2016 Vilmart & Cie Coeur de Cuvee Premier Cru Brut [JD95][WS95][WA94+][V94+]

Producer: Vilmart & Cie  
Region: Champagne, France  
Blend: 80% Chardonnay, 20% Pinot Noir
Year: 2016 

Jeb Dunnuck, 95 Points

"Also 80% Chardonnay, the 2016 Champagne 1er Cru Coeur De Cuvée Brut is a bright yellow color and is a bit more shy at this stage on the nose compared to the Grand Cellier D'Or, with notes of lemon candies, green apples, baking spices, and delicate fresh baked brioche. Driving, with more linear persistence in its acidity, it’s citrus-driven on the palate, with a zesty, spritely mousse and a clean, chalky finish with just a hint of bitter citrus. This one feels as though it needs more time at this stage to open up and come around, but it has a lot of potential. Drink it over the coming 10-15 years. Drink: 2024-2040." 

Wine Spectator, 95 Points 

"Notes of honeysuckle and lime blossoms, blood orange peel, anise and cardamom are a fragrant overtone heralding this fresh Champagne, which shows good tension and drive. The refined, chalky mousse is lacy in texture, buoying finely meshed flavors of ripe apricot and quince paste, raw almond, vanilla wafer and candied ginger. Ends with a long, mouthwatering finish. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Disgorged September 2022. Drink now through 2036. 75 cases imported." 

Wine Advocate, 94+ Points 

"The 2016 Brut Premier Cru Coeur de Cuvée is derived from vines planted in the Hauts de Blanches Voies lieu-dit on chalky soils. Evoking aromas of pear, spices, white flowers, spring blossoms and lemon oil, it's full-bodied, sappy and round, with a deep core of fruit, bright acids and a long, ethereal, chalky finish. Slightly phenolic and with a pinpoint mousse, this blend of 80% Chardonnay and 20% Pinot Noir was matured for five years in the bottle on the lees and released two years after disgorgement. This is simply gorgeous. Drink: 2024-2044." 

Vinous, 94+ Points 

"The 2016 Brut Coeur de Cuvée is an elegant, sensual Champagne. In other words, classic Vilmart. Crushed flowers, mint, chalk, slate, dried herbs and citrus peel are all beautifully delineated. Brisk acids wrap it all together in style. The 2016 needs a few years to be at its most expressive, as it is pretty reserved today. Even so, all the elements are impeccably put together. The barrels used here are one to three years old. Dosage is 7 grams per liter. Disgorged: September, 2022. Drink: 2024-2036." 

Alcohol: 12.5% 

*Discounts do not apply to items like this one in the Fine & Rare category. Price and availability in store may vary.