{"product_id":"larmandier-bernier-grand-cru-vieille-vigne-du-levant-2015","title":"2015 Larmandier-Bernier Vieille Vigne du Levant Grand Cru Champagne – 96 Points","description":"\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eONE OF CHAMPAGNE'S GREATEST OLD-VINE CHARDONNAYS! 96 POINTS VINOUS!\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e96 Points Vinous | 95 Points The Wine Advocate | 95 Points The Wine Front\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e2015 Larmandier-Bernier Vieille Vigne du Levant Grand Cru Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs – Champagne, France\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRRP $495 per bottle\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThere are great Champagnes, and then there are wines that redefine just how extraordinary Champagne can be.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe 2015 Larmandier-Bernier Vieille Vigne du Levant belongs firmly in the second category.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis is one of the most remarkable old-vine Chardonnay Champagnes produced by one of France's greatest independent growers.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGrand Cru Cramant.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eExtraordinary old vines.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBiodynamic viticulture.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA magnificent east-facing vineyard.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTraditional oak fermentation.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eExtended maturation.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAnd just 2 grams per litre dosage.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis is Champagne of extraordinary richness, complexity and mineral precision.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAnd the critical recognition is outstanding.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e96 POINTS – ANTONIO GALLONI, VINOUS\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e95 POINTS – THE WINE ADVOCATE\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e95 POINTS – THE WINE FRONT\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFor serious Champagne collectors and lovers of the world's greatest Chardonnays, this is a truly compelling wine.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBut what makes Vieille Vigne du Levant so extraordinary is the remarkable vineyard from which it comes.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGrand Cru Cramant – One of the World's Greatest Chardonnay Terroirs\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCramant is one of the legendary villages of the Côte des Blancs.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIts Grand Cru vineyards produce some of the most celebrated Blanc de Blancs Champagnes in the world.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe village is renowned for Chardonnay of exceptional elegance, complexity and mineral character.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBut not all Cramant vineyards are alike.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eExposure, slope, soil depth and the age of the vines can create remarkable differences between individual sites.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAnd Vieille Vigne du Levant comes from one of the most fascinating locations in the village.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe east-facing slopes of Bourron du Levant.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHere, the vineyards catch the first rays of the morning sun.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe combination of exposure, mature vines and chalk-rich soils produces Chardonnay with extraordinary ripeness and concentration while retaining the mineral character that makes Cramant so special.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis is one of the reasons Vieille Vigne du Levant possesses such a distinctive personality.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eVieille Vigne du Levant – The Extraordinary Power of Old Vines\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe name tells you something important.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eVieille Vigne\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e means old vine.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAnd these are genuinely old vines.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe principal vineyard, Bourron du Levant, includes Chardonnay planted around 1960.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAdditional fruit comes from an exceptionally old parcel in the neighbouring Le Fond du Bâteau terroir, with vines approximately 85 years old.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThese vines have spent decades developing deep root systems and adapting to their environment.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTheir age, combined with the exceptional terroir, provides the foundation for a Champagne of remarkable concentration and complexity.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBut this is not simply about richness.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe chalk soils give the wine beautiful freshness, structure and mineral definition.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe result is a captivating combination.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePower and precision.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRichness and elegance.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGenerosity and tension.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis is the extraordinary character of great old-vine Grand Cru Chardonnay.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLarmandier-Bernier – One of Champagne's Most Respected Independent Growers\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLarmandier-Bernier is one of the great names in the modern grower Champagne movement.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBased in Vertus, the family estate has established an international reputation for producing Champagnes of exceptional purity, mineral precision and vineyard expression.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePierre and Sophie Larmandier were pioneers of biodynamic farming in Champagne, embracing these principles in 1999.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTheir philosophy places the vineyard at the centre of everything.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHealthy soils.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNaturally balanced vines.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCarefully cultivated fruit.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAnd thoughtful winemaking that allows each vineyard to express its own character.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRather than producing Champagnes designed around a uniform house style, the estate celebrates the remarkable differences between its individual terroirs.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAnd Vieille Vigne du Levant is one of the most compelling demonstrations of that philosophy.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis is a Champagne that could only come from an exceptional vineyard.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe 2015 Vintage – Richness, Concentration and Extraordinary Depth\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe 2015 vintage was characterised by warm, dry growing conditions across Champagne.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFor the finest growers, the season offered the opportunity to produce wines with ripe fruit, generosity and considerable concentration.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBut the challenge was to preserve freshness and balance.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAt Vieille Vigne du Levant, the combination of old vines, exceptional chalk terroir and careful vineyard management produced a particularly compelling expression of the vintage.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis is a Champagne with real power.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThere is generosity.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThere is texture.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAnd there is remarkable aromatic complexity.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBut the wine retains the mineral definition and refreshing acidity essential to great Blanc de Blancs.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe 2015 is an extraordinary expression of the richness of the vintage and the remarkable personality of Grand Cru Cramant.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCandied Apricot, Hazelnut, Ginger and Extraordinary Mineral Complexity\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe aromatic complexity of the 2015 Vieille Vigne du Levant is magnificent.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAntonio Galloni's 96-point Vinous review highlights candied apricot, ginger, dried flowers, hazelnut and spice.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Wine Advocate describes a particularly powerful, generous Champagne with pastry-like complexity, ripe citrus, walnut and pear.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eImagine the richness of ripe stone fruit.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCandied apricot.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFresh pear.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLemon zest.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eToasted hazelnuts.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDelicate pastry.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGinger.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAnd beautifully integrated savoury spice.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe palate is wonderfully concentrated, with a rich, creamy texture and remarkable depth.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBut beneath that generosity lies the extraordinary mineral character of Cramant.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eChalky.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSaline.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePrecise.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAnd exceptionally persistent.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis is a Champagne that combines the generosity of a great mature Chardonnay with the energy and elegance of exceptional Grand Cru terroir.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTraditional Winemaking – Extraordinary Patience and Precision\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLarmandier-Bernier approaches winemaking with remarkable sensitivity.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe grapes are gently pressed before the juice undergoes natural fermentation using indigenous yeasts.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFermentation and maturation take place in oak vessels, including large Stockinger casks and smaller barrels.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMalolactic fermentation occurs naturally.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe wine then spends approximately a year maturing on its lees, developing texture and complexity.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThere is no filtration or fining.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAfter bottling for secondary fermentation, the Champagne undergoes extended maturation in the estate's cellars.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFor the 2015 release, this involved at least eight years of ageing on lees in bottle.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThat extraordinary patience contributes to the wine's complexity.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eToasted nuts.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBrioche.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePastry.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSavoury depth.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAnd a beautifully integrated mousse.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe finished Champagne receives just \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e2 grams per litre dosage\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis is Extra Brut Champagne, with the natural richness of the old-vine Chardonnay providing balance.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe result is a wine of remarkable power without excessive sweetness.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003e96 Points – Antonio Galloni, Vinous\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003e95 Points – The Wine Advocate\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003e95 Points – The Wine Front\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA Fascinating Comparison with Les Chemins d'Avize\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFor lovers of great grower Champagne, one of the most exciting opportunities is to compare the estate's finest Grand Cru Chardonnays.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLes Chemins d'Avize comes from the legendary village of Avize.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIt is celebrated for its precision, tension and exceptional chalky mineral character.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eVieille Vigne du Levant comes from Grand Cru Cramant.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIt offers a more generous, powerful and richly textured expression of Chardonnay.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBoth are extraordinary.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBoth come from historic vineyards.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAnd both demonstrate why the greatest Champagnes should be considered alongside the finest white wines in the world.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIf you have the opportunity to taste these two wines together, you will experience a fascinating demonstration of the differences between two legendary Chardonnay villages.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA Champagne for Lovers of Great White Burgundy\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIf you love the extraordinary Chardonnays of Puligny-Montrachet, Chassagne-Montrachet or Meursault, Vieille Vigne du Levant deserves your attention.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe wine possesses many of the qualities that make great white Burgundy so compelling.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOld-vine concentration.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eExceptional vineyard pedigree.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThoughtful oak fermentation.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBeautiful texture.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAnd remarkable complexity.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBut it also possesses the distinctive character of Grand Cru Cramant.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eExtraordinary chalky minerality.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRefreshing acidity.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAnd the elegance of traditional-method Champagne.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis is sparkling wine with the depth, sophistication and individuality of one of the world's great white wines.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMagnificent with Fine Dining\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis is a Champagne that absolutely deserves to be enjoyed with exceptional food.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIts richness, depth and mineral structure make it an outstanding partner for lobster, scallops and premium white fish.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIt would also be magnificent with roast chicken, particularly when served with mushrooms or a delicate cream sauce.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe producer specifically recommends poultry with morels.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAnd that makes perfect sense.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe savoury complexity of the mushrooms complements the Champagne's toasted-nut and pastry characters, while its acidity provides freshness and balance.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOther outstanding matches include turbot, veal sweetbreads and aged Comté.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis is not a Champagne to rush. Serve it in a generous white wine glass and allow it time to reveal its extraordinary complexity.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA Serious Champagne for the Cellar\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eVieille Vigne du Levant possesses the structure and concentration to reward careful cellaring.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIts old-vine intensity, vibrant acidity and exceptional mineral character provide the foundation for further development.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Wine Advocate's published drinking window for the reviewed release extends to 2040.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWith appropriate storage, this Champagne has the potential to develop additional layers of toasted nuts, pastry, savoury spice and mature Chardonnay complexity.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA magnificent Champagne for an exceptional occasion today, or a very serious addition to the cellar.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhy We Love This Champagne at Liquid Vibe\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAt Liquid Vibe, we have an enormous appreciation for the extraordinary Champagnes produced by France's greatest independent growers.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAnd Vieille Vigne du Levant is exactly the kind of wine that demonstrates why these producers deserve so much attention.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFirst, there is the estate.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLarmandier-Bernier – one of Champagne's most respected growers.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThen there is the terroir.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGrand Cru Cramant – one of the world's greatest Chardonnay villages.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThen there are the vines.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSome more than 80 years old.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThen there is the winemaking.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBiodynamic viticulture, indigenous fermentation, traditional oak maturation, extended lees ageing and just 2 grams per litre dosage.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAnd finally, there are the extraordinary critic scores.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e96 POINTS VINOUS.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e95 POINTS THE WINE ADVOCATE.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e95 POINTS THE WINE FRONT.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAt \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e$495 per bottle\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, this is undoubtedly a serious Champagne.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBut this is also one of the most compelling old-vine Chardonnay Champagnes produced by one of the region's finest independent growers.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIf you love extraordinary Chardonnay, Grand Cru Champagne or the world's greatest terroir-driven wines, this is a bottle you absolutely need to experience.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGRAND CRU CRAMANT. OLD-VINE CHARDONNAY. BIODYNAMIC VITICULTURE. EIGHT YEARS ON LEES. 96 POINTS VINOUS.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e2015 Larmandier-Bernier Vieille Vigne du Levant is an extraordinary Champagne – and one we are delighted to recommend at Liquid Vibe.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWine Details\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eProducer:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Larmandier-Bernier\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWine:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Vieille Vigne du Levant Grand Cru Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eVintage:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 2015\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRegion:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Champagne, France\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eVillage:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Cramant, Côte des Blancs\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eClassification:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Grand Cru\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGrape Variety:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 100% Chardonnay\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eVineyards:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Bourron du Levant and Le Fond du Bâteau\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eVine Age:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Approximately 60 to more than 80 years\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eViticulture:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Biodynamic\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFermentation:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Indigenous yeasts, oak barrels and Stockinger casks\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMalolactic Fermentation:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Natural\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMaturation:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Approximately one year in oak, followed by at least eight years on lees in bottle\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDosage:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 2 g\/L\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eStyle:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Extra Brut Vintage Blanc de Blancs Champagne\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDisgorgement:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e March 2025 for the Australian distributor's listed release\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCritic Scores:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 96 Points Vinous | 95 Points The Wine Advocate | 95 Points The Wine Front\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRRP:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e $495 per bottle\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFood Pairing:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Lobster, scallops, turbot, roast chicken with morels, veal sweetbreads and aged Comté\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eServing Temperature:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Approximately 10–12°C\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCellaring:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Enjoy now or cellar carefully; published drinking guidance extends to 2040\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Larmandier-Bernier","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51104134005038,"sku":"LV-LARMANDIER-VVDULEVANT-2015-750ML","price":470.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0950\/5010\/5134\/files\/2015-larmandier-bernier-vieille-vigne-du-levant-grand-cru.png?v=1794292606","url":"https:\/\/liquidvibe.com.au\/products\/larmandier-bernier-grand-cru-vieille-vigne-du-levant-2015","provider":"liquidvibe.com.au","version":"1.0","type":"link"}