Description
The 2017 Les Alouettes is a remarkable Brut Nature Champagne from Christophe Baron, showcasing the depth, power and earthy character of Pinot Meunier. From a low-intervention approach and requiring around an hour of air to fully reveal itself, the wine opens with vibrant orchard and citrus fruit, gradually developing layers of allspice, clove, chamomile and dried flowers.
Plump and beautifully textured on the palate, it combines white peach and golden orchard fruit with ginger-infused pastry, toasted bread and honeycomb. Beneath the richness, dazzling minerality and salty, stony nuances provide freshness, precision and remarkable length.
Its quality has been widely recognised, receiving 96 points from Owen Bargreen, with Antonio Galloni of Vinous and William Kelley of The Wine Advocate each awarding 95 points.
Powerful yet refined, Les Alouettes balances finesse, weight and complexity with impressive harmony. A truly vinous Champagne, it is delicious now with patience and air, yet possesses the concentration and structure to reward decades of cellaring.