Launois Père & Fils Grand Cru Réserve Blanc de Blancs Brut Champagne (12%)

This is a Brut Blanc de Blancs Champagne from Launois Père & Fils, made entirely from Chardonnay. It is a grower Champagne from the Côte des Blancs, bottled at 12% ABV. The fruit comes from estate-owned Grand Cru vineyards in Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Cramant and Oger. The house, founded in 1872 in Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, grows only its own fruit and propagates its vines from its own massal selections rather than commercial clones. The wine follows the traditional method, with extended ageing on its lees in bottle. The nose shows lemon and lime zest, white stone fruit and a touch of hazelnut. The palate has green apple, ripe pear and grapefruit, with chalky minerality and a light toastiness. The finish is long and creamy, with citrus pith and wet chalk.