place in old barrels (228 litre) and goes through partial malo. The wine rests for four years on lees and has a low dosage of three grams per litre." - Importer Notes
If you wish to purchase these champagnes, please use the links above. Alternatively, email us at sales@thewineemporium.com.au, or contact us on (07)32521117 if you have any questions //
Prices valid until stock runs out or until Tuesday the 21st of December