2010 Larmandier-Bernier Terre de Vertus 1er Cru

The 2010 Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs Terre de Vertus 1er Cru emerges from the Barillers and Faucherets lieux-dits, both in Vertus. Powerful and tightly wound, the 2010 is a classically austere wine that needs more time in bottle so soften a bit. Still, it is impossible not to admire the wine's energy and creamy, polished feel. Lemon confit, sage, menthol, licorice and dried flowers infuse the virile finish. The Terre de Vertus is especially powerful, an impression that is reinforced by the choice to bottle with no dosage. The 2010 was aged and vinified in a combination of barrique and foudre. Disgorged: January 2016.

From a single vineyard north of Vertus (Les Barillers) that has been free of chemicals for decades, the intensely citrus colored 2010 Terre de Vertus Blanc de Blancs Premier Cru Brut Nature (LTV100417) offers a very pure yet ripe and concentrated bouquet of ripe fruits intertwined with lots of iodine and steely notes. Bright yet complex on the palate, this is a highly elegant, refined and linear Blanc de Blancs with lots of salty and structuring minerals. The wine is seriously long and complex and reveals excellent grip and aging potential. Disgorged in April 2017 and tasted exactly one year later. Aug 2018, www.robertparker.com