The Champagne Laherte Frères Les Grandes Crayères 2019 (Disgorged November 2022) is a beautifully intense and chalk-driven Blanc de Blancs from one of the Marne Valley’s most respected biodynamic grower estates. Produced entirely from old-vine Chardonnay grown on deep chalk soils in the Côteaux Sud d’Épernay, the wine reflects Laherte Frères’ terroir-focused philosophy, combining low-intervention winemaking with remarkable mineral precision. The nose reveals preserved lemon, green apple and white peach layered alongside white flowers, toasted brioche and crushed chalk minerality, giving the wine impressive depth and refinement.
On the palate, it is light to medium-bodied with exceptionally fine mousse, vibrant natural acidity and a tightly coiled mineral core. Layers of citrus peel, orchard fruit and savoury lees complexity are balanced by saline freshness and chalky tension, finishing long, dry and beautifully persistent with outstanding precision and ageing potential. The warm but balanced 2019 vintage contributes additional texture and concentration while retaining the wine’s hallmark freshness and linearity.
Ben’s Recommendation:
The Champagne Laherte Frères Les Grandes Crayères 2019 is a superb grower Blanc de Blancs — mineral, saline and beautifully refined with exceptional chalky detail and finesse. Perfect with oysters, scallops, lobster, sashimi or refined seafood dishes. Enjoy now with decanting or cellar gracefully through 2042+.
