The Champagne Laherte Frères Petit Meslier NV (Base 2020, Disgorged September 2022) is a rare and beautifully distinctive grower Champagne from one of the Marne Valley’s most innovative biodynamic estates. Produced entirely from Petit Meslier — one of Champagne’s historic heritage varieties — the wine highlights the grape’s naturally high acidity, aromatic lift and mineral precision. Crafted with Laherte Frères’ low-intervention philosophy and restrained dosage, it offers a strikingly fresh and terroir-driven expression rarely seen in Champagne. The nose reveals lime zest, green apple and white flowers layered alongside fresh herbs, crushed chalk and subtle brioche notes, giving the wine remarkable tension and aromatic detail.
On the palate, it is light-bodied with exceptionally fine mousse, vibrant natural acidity and a tightly wound mineral core. Layers of citrus peel, orchard fruit and delicate lees complexity are balanced by saline freshness and chalky tension, finishing bone dry, crisp and beautifully persistent with impressive energy and precision. The 2020 base vintage adds a touch of textural generosity while preserving the wine’s vivid freshness and linear structure.
Ben’s Recommendation:
The Champagne Laherte Frères Petit Meslier NV is a superb and highly individual grower Champagne — vibrant, mineral and beautifully detailed with remarkable freshness and finesse. Perfect with oysters, sashimi, scallops, fresh goat’s cheese or delicate seafood dishes. Enjoy now or cellar comfortably through 2038+.
