October 20, 2021 - Initially closed but after 15min in the glass opening up nicely. Wonderful nose of stone fruit, quince, bruised apples, almonds, pear. Rich on the palate, earthy and masculine for a BdB, reminds me almost of a Clos des Goisses. Lovely tertiary notes on the finish. This is grand, great QPR too. 95+
June 5, 2021 - Method: chilled; bordeaux glass
Look: medium gold; light bubbles
Nose: brioche, cream, poached pear, vanilla, custard
Palate: white flower, pear, biscuit, lemon pith; medium+ finish of chalk, white flower; medium- super fine bubbles (great); medium- body; medium acidity
Overall thoughts: This is in a really good place right now. The bubbles have (presumably) mellowed and are wonderful right now, although, if you let this sit in the glass too long, you'll lose the bubbles and a lot of the acidity, and it will get just a bit fat/flabby. Keep this chilled and it will show very well. Paired great with caviar and blini, although, I'd probably want a bit more acid for more hearty foods like fried chicken. Great wine, but if you want to pair it with food, I might drink it fairly soon.
November 11, 2020 - One of the pioneers in organic farming in champagne in the 90s when production of champagne was much more industrial than artisanal. Rich, powerful champagne, plenty of red-fruited character that made people think this was a Pinot heavy champagne. Despite the low dosage (2g/l), it appeared a little sweet with the fully ripe fruit and oak usage that gave some yeasty notes. Always held back from buying this producer because of supposed variation but this was a very good bottle.
January 1, 2020 - New Years Day: Vrai Champagne, Fourth Annual Edition (Brad & Marcia's Place, St. Paul, MN): Light medium gold color. Pear, filberts, structured and deep, this carries some weight, firm but still round and yeasty. 92+pts.
March 5, 2019 - Buttery sweet, lush, giving nose, complete and harmonic. Lush and simply tasty. Fat, ginger, exotic fruits, not too chalky.
December 1, 2017 - Larmadier-Bernier is always trustworthy when it comes to producing elegant blanc de blancs with a strong minerality. This is no exception. Straw yellow, beginning maturity of colour, persistent and small bubbles. Intense nose of red apples, chalk and yeast/bread. Quite full bodied for a blanc de blancs, very dry, concentrated taste of red apples and yeast with a strong minerally aftertaste. This almost gives me an iron feel, like sticking your tongue on wet steel! Very fresh and citrusy in addition to the mineral tones. Long. Very delicate mousse. This is just a great champagne that can compete with the very best.
July 29, 2017 - Rich, light bronze gold colour with persistent bead; gently voluptuous aromas of dark peach flowers, orange zest and spiced tea, yet it shows the classic restraint and finesse of Cramant; a lovely palate of lemon curd and restrained orange tones, gentle touches of oak fermentation. Typically pristine Larmandier Bernier style with tingling light minerality, it shows the warmth of the vintage but transcends it with gently powerful intensity.
June 4, 2017 - Walnut skins, curling yellow parchment paper, roasted yellow apples, poached pear, and honeysuckle. Larmandier-Bernier's Vieille Vigne de Cramant Grand Cru 2006 always feels autumnal to me and masterfully constructed. Subtle oxidation, ultra-fine mousse and quarried vinosity on the finish makes this a somewhat austere Champagne. One feels compelled to study it, the graceful lines and branching sexpartite ribs, transverse arches, and dappled, dusty sunlight filtered through clerestory windows, it's weightless, timeless charm. 12.5% ABV
September 7, 2016 - Wow, wow, wow! Our first ever sip of this champagne, and we were impressed. Very reasonably priced. Vibrancy with a nice yeasty, light fruit, creamy nose and powerful palate. Happy experience. Thanks to Jordan for recommending!!!
July 10, 2016 - Since the last year it has become a bit more full bodied. More butterscotch and cream, hasn't lost the white fruits or balance. Excellent, and one of my favourite bottlings by grower in its unapologetically hedonistic style.