2015 Vilmart & Cie Coeur de Cuvée Champagne 0,75lt.
The Vilmart & Cie Coeur de Cuvée Champagne is mid-gold in hue, the aromatics are beautifully expressed; patisserie, citrus, white flowers – wonderfully pristine. Hard to think this is the product of a hot summer, such is its balance. It has that classic Vilmart style; very textural, with a fine mousse and a certain generosity, yet the structure asserts towards the finish. Those creamy-coated fruits, both citrus and stone, are once more on show on a palate that reveals very fine purity. For all the juiciness of the fruit, there is a tautness here, some saline, chalky nuances to the finish. The wine’s luxuriant mousse and outstanding purity of fruit will not disappoint those who follow this estate. This offers great potential for ageing. This champagne has been well received by critics scoring 96 points from Vinous and 94 points from Wine Spectator.
Laurent is the fifth generation of his family to run Vilmart & Cie, which can trace its history back to 1890. Vilmart has always made its own wines from its own vineyards – a récoltant-manipulant as the French say. They own 11 hectares of vineyard in Rilly-La-Montagne, about five kilometres to the south of Reims in the region known as the Montagne de Reims. Their vineyards are planted largely with Chardonnay (60%) and Pinot Noir (36%) with the balance Pinot Meunier and total annual production comes in at a modest 8,500 cases. Interestingly, Laurent has never employed herbicides or chemical fertilizers since he assumed control of the estate.
The Vilmart & Cie Coeur de Cuvée Champagne is mid-gold in hue, the aromatics are beautifully expressed; patisserie, citrus, white flowers – wonderfully pristine. Hard to think this is the product of a hot summer, such is its balance. It has that classic Vilmart style; very textural, with a fine mousse and a certain generosity, yet the structure asserts towards the finish. Those creamy-coated fruits, both citrus and stone, are once more on show on a palate that reveals very fine purity. For all the juiciness of the fruit, there is a tautness here, some saline, chalky nuances to the finish. The wine’s luxuriant mousse and outstanding purity of fruit will not disappoint those who follow this estate. This offers great potential for ageing. This champagne has been well received by critics scoring 96 points from Vinous and 94 points from Wine Spectator.
Laurent is the fifth generation of his family to run Vilmart & Cie, which can trace its history back to 1890. Vilmart has always made its own wines from its own vineyards – a récoltant-manipulant as the French say. They own 11 hectares of vineyard in Rilly-La-Montagne, about five kilometres to the south of Reims in the region known as the Montagne de Reims. Their vineyards are planted largely with Chardonnay (60%) and Pinot Noir (36%) with the balance Pinot Meunier and total annual production comes in at a modest 8,500 cases. Interestingly, Laurent has never employed herbicides or chemical fertilizers since he assumed control of the estate.