2016 Larmandier-Bernier Grand Cru Les Chemins d'Avize

Produced only in the finest vintages — purity and depth from Avize. The 2016 Larmandier-Bernier Grand Cru Les Chemins d'Avize is one of the most celebrated and prestigious single-vineyard Blanc de Blancs expressions in all of Champagne — pure old-vine Chardonnay from Avize Grand Cru, expressing the extraordinary chalky mineral precision and depth of one of the Côte des Blancs' most celebrated and historic vineyard sites.

Les Chemins d'Avize — Larmandier-Bernier's most prestigious and age-worthy cuvée, produced only in the finest vintages from old-vine Avize Grand Cru Chardonnay. From Pierre and Sophie Larmandier — one of Champagne's most celebrated biodynamic grower-producers, farming biodynamically in Vertus on the Côte des Blancs. 96 points Wine Advocate and outstanding value at $450 (on sale from $460).

96 Points – The Wine Advocate

Les Chemins d'Avize, Avize, Grand Cru, Côte des Blancs, Champagne, France

$450 a bottle (on sale from $460)
Les Chemins d'Avize • Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs • Larmandier-Bernier • Avize

"Les Chemins d'Avize — produced only in the finest vintages. Pierre and Sophie Larmandier's most prestigious and age-worthy cuvée — pure old-vine Avize Grand Cru Chardonnay of extraordinary chalky mineral precision. 96 points Wine Advocate."

About Les Chemins d'Avize

Les Chemins d'Avize — "the paths of Avize" — is Larmandier-Bernier's most prestigious and celebrated single-vineyard cuvée, produced only in the finest vintages from old-vine Chardonnay in Avize Grand Cru. Avize is one of the most celebrated and historic Grand Cru villages in the Côte des Blancs — Champagne's heartland of great Chardonnay, where the region's extraordinary chalky soils produce Blanc de Blancs of world-class mineral precision, citrus freshness and extraordinary aging potential. Les Chemins d'Avize is the purest possible expression of this extraordinary terroir — a wine of remarkable finesse, depth and aging potential that rewards careful cellaring.

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 minimal dosage. Their philosophy of allowing the pure expression of the Côte des Blancs' Grand Cru terroir to shine through has established Larmandier-Bernier as one of Champagne's most exciting and celebrated producers of Blanc de Blancs.

Winemaking

Les Chemins d'Avize is made from 100% Chardonnay sourced from old vines in Avize Grand Cru. The wine undergoes natural fermentation with indigenous yeasts, followed by partial oak maturation for depth and complexity. Extended lees aging enhances texture and aromatic richness, while minimal dosage preserves purity and terroir expression — a winemaking philosophy of extraordinary integrity and precision.

Tasting Notes

Appearance:
Pale gold with a luminous brilliance and delicate mousse — precise, elegant and deeply inviting.

Aroma:
Pure and hauntingly mineral with:

• citrus zest, green apple and white flowers — the hallmark of great Avize Chardonnay
• chalk and crushed stone — the defining mineral character of Les Chemins d'Avize
• subtle brioche and almond — from extended lees aging and partial oak
• extraordinary purity and depth from old-vine Avize Grand Cru

Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs of world-class aromatic purity — the citrus freshness and chalky mineral precision of old-vine Avize Chardonnay beautifully integrated with the brioche richness of extended lees aging and the complexity of partial oak maturation.

Palate:
Powerful yet refined, with concentrated depth.
Expect layers of:

• lemon curd, pear and citrus zest
• crushed stone and chalky minerality — the defining character of Les Chemins d'Avize
• creamy texture from extended lees aging and partial oak
• crystalline acidity delivering extraordinary tension, precision and length

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

Finish:
Long and persistent with crystalline acidity, chalky precision and the extraordinary mineral depth that defines great Les Chemins d'Avize.

Critical Acclaim

96pts – The Wine Advocate

Wine Details

• Vintage: 2016
• Variety: 100% Chardonnay (Blanc de Blancs)
• Vineyard: Les Chemins d'Avize, Avize Grand Cru
• Classification: Grand Cru
• Region: Avize, Côte des Blancs, Champagne, France
• Producer: Larmandier-Bernier
• Winemakers: Pierre and Sophie Larmandier
• Style: Biodynamic, indigenous yeasts, partial oak, extended lees aging, minimal dosage
• Serving Temperature: 10–12°C
• Cellaring: Drink now – 2045+ (will develop extraordinary mineral complexity with age)

Food Pairings

• Fresh oysters — the classic pairing for great Blanc de Blancs
• Grilled lobster with lemon butter
• Seared scallops
• Roast poultry
• Aged Comté or Gruyère
• White truffle dishes

Why We Love It

This is one of the most celebrated and prestigious single-vineyard Blanc de Blancs expressions in all of Champagne — Pierre and Sophie Larmandier's Les Chemins d'Avize, produced only in the finest vintages from old-vine Avize Grand Cru Chardonnay. 96 points Wine Advocate.
At $450 (on sale from $460), it delivers outstanding Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs character and biodynamic grower Champagne excellence at an exceptional price.

An essential acquisition for serious Champagne lovers and collectors. A wine destined to impress today and reward careful cellaring.