Larmandier-Bernier Vieille Vigne Du Levant Grand Cru 2014
120.46₣ (Exc. VAT bot. 75 cl.) / Switzerland
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Disgorged in March 2023, the newly released 2014 Extra-Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Vieille Vigne du Levant unwinds in the glass with aromas of crisp stone fruit, freshly baked bread, white flowers, buttery pastry and clear honey. Full-bodied, pillowy and chiseled, with a sweet core of fruit, tangy acids and a penetrating, electric finish, it's a terrific success.
Features
Style
Occasions
Winery
Size
Appellation
Alcohol
12.5%
Grapes
Serving
Between 10ºC and 12ºC
Winemaking
Fermented with indigenous yeasts and aged in oak barrels and Austrian foudres. Aged for 5 years in bottle before disgorgement.
Description
In the heart of the Côte des Blancs, the Larmandier family has been growing vines in Cramant for eight generations. But it was in 1988 that they took an unusual decision in Champagne: to make a cuvée from a single plot and a single vintage, exclusively from very old vines. Thus was born Larmandier-Bernier Vieille Vigne du Levant Grand Cru, formerly known as "Vieille Vigne de Cramant", a radically pure expression of the Chardonnay of this historic Grand Cru.
The "Bourron du Levant" plot faces east, allowing the grapes to receive the first rays of the sun. The vines, between 60 and over 85 years old, sink their roots deep into pure limestone soils, providing structure, concentration and precise minerality. As in the entire winery, the vineyard is cultivated biodynamically, without pesticides or herbicides, in order to preserve the life of the soil and the authenticity of the fruit.
Winemaking
The vinification of Larmandier-Bernier Vieille Vigne du Levant Grand Cru follows the principle of minimum intervention: gentle pressing, spontaneous fermentation with indigenous yeasts, and ageing in Stockinger barrels and casks without filtration or fining. No blending is carried out: this is a single-vineyard vintage Champagne. After tirage in July, the bottles are aged for 9 years on the lees in the cellar. Disgorgement is carried out by hand and the dosage is minimal: just 2 g/l, highlighting the dry, straight and complex character of the wine.
Taste
On the nose, Larmandier Bernier Vieille Vigne du Levant Grand Cru displays a ripe, deep profile: citrus peel, baked apple, chalk, dried flowers and a subtle note of brioche. The palate is taut and creamy, with very fine, perfectly integrated bubbles. The acidity vibrates with energy, supporting a rich but precise texture. The finish is long, saline and persistent, with echoes of raw almond and lemon zest. This is a serious Champagne, for those who seek purity, depth and truth in terroir. A monument to Cramant's Chardonnay.
Shipping to Switzerland
50% discount on orders over 377.56₣*Estimated transit time: 6-7 working days.
| Bottles | Price | Over 377.56₣* |
|---|---|---|
| 1-6 | 22.80₣ | 11.40₣ (-11.40₣) |
| 7-12 | 28.22₣ | 14.11₣ (-14.11₣) |
| 13-18 | 34.83₣ | 17.41₣ (-17.41₣) |
| 19-24 | 43.80₣ | 21.90₣ (-21.90₣) |
| 25-30 | 49.08₣ | 24.54₣ (-24.54₣) |
| 31-36 | 54.75₣ | 27.37₣ (-27.37₣) |
| 37-42 | 58.52₣ | 29.26₣ (-29.26₣) |
| 43-48 | 60.41₣ | 30.20₣ (-30.20₣) |
| 49-54 | 66.07₣ | 33.04₣ (-33.04₣) |
| 55-60 | 71.74₣ | 35.87₣ (-35.87₣) |
| VAT not included | ||
** Shipments to Switzerland include transport costs, insurance and export costs (SAD in origin), but not customs duties (SAD at destination) and local taxes.
***At Gourmet Hunters wine prices are exempt from 21% VAT for all shipments to Switzerland. Once in your shopping cart select Switzerland as delivery address to enjoy your order tax free.
Appellation Map
Larmandier-Bernier Terre de Vertus Premier Cru Brut Nature 2017
78.10₣
74.22₣/ud (-5%)
Others: 2015 Magnum
Larmandier-Bernier Terre de Vertus Premier Cru Brut Nature 2015 Magnum
164.71₣
Others: 2017 75 cl.
Larmandier-Bernier Latitude Extra Brut
50.10₣
47.61₣/ud (-5%)
Other sizes: Magnum, Doble Magnum