Laherte Frères Les 7 Extra Brut NV – Champagne, France – 96 Points James Suckling

🏆 96 POINTS JAMES SUCKLING! SEVEN HISTORIC CHAMPAGNE GRAPE VARIETIES IN ONE EXTRAORDINARY WINE!

96 Points – JamesSuckling.com

Laherte Frères Les 7 Extra Brut NV – Champagne, France

RRP $375 per bottle

Forget everything you thought you knew about Champagne. This is something genuinely extraordinary.

Most of the world's great Champagnes are made from three grape varieties: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier.

But what if you could taste Champagne's history in a single bottle?

What if one of the region's most talented winemakers brought together all seven of its traditionally recognised grape varieties, grown in a remarkable historic vineyard, to create a Champagne of extraordinary complexity and individuality?

Welcome to Laherte Frères Les 7 Extra Brut.

This is one of the most fascinating, distinctive and intellectually compelling Champagnes in the world.

Created by seventh-generation winemaker Aurélien Laherte, Les 7 is a celebration of Champagne's extraordinary viticultural heritage.

Seven grape varieties.

A historic family vineyard.

A remarkable commitment to preserving Champagne's forgotten traditions.

And an outstanding 96 points from James Suckling.

This is not simply another prestige Champagne. It is a wine with a remarkable story, an extraordinary sense of place and a level of individuality that very few producers can replicate.

At $375 a bottle, Les 7 is a serious Champagne for serious wine enthusiasts.

And for anyone who appreciates the extraordinary diversity of the world's greatest wines, it is a fascinating addition to the cellar.

Laherte Frères – One of the Most Exciting Growers in Champagne

Laherte Frères is one of the great names in contemporary grower Champagne.

The family estate was established in 1889, with its home in Chavot-Courcourt, just south of Épernay.

Today, the estate is led by Aurélien Laherte, representing the seventh generation of the family.

Aurélien has become internationally respected for his commitment to vineyard expression, traditional grape varieties and thoughtful, sensitive winemaking.

His approach is fundamentally different from that of many large Champagne houses.

Rather than concentrating solely on producing a consistent house style, he is fascinated by the individuality of Champagne's vineyards.

The soils.

The exposures.

The age of the vines.

The history of the grape varieties.

And the extraordinary complexity that can emerge when these elements are allowed to express themselves.

The family's vineyards extend across the Coteaux Sud d'Épernay, Vallée de la Marne and Côte des Blancs.

These diverse sites provide the foundation for a remarkable collection of Champagnes.

But Les 7 occupies a particularly special place within the portfolio.

It is a wine that connects the modern world of fine Champagne with the region's extraordinary viticultural past.

Seven Grape Varieties – A Champagne Unlike Almost Anything Else

The vast majority of Champagne is produced from three familiar varieties.

Chardonnay.

Pinot Noir.

Pinot Meunier.

These grapes have become synonymous with the region.

But Champagne has a much more diverse viticultural history.

And Laherte Frères Les 7 celebrates that heritage by bringing together seven traditionally recognised varieties:

Chardonnay – Finesse, freshness, citrus fruit and mineral precision.

Pinot Noir – Structure, depth and beautifully defined fruit.

Pinot Meunier – Aromatic generosity, texture and expressive orchard-fruit character.

Pinot Blanc – Delicacy, subtle fruit and additional texture.

Pinot Gris – Richness, aromatic complexity and palate weight.

Arbane – A rare historic variety valued for its distinctive aromatic character and freshness.

Petit Meslier – Another rare variety, capable of contributing vibrant acidity and aromatic complexity.

Individually, each grape has its own personality.

Together, they create an extraordinary opportunity to explore a much broader expression of Champagne.

Seven varieties, each contributing something different, brought together in one remarkable wine.

This is not a marketing exercise.

It is a genuine celebration of Champagne's history and the extraordinary diversity that existed long before the modern dominance of its three principal grapes.

A Historic Vineyard and an Extraordinary Family Commitment

One of the most compelling aspects of Les 7 is the vineyard behind it.

The wine comes from a family vineyard at Chavot-Courcourt, where Laherte has cultivated the seven historic Champagne varieties together.

This approach recalls an earlier period of Champagne viticulture, when vineyards were often planted with a mixture of grape varieties rather than the more uniform plantings common today.

Such vineyards can offer a fascinating expression of place.

Different varieties respond differently to the same growing season.

Some contribute freshness.

Others provide richness, structure or aromatic complexity.

The challenge for the winemaker is to bring these characteristics into harmony.

For Aurélien Laherte, the vineyard is much more than a source of grapes.

It is a way of preserving an important part of Champagne's identity.

Les 7 is a living tribute to the region's extraordinary history.

And that makes it one of the most fascinating Champagnes in the Laherte Frères range.

An Extraordinary Expression of Champagne Terroir

Champagne is one of the world's great wine regions because of the remarkable relationship between its climate, soils and grape varieties.

Its cool growing conditions help preserve the natural acidity essential for fine sparkling wine.

Its complex geology, including chalk, limestone and clay-influenced soils, creates a fascinating diversity of vineyard environments.

But the character of a vineyard is not determined by geology alone.

Grape variety plays an enormous role.

Different varieties interpret the same site in different ways.

Some produce wines of exceptional aromatic delicacy.

Others deliver greater texture, structure or savoury complexity.

By cultivating seven varieties together, Laherte Frères offers a particularly fascinating interpretation of Champagne terroir.

Rather than focusing on a single grape, Les 7 explores the combined personality of a historic mixed-variety vineyard.

The result is a Champagne that is as fascinating to think about as it is to drink.

Citrus, Orchard Fruit, Delicate Spice and Remarkable Savoury Complexity

Les 7 is a Champagne for enthusiasts who appreciate complexity, texture and individuality.

Its seven-variety composition suggests a fascinating interplay of aromatic and structural elements.

Expect a style that moves beyond simple citrus and orchard fruit.

Fresh lemon, ripe apple and quince can sit alongside delicate floral notes, subtle spice and savoury complexity.

The rarer varieties add an intriguing dimension to the wine's personality.

There is the potential for both aromatic delicacy and remarkable depth.

Traditional-method maturation contributes another layer, bringing fine bubbles and the possibility of brioche, pastry and toasted-nut complexity.

The Extra Brut style places emphasis on freshness and precision.

This is the kind of Champagne that deserves time in the glass.

Not simply a quick toast.

Not something to drink without thinking.

But a wine to explore slowly, allowing its different dimensions to emerge.

For serious Champagne enthusiasts, that is part of the attraction.

⭐ 96 Points – James Suckling

A 96-point rating is a powerful endorsement of the quality that can emerge from this extraordinary approach.

For collectors and enthusiasts of grower Champagne, Les 7 represents something genuinely different.

A Champagne That Preserves the Past

One of the great challenges facing historic wine regions is the preservation of their traditional grape varieties.

Over time, commercial pressures and changing fashions can lead growers to concentrate on a smaller number of widely recognised grapes.

Champagne is a particularly striking example.

Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Meunier dominate modern production.

But varieties such as Arbane and Petit Meslier were once part of the region's broader viticultural landscape.

Today, these grapes remain comparatively rare.

Their survival depends in part on growers who recognise their historical and qualitative importance.

Aurélien Laherte is one of those growers.

By cultivating these varieties and incorporating them into Les 7, he is preserving an important part of Champagne's heritage.

Every bottle tells a story that extends far beyond the modern Champagne industry.

Why Les 7 Is So Special Among Grower Champagnes

The grower Champagne movement has transformed the way serious wine enthusiasts think about Champagne.

Rather than judging wines primarily by the fame of the producer, enthusiasts increasingly seek out individual vineyards, distinctive grape varieties and winemaking philosophies.

Laherte Frères is one of the producers at the forefront of this movement.

And Les 7 is a particularly compelling expression of its philosophy.

It combines several qualities that are increasingly valued in the world of fine wine.

A strong connection to a specific vineyard.

A commitment to preserving rare grape varieties.

A thoughtful approach to winemaking.

And a finished wine with genuine individuality.

There are plenty of expensive Champagnes. There are far fewer with a story quite like this.

For enthusiasts who already appreciate the great grower Champagnes of France, Les 7 offers a fascinating new dimension.

A Serious Champagne for the Dinner Table

A Champagne of this complexity deserves equally thoughtful food.

Les 7 would be a wonderful partner for refined seafood dishes, particularly those that allow the wine's texture and savoury character to shine.

Think seared scallops, lobster, crab, premium prawns and beautifully prepared fish.

Its complexity also makes it an exciting partner for roast chicken, mushroom dishes and delicate poultry preparations.

Aged Comté, other firm French cheeses and carefully selected charcuterie could also be excellent matches.

But this is a Champagne that deserves attention in its own right.

Serve it in a generous white wine glass rather than a narrow flute.

Allow it to open up.

Watch how the aromas evolve.

And appreciate the remarkable diversity of flavours and textures that seven different grape varieties can contribute.

A Champagne for Collectors and Serious Enthusiasts

Les 7 is a particularly compelling wine for collectors who appreciate rare and distinctive Champagne.

Its appeal is not based simply on a famous name.

It is based on an extraordinary vineyard, a fascinating grape composition and the reputation of one of Champagne's most talented independent growers.

The wine is worth enjoying with attention and patience.

Its complex composition and Extra Brut style make it particularly interesting for enthusiasts who appreciate structured, savoury Champagnes.

Careful cellaring may bring further development, although the ideal drinking window will depend on the specific release and disgorgement.

This is the kind of Champagne that belongs in a serious collection alongside the great grower wines of the region.

🍷 Why We Love This Champagne at Liquid Vibe

At Liquid Vibe, we are constantly searching for wines that offer something genuinely extraordinary.

And Laherte Frères Les 7 is exactly that.

First, there is the producer.

Aurélien Laherte, one of the most exciting figures in contemporary grower Champagne.

Then there is the history.

Seven generations of family experience, with an estate established in 1889.

Then there is the vineyard.

A remarkable mixed-variety planting celebrating Champagne's historic viticultural heritage.

And then there are the grapes.

Chardonnay. Pinot Noir. Pinot Meunier. Pinot Blanc. Pinot Gris. Arbane. Petit Meslier.

Seven different expressions of Champagne, brought together in one extraordinary cuvée.

Finally, there is the critical recognition.

96 POINTS – JAMES SUCKLING.

This is a wine with genuine pedigree, individuality and extraordinary appeal.

At $375 a bottle, Les 7 is a serious purchase.

But for enthusiasts who appreciate the world's most fascinating grower Champagnes, it offers something far more compelling than an expensive label.

It offers a remarkable expression of Champagne's history, vineyard diversity and the extraordinary talent of Aurélien Laherte.

If you love discovering rare, distinctive and intellectually fascinating wines, this is a Champagne you should absolutely experience.

SEVEN HISTORIC GRAPE VARIETIES. SEVEN GENERATIONS OF FAMILY HERITAGE. 96 POINTS JAMES SUCKLING.

Laherte Frères Les 7 Extra Brut is one of the most fascinating Champagnes we are delighted to offer at Liquid Vibe.

Wine Details

• Producer: Laherte Frères

• Wine: Les 7 Extra Brut

• Vintage: Non-Vintage

• Region: Champagne, France

• Village: Chavot-Courcourt

• Winemaker: Aurélien Laherte

• Estate Established: 1889

• Grape Varieties: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Arbane and Petit Meslier

• Style: Extra Brut Grower Champagne

• Production: Traditional-method sparkling wine

• Vineyard Character: Historic mixed-variety planting

• Critic Rating: 96 Points – JamesSuckling.com

• RRP: $375 per bottle

• Food Pairing: Scallops, lobster, crab, roast chicken, mushrooms, aged Comté and fine charcuterie

• Serving Temperature: Approximately 9–11°C

• Drinking Style: Enjoy now or cellar under suitable conditions, depending on disgorgement