NV Georges Laval Cumieres Premier Cru Brut Nature

(90 Points)

The NV Brut Nature Premier Cru Cumieres, based on the 2009 vintage, is relatively round, soft and voluptuous, in keeping with the personality of the year. At the same time, there is more than enough underlying minerality to give the wine its cut and focus. Juicy peaches, pears, flowers and sweet spices are layered into the delineated, pointed finish. This is a fabulous effort from Vincent Laval. The blend is 40% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot Noir and 30% Pinot Meunier. Disgorged February 17, 2012. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2017.

Tucked away off a narrow side street in Cumieres, Laval is one of the most fascinating small domaines in Champagne. The wines are unique and at times a bit eccentric, yet also compelling. They also have a very devout following, judging by how quickly the bottles disappear from the market. Total production is about 10,000 bottles from 2.5 hectares of vines, some of which also provide fruit to other growers. Vincent Laval practices organic farming, which he believes encourages vine systems go work their way deep into the soil for nourishment. Laval shows visitors two vines hanging on his wall, one that was farmed conventionally, the other organically, to prove his point.

Champagne made ??from a blend of Chardonnay (40%), Meunier (3 (r) and Pinot Black (30%), high in oak barrels bottles are from 3 years. 2001 (50%), 2002 (40%) and 2003 (10%), magnums of vintage 2001 and half bottles of the 2002 vintage only. Brut Nature Gross low dose was 5 g sugar / l.