In 1973, Anne and Jacques Robin, only 18 and 23 years of age respectively, planted their first plot in Sorbée. The parcel would mark the beginning of their foray into the realm of Grower Champagne, keeping their day jobs as they slowly built the brick-and-mortar winery of their dreams. Other parcels of vines would soon follow, with 22 plots in total now scattered across the limestone and clay hillsides in the valleys of Aube, Arce, Ource, and Seine. In the 90s, their children, Sébastien and Aude, took the helm with degrees that formalized their life’s passion. Now with the inclusion of the third generation, Séverine, the Robin family is thriving here in the Côte des Bar, in the tiny village of Buxières sur Arce where the family has lived for more than 300 years.

This Prestige Brut is known as “le Petit Bourdon” or, the Little Bumblebee. A blend of 70% pinot noir and 30% chardonnay, from 35-year-old vines across the Robin family holdings. From the moment it is poured, a stunning bouquet of white flowers springs from the glass, with fresh and lively additions of fresh-cut grass and crushed spearmint. The vivacity of the nose elevates the creamy and round citrus notes in the mouth, where tangerine, kumquat, and Meyer lemon take shape. Accents of Rainier cherries, red apples, and pie crust extend the complexity further still, with a kiss of clover honey, and a gentle, licorice-like bite of fresh tarragon bringing it all to a close.

Champagnes like this are why I love my job, and what a treat to find and share an excellent new Grower Producer with you all! We took all that we could, which we believe to be all that is currently available in the USA, but sadly, it may not be enough! I’m getting a couple while I can, and I strongly suggest you do the same. Here we go!