Vilmart - Champagner Coeur de Cuvee Brut 1er Cru 2010

ANTONIO GALLONI: "One of the things I admire most about Laurent Champs is his ability to turn out not just good – but great – wines in challenging years in which other growers struggle. Vibrant, nuanced and breathtakingly beautiful, the 2010 is simply mesmerizing. A kaleidoscope of aromas, flavors and textures dazzles all the senses in a taut, vibrant Champagne that will stop readers dead in their tracks. The 2010 is every bit that good. A few years in the cellar should help the wine soften a bit, but it is incredibly beautiful today. Dosage is 7 grams per liter. Disgorged: February, 2017."

WINEADVOCATE: "Disgorged in February 2017, this rendition of Vilmart´s 2010 Coeur de Cuvée is still very tightly wound, unfurling in the glass with aromas of lemon oil, crisp green apples, white flowers and subtle hints of praline that has almost entirely integrated its framing of recently used wood. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, broad and vinous, with superb concentration, an electric line of acidity and a deep, tight-knit core, concluding with a long, tongue-tinglingly chalky finish. This is a superb Coeur de Cuvée, but it will need more time on cork to realize all its potential."

WINESPECTATOR: "This elegant version offers seamless integration, draping a vivid frame of acidity with a fine, satiny texture and layered flavors of black currant, chopped almond, candied lemon zest and biscuit. Focused and graceful throughout, with a lasting, spiced finish. Disgorged January 2017. Drink now through 2028. 200 cases imported. — AN"

ROBINSON: "Lifted Chardonnay, super-fresh nose. Very fruity (citrus?) palate attack. Tight and fresh in terms of texture. Very clean. Almost sweet it's so ripe but not as though it's been heavily dosed. Light and fresh with good balance but not that much evolution. Lacy and vivacious. Deeper flavoured, perhaps less obviously appetising, than the 2013 Grand Cellier."