Champagne Larmandier-Bernier is one of the true stars of the Côte des Blancs. Both the Larmandier and Bernier families have had a long history in the Champagne region, dating back to the French revolution, but it was not until the marriage of Philippe Larmandier and Elisabeth Bernier in 1971 that Champagne Larmandier-Bernier was established.

The Larmandiers are very much committed to the ideal of producing world class wines that speak of the inimitable terroirs of the Côte des Blancs, rather than using parlor tricks in the cellar. They thus work extremely hard using biodynamic methods to produce the finest possible fruit in each vintage. Their holdings are comprised of eighty-five percent chardonnay and fifteen percent pinot noir. As their vines near 35 years of age, the Larmandiers practice a much more conservative approach to yields than is currently customary in the Champagne region.

The NV Extra Brut Rose de Saignee boasts considerable focus and the pure energy of the 2008 harvest. Not unexpectedly, it is a cool, inward wine today, but it should blossom beautifully with time in the glass. Sweet floral notes wrap around the intense finish. This is a gorgeous Rose, but readers will need to be patient. Personally, I like the wiry style very much. This is Lot# LR80910. Disgorged: September, 2010. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2018. WA93