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
1999 Cuvee Creation 70% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot Noir Aged in 4 or 5 year old barrique
672.00
2000 Grand Cellier d'Or Magnums (per 3x150cl)
345.00
2001 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. Gold with a good, persistent mousse. A lovely deep nose of fresh citrus and chardonnay fruit, along with hints of bready-autolysis and light spices. Dry, fresh acidity, soft, creamy bubbles. Intense, youthful green apples, honey and apricot. The purity of oak is absolutely outstanding, adding grilled nuts, marzipan and toasted vanilla. Incredibly refreshing citrus acidity currently masks the finish. (CG)
745.00
2003 Grand Cellier d'Or 80% Chardonnay, 20% Pinot Noir 5 years bottle ageing prior to degorgement. 25% new oak, 50/50 foudre/barrique.
Expansive, ripe, toasty chardonnay aromas, with hints of fleshy pear, apricot, pure vanilla pod and brioche. Its lovely citrus and mineral edge stops it from being overblown. Dry, soft acidity, full, creamy bubbles. Like the nose the palate is immensely intense, opening with the rich apricot, sweet apple and brioche before leading into a sweet vanilla, pear and slightly tropical middle. The soft acidity just about balances and allows the wine to retain some elegance. Lovely length with biscuity and dusty/ spicy wood notes. (CG)
482.00
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
416.00
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. Piquant acidity gives it balance and elegance. Not as sweet/rich as the Grande Reserve. Will age for 10-12 years.
364.00
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.
297.00
Grande Reserve Half Bottles (per 24x37.5cl)
374.00
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.
295.00
Vieille Reserve Magnums (per 6x150cl)
319.00
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 - £11.95
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 £19.26
sparkling wines £24.67
fortified wines £25.68
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.
