Lilbert-Fils Perle Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs Brut Champagne Chardonnay NV

Willie Carter

Tasting this again and it’s even better the second time around. Medium gold with sparse, teeny tiny bubbles. Exquisite creaminess and richness which surpasses the effervescence. The nose is a bit stunning with light touches of warm, toasty bread and lychee. Lovely citrus fruit is a constant and consistent throughout this Blanc de Blancs. White blossoms and lemon zest. Slivered almonds as a faint whisper. Intoxicating. Produced at a lower pressure than the majority of champagnes and aged for three years, this is a wine of pure finesse. It’s so elegant and magisterial. So smooth and delicate. Pure Chardonnay from the Côte des Blancs and three Grand Cru villages of Cramant, Chouilly, and Oiry. Based mainly on the 2015 vintage with the balance from the previous, there is a definite sense of maturity here. Fresh, fruity and graceful on the attack. Fresh herbs and chalky minerality. Baked breads shine through along with green apples and roasted nuts. A tremendous amount of bright citrus goodness that just goes on and on and on. Drink now. Or wait. You really can’t go wrong. Nowhere near the peak of its powers, but so luxurious right now.

Willie Carter

Low production. Exceedingly high quality. Produced with lower pressure but results in much, much joy. A light golden robe with not many bubbles due to the low pressure. Very creamy however. In that good way. Quite mineral on the nose with an abundance of floral scents. Croissants and orange peel with a schmear of honey. Those citrus aromas really start to take over after time in the glass. Pure Grand Cru Chardonnay from Cramant in the Côte des Blancs. Consisting of 35/65 of the 2014 and 2015 vintages and disgorged in 2020 with an Extra Brut dosage of 3 g/l. This is one of those non vintage bottles that makes you reconsider not aging them. It’s so clear that this will continue to grow and blossom and be even more stunning a few years down the road. Subtle and soft with high acid. Saline precision and tension for days. So generous on the palate even at this youthful point in its journey. Fresh citrus fruits tickle the tongue while herbs hold your attention. Long finish with a bite of spice. Will be excellent if you have patience and hold. Or you could be like me and drink now.

James Forsyth

Like Scrooge...Fairly austere and took a little while to give a little. 30% 2009, 40% 2010 and 30% 2011.

Bryan Garcia

Sales Grand Cru Selections

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Josh Orr

Fantastic wine! It is going to be very difficult to resist the urge to open my other bottle

Nicole DeCicco

Celebration!

Christine Havens

The profile of this elegant Grand Cru is somewhat reminiscent of Muscadet, with chalk-driven soils of the Côte de Blancs showing through. Lilbert Fils Blanc de Blancs is all about the acidity—vibrant, exceptionally pure and steely acidity coursing throughout, enlivened by chalky notes, tart green apple, lime zest and white grapefruit on a lengthy, mouthwatering finish. The nose has familiar biscuit notes with top notes of white flowers and citrus.

Chad Walsh

What are you drinking this #NYE?

Willie Carter

Pure passion. I keep these well supplied simply because they’re so damn good. A very pretty light golden color in the glass. The nose is magnificent with chalk and floral aromas. A burst of honeysuckle, orange peel, and quince. Beautiful brioche notes with a streak of honey. Just divine. Bottled at a lower pressure than other champagnes which produces a softer wine. Creamy and complex, it’s a magisterial Blanc de Blancs. Primarily from the 2016 vintage with 30% of the blend coming from 2014. Elegant and generous with a real sense of place. Slight hints of grapefruit and apples on the palate. Herbal essence and white fruits for days and days and days. Really striking on the tongue. Long, persistent finish. But ignore all of that, this is really about emotions. There’s passion and love and romance here. And isn’t that what it’s all about anyway?