2015 Larmandier-Bernier Grand Cru Vieille Vigne du Levant

An exceptional example of precision, richness and age-worthy complexity — and Larmandier-Bernier's most prestigious Cramant expression. The 2015 Vieille Vigne du Levant Grand Cru is a flagship Champagne from one of the Côte des Blancs' most celebrated biodynamic grower-producers — pure old-vine Chardonnay from Cramant Grand Cru, expressing the extraordinary richness, stone fruit and almond complexity of one of Champagne's most celebrated and historic Chardonnay villages.

Vieille Vigne du Levant — "old vine of the east", named for the east-facing aspect of this exceptional old-vine Cramant Grand Cru vineyard. From Pierre and Sophie Larmandier — one of Champagne's most celebrated biodynamic grower-producers, farming biodynamically in Vertus on the Côte des Blancs. Produced only in the finest vintages. Triple international critical acclaim — 96 points Wine Advocate, 95 points The Wine Front, 95 points Vinous — outstanding value at $450 (on sale from $460).

96 Points – The Wine Advocate | 95 Points – The Wine Front | 95 Points – Vinous

Cramant, Grand Cru, Côte des Blancs, Champagne, France

$450 a bottle (on sale from $460)
Vieille Vigne du Levant • Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs • Larmandier-Bernier • Cramant

"Vieille Vigne du Levant — old vine of the east. Pierre and Sophie Larmandier's flagship Cramant Grand Cru expression — triple international critical acclaim and one of the most prestigious Blanc de Blancs in the Larmandier-Bernier portfolio."

About Vieille Vigne du Levant

Vieille Vigne du Levant — "old vine of the east" — is named for the east-facing aspect of this exceptional old-vine vineyard in Cramant Grand Cru. Cramant is one of the most celebrated and historic Grand Cru villages in the Côte des Blancs — producing Chardonnay of extraordinary richness, stone fruit and almond complexity alongside the chalky mineral character that defines great Côte des Blancs Blanc de Blancs. The Vieille Vigne du Levant is Larmandier-Bernier's most prestigious Cramant expression — produced only in the finest vintages from old-vine Chardonnay of extraordinary concentration and depth, and one of the most celebrated and age-worthy cuvées in the Larmandier-Bernier portfolio.

Cramant vs Avize — The Larmandier-Bernier Grand Cru Range

Larmandier-Bernier's Grand Cru range at Liquid Vibe draws from two of the Côte des Blancs' most celebrated villages:

• Les Chemins d'Avize (Avize Grand Cru) — citrus precision, chalky mineral tension, linear and age-worthy
• Vieille Vigne du Levant (Cramant Grand Cru) — richer, stone fruit and almond complexity, east-facing old-vine concentration

Both are produced only in the finest vintages. Both are extraordinary.

About Larmandier-Bernier

Larmandier-Bernier is one of Champagne's most celebrated and respected biodynamic grower-producers, based in Vertus on the Côte des Blancs. Pierre and Sophie Larmandier farm biodynamically with extraordinary care and precision, producing Blanc de Blancs of extraordinary quality and terroir expression through natural fermentation with indigenous yeasts, partial oak maturation, extended lees aging and restrained dosage.

Winemaking

The Vieille Vigne du Levant is made from 100% Chardonnay sourced from old vines in Cramant Grand Cru. Fermentation with indigenous yeasts and partial vinification in oak barrels adds texture and complexity. Extended lees aging brings depth, richness and longevity, while a restrained dosage ensures purity and clarity of terroir expression — a winemaking philosophy of extraordinary integrity and precision.

Tasting Notes

Appearance:
Brilliant golden straw with an exceptionally fine bead — luminous, rich and deeply inviting.

Aroma:
Complex and richly expressive with:

• citrus, stone fruit and almond — the hallmark of great Cramant Chardonnay
• toasted brioche and chalky minerality — from extended lees aging
• the warmth and concentration of old-vine Cramant Grand Cru
• the east-facing aspect delivering extraordinary ripeness and depth

Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs of world-class aromatic richness — the stone fruit and almond complexity of old-vine Cramant Chardonnay beautifully integrated with the brioche richness of extended lees aging and the chalky mineral precision of Grand Cru terroir.

Palate:
Concentrated and layered with extraordinary depth.
Expect layers of:

• ripe pear, lemon curd and stone fruit
• subtle hazelnut and almond
• creamy texture from long lees aging and partial oak
• chalky minerality and fine mineral backbone
• vibrant acidity delivering extraordinary tension, balance and length

The wine delivers old-vine Chardonnay richness with Grand Cru mineral precision, combining Pierre and Sophie Larmandier's celebrated biodynamic winemaking with Cramant's extraordinary Grand Cru terroir and the restrained dosage that preserves the wine's extraordinary purity.

Finish:
Long, elegant and mineral-driven with great persistence, finesse and the extraordinary depth that defines great Vieille Vigne du Levant.

Critical Acclaim

96pts – The Wine Advocate

95pts – The Wine Front

95pts – Vinous

Wine Details

• Vintage: 2015
• Variety: 100% Chardonnay (Blanc de Blancs)
• Vineyard: Vieille Vigne du Levant, Cramant Grand Cru (east-facing, old vines)
• Classification: Grand Cru
• Region: Cramant, Côte des Blancs, Champagne, France
• Producer: Larmandier-Bernier
• Winemakers: Pierre and Sophie Larmandier
• Style: Biodynamic, indigenous yeasts, partial oak, extended lees aging, restrained dosage
• Serving Temperature: 10–12°C
• Cellaring: Drink now – 2045+ (will develop extraordinary complexity with age)

Food Pairings

• Fresh oysters and fine seafood
• Grilled lobster with lemon butter
• Seared scallops
• Creamy poultry dishes
• Aged Comté or Gruyère
• White truffle dishes

Why We Love It

This is an exceptional example of precision, richness and age-worthy complexity — Pierre and Sophie Larmandier's flagship Cramant Grand Cru expression, produced only in the finest vintages from old-vine Chardonnay of extraordinary concentration and depth. Triple international critical acclaim — 96 points Wine Advocate, 95 points The Wine Front, 95 points Vinous.
At $450 (on sale from $460), it delivers one of the most prestigious and celebrated Blanc de Blancs expressions in the Larmandier-Bernier portfolio.

An essential acquisition for serious Champagne lovers and collectors. A benchmark Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru of extraordinary depth, elegance and longevity.