Champagne, FranceThe Laherte family has a long history in the region. Founded in 1889 by Jean-Baptiste Laherte, the estate was originally made up of vines primarily in the village of Chavot. Fourth generation vigneron Michel Laherte expanded the family estate which then covered about five hectares. With his wife Cécile, the two young vignerons modernized the press and tanks, but soon realized that too much modernity such as the use of herbicides and pesticides would prevent full terroir expression in the wines. They began working the soils, gently vinifying the juices, and remaining humble and patient as the wines developed. In 2005, his son Aurélien Laherte (7th gen) overtook operations of the estate, now 11 hectares, with another 4 hectares contracted by like-minded farmers. This, their flagship, blends fruit from Vallée de la Marne and Coteaux Sud d’Epernay, and is a blend of 60% Pinot Meunier, 30% Chardonnay, 10% Pinot Noir, primarily (80%) fermented in vat, foudres, and barrel, with 40% reserve wines, kept in wood. My bottle was disgorged December 2021. Cherry brioche, lemon curd, red apple flood this doughy, compact palate, carved out with chalk and lemon pith / peel. Well suited to proteins, and enjoying now.Tasted: 29 November 2022Tasted by: Prices:
Champagne, FranceThe Laherte family has a long history in the region. Founded in 1889 by Jean-Baptiste Laherte, the estate was originally made up of vines primarily in the village of Chavot. Fourth generation vigneron Michel Laherte expanded the family estate which then covered about five hectares. With his wife Cécile, the two young vignerons modernized the press and tanks, but soon realized that too much modernity such as the use of herbicides and pesticides would prevent full terroir expression in the wines. They began working the soils, gently vinifying the juices, and remaining humble and patient as the wines developed. In 2005, his son Aurélien Laherte overtook operations of the estate. This, their flagship range blends fruit from Vallée de la Marne and Coteaux Sud d’Epernay, this Ultradition is a blend of 60% Pinot Meunier, 30% Chardonnay, 10% Pinot Noir fermented in vat, foudres, and barrel, with 40% reserve wines, kept in wood. Disgorged September 2020 with 7 g/L. Very traditional in style, this is doughy and biscuity, with ample cherry brioche, ripe pear, baked red apple, toast, and lemon peel across an expansive palate, lingering with cracked stones and a chalky buzz. A classic, smartly reinvented for modern day.Tasted: 29 October 2021Tasted by: Prices: