The Champagne Larmandier-Bernier Grand Cru Vieille Vigne du Levant 2013 (Disgorged September 2022) is a profound and beautifully detailed Blanc de Blancs from one of the Côte des Blancs’ most respected biodynamic grower estates. Produced entirely from old-vine Chardonnay planted in 1955 in a single Grand Cru parcel in Cramant, the wine reflects Pierre Larmandier’s meticulous terroir-focused philosophy, combining low-intervention winemaking with extraordinary chalk-driven precision and depth. The nose reveals preserved lemon, green apple and baked pear layered alongside toasted hazelnut, brioche, chamomile and intense chalky minerality, giving the wine remarkable complexity and finesse.
On the palate, it is medium-bodied with exceptionally fine mousse, vibrant natural acidity and a deeply concentrated mineral core. Layers of citrus oil, orchard fruit and savoury lees complexity are balanced by saline freshness and profound chalky tension, finishing long, dry and beautifully persistent with outstanding precision and ageing potential. The cooler and highly structured 2013 vintage brings remarkable freshness and linearity, allowing the vineyard’s mineral detail and layered texture to unfold with exceptional clarity.
Ben’s Recommendation:
The Champagne Larmandier-Bernier Grand Cru Vieille Vigne du Levant 2013 is a world-class grower Champagne — profound, saline and breathtakingly refined with extraordinary chalky detail and longevity. Perfect with lobster, scallops, turbot, truffle dishes or aged Comté. Enjoy now with decanting or cellar gracefully through 2048+.
