Valentin Leflaive Gr1445 Extra Brut Champagne Blanc de Blanc NV

Willie Carter

I’m really digging the aesthetics of these Valentin Leflaive champagnes. Classy with a heavy dose of fun. Pure gold in the glass with effusive perlage. Tons of tiny bubbles. One of the first things that is apparent with this is just young and fresh it is. The nose is shy initially but soon bursts with youthful fruit aromas. Pears and red apples with some unmistakably fresh cherries coming in. Crème brûlée and brioche bread fresh from the oven. Crisp and very mineral with an abundance of citrus and floral notes. These labels are glorious. From Grauves (GR) based on the 2014 vintage (14) with a dosage of 4.5 g/l (45). From the Leflaive family that’s been producing top level White Burgundy forever. This is highly reminiscent of a beautiful burgundy. Zippy acidity and lean bodied. A fair amount of complexity and dare I say it, luxury. Disgorged in late 2018 but really it’s so clear that this hasn’t even really started on it’s journey to maturity. As it evolves in the glass the palate grows and expands nicely. More brioche bread and floral accents. Apple crumble, dried herbs, and lemon zest. A fair bit of oranges and drips of honey. Elderflower and butter. Really nice profile and length and this truly hasn’t begun to hit the high notes yet. Stock up on these.