Philippe Lancelot Les Hauts d'Epernay extra brut 2019 - 75cl/12.5%

Estate History:
Philippe Lancelot took over Domaine Y. Lancelot Wanner, founded by his parents in the 1970s at Cramant. About four hectares lie in Cramant, Avize, Chouilly, Oiry, Épernay and Aÿ. He has run the estate since 2007; biodynamics began in 2012 (Ecocert 2014, Demeter 2015, Biodyvin 2020). With Hervé Jestin since 2009, he has added no sulphur from 2015. The aim is each cru’s DNA; Les Hauts d’Épernay is the high slopes of Épernay.

Wine Introduction:
Fruit comes from the lieux-dits Boissimon (planted about 1990) and Saint-Antoine (about 1973) on Épernay’s upper slopes; vines are 35–50 years old. It is a three-grape blend that changes with the vintage—2018 about 48% Chardonnay, 35% Pinot Noir, 17% Meunier; 2019 about 40/40/20. Mixed tank and barrel, malolactic, Extra Brut (about 1–3.75 g/L). Less strictly Côte des Blancs than Fond du Bateau, it is fruitier and more floral—Épernay hillside rather than a pure blanc de blancs.

Tasting Notes:
Nosing: White blossom, vineyard peach, ripe apple and sweet orange, with a light buttery note from oak.
Palate: Extra Brut citrus tension, Williams pear, white fruit and a flick of spice; medium-full.
Finish: Medium-long, mineral, with a bitter citrus-pith close.