Since we first started working with Laurent Champs we have waxed lyrical about the wonders of Vilmart Champagne. We thought therefore, that we would let the words of others extol their virtues for a change.
"I think my enormous regard for these wines has run together with my respect and great affection for Laurent Champs himself. He is doing something both tender and extraordinary with the domaine he inherited. And the wine world is taking notice and then some." Terry Theise on Champagne.
"Nowhere else did I find such crystal-clear fruit, perfectly poised and with such great depth. The small house of Vilmart & Cie is one of the region?s best kept secrets." Dr Phillip Blom., Decanter 12/00
"Vilmart is the greatest grower Champagne I know." ".. the Vilmart range begins at brilliant and just keeps getting better." Tom Stevenson MW
"I've found Vilmart among the most food friendly of all my Champagnes because they are so gracious, so vinous and so lordly in their carriage." Terry Theise on Champagne.
"I am absolutely certain that you will freak over these Champagnes. Give them some bottle-age and you?ll freak even more. Drink them when they're really ready and great chambers won?t be able to certain your freaking." Terry Theise on Champagne.
Methods of Production
Champagne Vilmart is to be found in the sleepy hamlet of Rilly, on the slopes of the Montagne de Reims. Owned and meticulously run by Rene Champs and his winemaking son Laurent, the state comprises a mere 11 hectares of premier cru vineyards, planted with Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Despite its resistance to frost, Pinot Meunier is not planted here since it produces wines with too low an acidity level for long term ageing.
In the cellar the grapes are crushed in an old-fashioned vertical screw press (Coquard). The non-vintage Champagnes are fermented and aged for ten months in large oak foudres. The wines for the vintage Champagne, however, undergo fermentation and ageing in new and one/two-year 228 litres barriques, which are made of Allier oak. The Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes are all fermented separately, an assemblage being made after the first fermentation. No filtration is carried out and the wines are cleared by fining with isinglass. After ten months stay in wood the wines are bottled and the secondary fermentation begins with the addition of the "prise de mousse". After completion all the cuvees spend between 2-6 years ageing on their lees prior to remuage and subsequent degorgement.
"We do wine first, then afterward we do Champagne." Laurent Champs
Per case ex VAT
Champagne
1993 Coeur de Cuvee (per 3x150cl)
355.00
1997 Cuvee Creation 70% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot Noir Aged in 4 or 5 year old barrique Earthy, mature aromas with yeasty apricot fruit. Quiet crisp still with lots of citrus fruit, lovely delicate oak, brioche, butter and a touch of oxidation. Dry, crisp acidity, small creamy bubbles. Earthy again with an oxidative note, mature citrus fruit with delicate oak. Lovely length laden with citrus and apple flavours, finishes dry.
550.00
1998 Cuvee Creation 70% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot Noir Aged in 4 or 5 year old barrique Powerful aromas of rich fruit, brioche, butter, restrained oak and mature citrus fruit. Very aromatic and full of character. An exceptional bouquet. Dry, low acidity, small dry bubbles, medium bodied. Delicate and spicy with oodles of wonderfully mature apricot and apple fruit. Big, rich and full flavoured. Very mouth filling, and with a sublime balance. Great length with a superb clean citrus finish. Definitely has the wow factor!
611.00
1999 Coeur de Cuvee 80% Chardonnay, 20% Pinot Noir 6 years bottle ageing prior to degorgement. The flagship Champagne, made from 55 year old vines, aged in barrique and given 50% new oak. A wonderful nose, rich, toasty yet crisp and minerally. There is a lovely depth of delicate apricot fruit and autolytic notes. Dry, crisp acidity, small soft bubbles. Lovely depth of crisp apricot and toasty oak. A very mineral laced middle and finish with lemon/ lime citrus fruit notes. Young but surprisingly forward for this cuvee.
677.00
2000 Grand Cellier Rubis 40% Chardonnay, 60% Pinot Noir Clean, with a delicate intensity of rich pinot fruit, wild berries, spice and brioche aromas. Dry, crisp acidity, small creamy bubbles, medium bodied. A superb, delicate intensity of rich, youthful red fruits, spice, minerals and brioche. Very classy and long. Ideally requires some ageing.
677.00
2001 Grand Cellier d'Or 80% Chardonnay, 20% Pinot Noir 5 years bottle ageing prior to degorgement. 25% new oak, 50/50 foudre/barrique. A clean and intense nose of yeast, brioche and mineral laden citrus fruit. A touch closed at the moment with a subtle hint of spice. Steely dry, crisp acidity, small delicate bubbles, medium bodied. A lovely depth of autolytic apricot, wet stone and an abundance of minerally citrus and hints of pear and white fruit. Although noticeably young it has a roundness of fruit and a lovely mouth feel and an exceptional grapefruit length. This vintage is very much in the style of the Coeur de Cuvee with an acidity that lends itself to patient cellaring.
438.00
Cuvee Rubis 10% Chardonnay, 90% Pinot Noir 3 years bottle ageing prior to degorgement. An attractive, elegant bouquet of strawberry fruits. On the palate it is wonderfully fruity, packed with very pure strawberry flavours. Very elegant
373.00
Grand Cellier 30% Chardonnay, 70% Pinot Noir 3 years bottle ageing prior to degorgement. A complex and delicate wine which has a fine mousse and rich, lush, biscuity flavours. Tangy acidity gives it balance & elegance. Not as sweet/rich as the Grande Reserve. Will age for 10-12 years.
324.00
Grande Reserve 30% Chardonnay, 70% Pinot Noir 2 years bottle ageing prior to degorgement. An attractive toasty, biscuity bouquet. On the palate it has a complex array of rich, creamy, biscuity, fruit flavours. The acidity is nicely smooth and rounded.
253.00
Grande Reserve (per 24x37.5cl)
339.00
Ratafia 100% Pinot Noir 8 years bottle ageing . An amber coloured fortified desert wine with a pungent nose similar to the 1993 Coeur de Cuvee, with hints of pear and strawberries. On the palate it is full of rich complex, sweet, lush caramel and cream flavours. With an incredible depth and structure, it has a long finish with hints of crushed strawberries.
269.00
Vieille Reserve (per 6x150cl)
290.00
Except where indicated all wines are priced per case of 12x75cl exclusive of VAT and onward UK carriage.
Delivery charges (exclusive of VAT):-
1 case - £10.95
2-3 cases - £9.50
4 + cases - FREE
E&OE. All wines are available subject to remaining unsold.
For export and all customers requiring the facilities of a bond the majority of our wines are available without duty under bond.
Current duty rates per 12 x 75cl,
still wines £17.50
sparkling wines £22.40
fortified wines £23.32
Anniversary Vintages We are frequently asked to source whiskies and Armagnacs for anniversaries and birthday.
So if you're looking for a particular vintage to celebrate a special occasion, look no further. Vintage whisky, armagnac & cognac.
