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Anthony Gismondi on Wine
Champagne Leclerc Briant Brut Reservetext
91POINTS
16¾/20

Champagne Leclerc Briant Brut Reserve NV

Champagne, FranceThis negoc house was founded in 1955 when Bertrand Leclerc married Jacqueline Briant. They were an early adopter of organic practices back in the 1960’s, and were one of the first to bottle single-vineyard Champagnes in the 1970’s. In the late 1980’s, Bertrand and Jacqueline’s son, Pascal, began integrating biodynamic principles and part of the production has been Demeter certified since 2003. Today, enologist Hervé Jestin, known for his biodynamics / bioenergetics oversees the wines of the house and its near 30ha of vines, plus another 20ha of organically farmed contract fruit. This wine, making up 75% of production, is a bit of a misnomer: there are no reserve wines (it's entirely the 2014 vintage) and it's actually extra-brut, with 4/gl dosage. This blend of 40/40/40 pinot noir / pinot meunier / chardonnay was native fermented in stainless and oak (the latter 20%) before going into bottle for 3 years on lees. Weighty and confident, with yellow fruits, red apple, patisserie, and almond, closing out with a grippy and fresh finish. Lovely density and integration here. A producer to watch.Tasted: 06 December 2019Tasted by: Prices:
ON$89.00750mlconsignment
Producer: Champagne Leclerc BriantDistributors: Le Sommelier Inc.
Blend: Pinot Noir - Pinot Meunier - Chardonnay