Hello <<First Name>>. Welcome to a new direction in discovering domain bottled grower Champagnes direct from the vigneron.

2018 harvest summary

It is always very interesting to witness a Champagne harvest in person. And 2018 was a stellar opportunity to experience what may become an extra-ordinary vintage. Another August vintage but with no rot, no disease, good size high quality bunches and lots of them, all pave the way for potential. Different varieties and regions matured at different times, allowing optimal picking across all the varities. Acidity was maybe a little low, but within reasonable parameters. Great weather during the harvest allowed many vignerons to hang the red varieties for much longer with no threat of disease. Hence we will see many red wines being produced. Yields were high, but this will allow many of the big houses to swap out inferior rot tainted 2017 reserves for superior 2018 reserves.



Thierry Laherte said that in his 45 year career as a vigneron he has never seen a vintage give such superb quality at a large quantity. Harvest officially started August 20th and most picking had finished by September 9th. Red wine producers waited another week. There has always been a risk in early vintages to pick too early and hence miss out on phenolic maturity like in 2011.  But we must wait till March/April next year to fully assess the final vin clairs. The Champagne production process is a long one, so even at the very last disgorgement cycle, the vigneron can still use a crappy cork and dosage at 12gm/litre - destroying all the advantages that nature has provided. Such is the Champagne business!
 

Champagne Bin End selections

I have assembled some packs from last remaining bin ends. There are not many of each, so be quick.

Etude Terroir Spring 2018 Selection Retail $578  Special $385
A selection of six Champagnes across styles and terroirs.
Voirin-Jumel Blanc de Noirs 1er Cru
Glavier Alphael Blanc de Blancs
Miniere Brut Zero
Bourgeois-Diaz M 100% meunier
Miniere Influence Rose
Bourgeois-Diaz 3C

Etude Chardonnay Spring 2018 Selection Retail $624  Special $416.00
Six of my best Chardonnay Champagnes across many terroirs.
Glavier Alphael Blanc de Blancs
Voirin-Jumel Blanc de Blancs
Glavier Genesis Blanc de Blancs
Miniere Blanc Absolu Blanc de Blancs
Lilbert Perle Blanc de Blancs
Bourgeois-Diaz B Blanc de Blancs

Etude Dozen Spring 2018 Selection Retail $1170  Special $780.25
A nice mix of 12 bottles including a rose and a pure meunier.
Voirin-Jumel Blanc de Noirs 1er Cru
Glavier Alphael Blanc de Blancs
Voirin-Jumel Blanc de Blancs
Miniere Brut Zero
Bourgeois-Diaz M Meunier
Bourgeois-Diaz N Blanc de Noirs
Miniere Influence
Glavier Genesis Blanc de Blancs
Miniere Influence Rose
Bourgeois-Diaz 3C Collection
Lilbert Perle Blanc de Blancs
Coquillette Blanc de Noirs Les Cles