Leclerc-Briant Brut Reserve NV (750ML)

94 FS / 92 JD / 90 DE / 17 JR

Disgorgement date: March 2023

Leclerc-Briant – The Biodynamic house every Champagne lover should know

Medium green yellow, silver reflections, fine, constant mousse. Attractive yellow tropical fruit, some mango and peach, floral touch, a hint of brioche and candied orange zest, nuances of kumquat. Full-bodied, fine white apple fruit nuances, finesse-rich structure, lime on the finish, a salty food companion, good development and certain ageing potential. (Base vintage 2019, Deg. 12/22).-Falstaff

Pouring a bright pale yellow hue, the NV Champagne Reserve Brut is from 2019, with 40% each Pinot Noir and Meunier and 20% Chardonnay. It opens to reveal notes of wet asphalt, ripe white peach, and fresh redcurrant. Medium-bodied and approachable, it has a rounded mid-palate, a chalky and pithy texture with a lively yet fine mousse, and a light note of brûléed grapefruit rind on the finish. It’s an attractive and balanced wine with a clean finish. Drink 2023-2030. Disgorged March of 2023. 4.5 grams per liter dosage.—Audrey Frick, Jeb Dunnuck

Blend of 40% Pinot Noir, 40% Pinot Meunier and 20% Chardonnay, selected from Premier and Grand Cru villages. Disgorged from August 2022 with dosage 4.5 g/l.
Very deep-flavoured and persistent. This is really compelling wine that sparkles rather than standard-issue champagne. Almost rich on the mid palate but dry and refreshing on the finish. Very, very rewarding.—Jancis Robinson

Disgorged July 2019. Dosage 4g/L. Base wine from 2015 vintage (90%). Lively and energetic nose full of floral and herbal scents, including chamomile. A full, structured mouthfeel with a seductive, velvety texture that remains balanced. The floral finish is enticingly light-footed. - Johan Castaing, Decanter

Founded in the village of Cumières in 1872 by Lucien Leclerc, the business moved, in 1955, to the premises it still occupies today in Chemin de la Chaude Ruelle in Epernay. It was also at this time, thanks to the dynamism of Bertrand Leclerc, the great grandson of the founder, and of his wife Jacqueline Briant, that the estate-based business changed its status to that of a Maison de Negoce or trading house.

In 2012 Leclerc Briant was saved from oblivion when it was acquired by Mark Nunelly and Denise Dupré, an American couple who are great enthusiasts of the French "art de vivre" and who fell in love with the nonconformist character of the House. They are joined by Frédéric Zeimett, a native of Champagne, who since then has led the House to the marches of Champagne codes, serving the expression of a unique style that is now internationally recognized.