The 2020 Champagne Laherte Frères Les Empreintes is a refined and powerful grower Champagne made from equal parts Chardonnay and Pinot Noir sourced from two old-vine parcels in Chavot, on the southern slopes of Épernay. The vineyards sit on chalky, flinty and schist-rich soils, giving the wine a distinctive mineral backbone. The 2020 vintage shows ripe lemon, green apple and red cherry alongside white flowers, citrus peel, brioche and subtle toasted spice. Disgorged in November 2025, it combines youthful fruit with the added depth that comes from extended lees ageing.
On the palate, it is medium to full-bodied and beautifully textured, with vibrant acidity, fine persistent bubbles and layers of citrus, orchard fruit and red berry. Lemon, green apple and red cherry are complemented by white peach, dried flowers and subtle brioche, while a fine chalky and saline character provides tension and length. Gentle nutty, savoury and toasted notes develop through the mid-palate, adding complexity without overwhelming the wine’s freshness. The texture is rounded and vinous, leading to a dry, long and persistent finish with lingering citrus, red fruit, mineral and pastry notes.
Ben’s Recommendation:
At Wine More Cellars, this is an excellent choice for Champagne drinkers who enjoy structured, gastronomic styles with depth, fine texture and mineral freshness. The 2020 vintage has developed additional complexity with its extended time on lees, while its acidity and structure should allow further evolution in bottle. Best enjoyed from around 2027–2035. Serve chilled with seared scallops, roast quail with mushrooms, smoked trout, roast chicken with herbs, lobster, or aged Comté and other mature cheeses.
