Valentin Leflaive Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut – 750ml Not specified

93pts Burghound

(disgorged September 2015, 7g/L, SRP $75, 4.5 g/L). An elegant and cool nose consists of plenty of yeast and brioche characters that add breadth to the apple, citrus and petrol scents. There is equally good refinement to the intense, pure and lively flavors that are supported by a relatively fine and dense mousse that also shapes the quite dry but not austere finish that possesses outstanding depth. To my taste this is drinking perfectly now and I was impressed.

93pts Wine Enthusiast

This brilliant wine is the result of a partnership between Erick de Sousa in the Côte des Blancs and Burgundian Chardonnay specialist Olivier Leflaive. It shines with crisp white fruit and citrus flavor, textured with minerality. Bottle age has let a touch of toastiness creep in, making it very ready to drink. 

91pts James Suckling 

A very complex blanc de blancs that has such rich and toasty aromas of grilled pears, apples and brioche with white mushrooms and a toasted-almond thread. The palate carries a super sleek, fresh and vibrant feel with intense lemons and apples. Spiced-brioche finish. Drink now.

90pts Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate

Derived from the village of Grauves, a premier cru located on the other side of the Côte de Blanc’s main wine-growing escarpment, Leflaive’s NV Extra-Brut Blanc de Blancs Gr1445 is based on the 2014 vintage and was disgorged in September 2018 with four and a half grams per liter dosage. Offering up aromas of sweet confit lemon, yellow apple and warm bread, it’s medium to full-bodied, fleshy and charming, with lively acids and a nicely defined finish. There’s a touch less depth and complexity than is to be found in its rosé counterpart, but this is still a very creditable effort that’s ideally adapted to service as an apéritif.

90pts Wine & Spirits 

Working with chardonnay from the Cote des Blancs, de Sousa and Leflaive ferment this in stainless steel, then blend it with 30% reserve wines. It has a similar initial stink as the rose, emerging from that reduction with powerful acidity and some contrasting oxidative notes of cider apples and mushrooms. It’s an earthy and rooty chardonnay Champagne, a salty wine built for the dinner table.”

90pts Wine Spectator 

Spice and floral accents are aromatic in this bright and mouthwatering Champagne, laced with ripe nectarine and salted almond notes. Offers a sleek, subtle finish. Disgorged February 2015. Drink now through 2019.

Winemaker Notes

Made exclusively from the Chardonnay varietal from the finest terroirs on the prestigious Côte des Blancs, this cuvée is exceptionally fine. Created with precision, it offers a unique interpretation of champagne, underscoring its complexity and minerality.

With a dazzling color topped off with delicate hints of gold, this blanc de blancs leaves nobody indifferent. In the mouth, a taut attack wakes up the taste buds while the spirit marvels at touches of citrus that open up over a floral backdrop.

Origin of Grapes: 52% Vertus Premier Cru, 27% Bergères les Vertus Premier Cru, 21% Cramant Grand Cru, Côte des Blancs