Domaine de Marzilly is a 12th-century estate that was purchased by the Ullens family in 2012. Little more than an ancient ruin, the Ullens have brought the property and grounds back to prominence – elevating the reputation of the village of Hermonville, in the Massif de Saint-Thierry, along the way. This is about as far north as Champagne goes, and hearty grape vines are required to endure the oftentimes harsh conditions. As such, pinot meunier is the focal point here, accounting for roughly 80% of the Ullen family’s plantings, with the remaining 17% dedicated to chardonnay and a scant 3% of pinot noir.

Despite the challenges presented through farming so far north, the Ullen’s vines are all farmed organically, with an emphasis on dry-farming and sustainable applications throughout the growing season. This “L.P.M” is the estate’s standard bearer – “Le Pinot Meunier” – and serves as a top-notch representative for the grape here in this part of Champagne. For this “Lot 8” bottling, we find a blend of 80% pinot meunier, supported by 20% chardonnay. Roughly half of the wine hails from the estate’s reserves, and the finished blend undergoes aging on the lees for a minimum of two years prior to disgorgement. Dosage is a judicious 3 grams per liter, keeping this bright, structured, and vinous – even amongst the typically brawny style of pinot meunier dominant Champagnes.

The wine whispers at first, as delicate aromas of flowers and roasted almonds slowly build, showing increasingly complex notes of myriad stone fruits, and grassy herbs. The wine has a precise attack in the mouth – with a preponderance of fresh citrus notes such as lemon, and tangerine, followed by savory elements of smoke and iron, with a lingering note of white cherries. The wine is structured and powerful – with a finish that lingers for a full minute plus. 

When one considers that Maxime has only been producing his wines since 2019 – this stands as a remarkable achievement – and one that is guaranteed to continue to impress in the years to come. We took the lion’s share of what made it here to the USA, and you’d be wise to snag some for yourself at this epic price! Drink one now, and keep one for later…and you’ll be happy you did!