Champagne Laherte Frères Rosé de Meunier NV (Base 19. Disg. Jan 2023) (6 Bottles) Champagne, France
$763.00 GST Included
AUSTRALIA WIDE SHIPPING INCLUDED
This is another superb value in a market where rosé wines are getting more and more expensive. This bottling was disgorged with just 2.5 g/L dosage and is based on the 2014 and 2015 harvests. It’s a blend of Meunier ‘done three ways’. Firstly, 60% of the volume comes from fruit pressed off in the traditional way, making a white wine (and 40% of this component is reserve wines aged in barrels). Then 30% of the blend is made as a saignée (macerated) rosé, where the juice is left in contact with the skins for a short period, and, finally, 10% of the blend comes from a full-blown red wine.
The fruit comes from vines with an average age of 25 years, and more than 40 years for the parcels that produce the red wine. The wines are fermented and aged in a variety of vessels–vats, foudre and old demi-muid barrels–before being transferred to bottle for secondary fermentation. In simple terms this is a deliciously vibrant, complex and vinous rosé, packed with red jube and grenadine fruit, hints of iodine and terrific freshness. It is one of the best value Champagnes we know of. We couldn’t find a review on the current bottling, so the notes below refer to the bottling either side. Split the difference?
“Tense and crystalline in the glass, the NV Rosé de Meunier is another wine in this range that is bursting at the seams with personality. This release is equal parts 2014 and 2013 vintages and is a blend of mostly Meunier vinified white, with 30% macerated juice and 10% still red wine. The low dosage of 2.5 grams per liter lends a perceptible feeling of austerity. At times, a slightly vegetal (but not unpleasant) element comes through. I would prefer to drink this over the next few years. There will be plenty to admire over that time. Disgorged: April 2017.” 92 points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous
“The NV Extra Brut Rosé de Meunier is endowed with terrific energy, cut and focus. Readers should expect a taut, vibrant, yet also weightless style of Rosé. Red berry, mint, white pepper and chalk notes are all finely cut in this super-expressive, inviting Champagne from Aurélien Laherte. The Rosé de Meunier is a blend of 60% Meunier vinified off the skins, 30% saignée and 10% still red wine, a combination that works beautifully, equal parts 2016 and 2015. Dosage is 2.5 grams per liter. Disgorged: April 2018.” 94 points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Description
Since 2005, Aurélien Laherte – the seventh generation – has been giving a new dimension to the estate, while following in the footsteps of his father Thierry and his uncle Christian, the Laherte brothers. Passionately, they promote the family’s values and continue to bring the best out of the terroir.
Champagne’s soil is made up of a variety of micro-terroirs, with a chalky and limestone mother rock in the most interesting areas, which is essential to bring finesse to a great wine.
More at https://www.champagne-laherte.com
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