Notes:
The 2017 Les Hautes Vignes Le Mont Benoit is a new cuvée that originates from the uppermost part of the slope, where vines - planted in 1962 with massal selections - grow on exceptionally shallow soils (merely 30 centimeters of topsoil over chalk). This bottling replaces the previous Les Hauts Chardonnays and Les Hauts Meuniers. In 2017, frost drastically reduced yields, prompting Brochet to blend Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier - an idea inspired both by David Léclapart's L'Aphrodisiaque (whose story is also told in this publication) and the cohabitation of these varieties within the same parcel. Disgorged in October 2024 without dosage (though retaining between four to six grams of residual sugar), it wafts from the glass with a deep bouquet of yellow apple, dried apricot and grapefruit zest mingling with white flowers and warm brioche. On the palate, it is medium- to full-bodied, layered and superbly balanced, built around chalky structuring extract and enlivened by vibrant acidity, and it concludes with a searingly saline finish. In essence, this cuvée unites the acidic backbone of Chardonnay with the expressive fruit and charm of Pinot Meunier. As with all of Emmanuel Brochet's work, this wine is produced with uncompromising attention. That it effortlessly transcends the reputation of the vintage will come as no surprise to those familiar with his ability. Wine Advocate/ Kristaps Karklins 97
The family of Emmanuel Brochet had already owned the vineyards for several generations, but left the work to other vintners. In 1997, Emmanuel Brochet became the first wine producer in his family. He chose organic growing practices out of a genuine appreciation for the work, to find the best balance in his wines and to give life back to the terroir. Emmanuel Brochet owns just one vineyard, so the range is naturally small. Le Mont Benoit is a substantial chalk outcropping in the plain west of Montagne de Reims, south of Reims city. This southeast-facing vineyard has exposure means that weather is more extreme. There is a difference of about 20 meters in altitude between the lower and upper parts of his holdings, with the upper part producing his vintage-dated Les Hautes Vignes, while the non-vintage Le Mont Benoit comes from the lower part. Les Hautes Vignes is aged longer sur lattes and derives from a single vintage. This cuvée is a blend of 50% Chardonnay & 50% Pinot Meunier.
Emmanuel Brochet Champagne 1er Cru "Les Hautes Vignes - Le Mont Benoit" Extra Brut 2017
Reviews:
Wine Advocate: 97
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