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Anthony Gismondi on Wine
Champagne Valentin Leflaive CV 18 3.0 Blanc de Blancs Extra Bruttext
93POINTS
17¼/20

Champagne Valentin Leflaive CV 18 3.0 Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut 2018

Côte des Blancs, Champagne, FranceIf Leflaive sounds familiar, you're certainly correct, as the family has been growing and making wine in nearby Puligny-Montrachet since 1580. Olivier Leflaive began this new project in Champagne, named for his young son Valentin, in 2015. The CV refers to the GC of Cramant (21%) and the 1er Cru of Vertus (52%), from base year 2018 (the label's 18) and 56%(!) reserve wines. The 40ish year old vines were fermented in stainless, and my bottle was disgorged in March 2023 with 3 g/L (the 3.0) on the label. Almond croissant, vanilla wafer is lit with crystalline lemon and shining green apple, carrying this bright wine through a chalky, meringue kissed finish. Great poise and energy here, drinking very smartly now.Tasted: 10 January 2026Tasted by: Prices:
BC$110.00750mlprivate wine stores
Producer: Champagne Valentin LeflaiveDistributors: Dream Wines
Grape: ChardonnayCSPC: 487763