Over four centuries, seven generations of the Legras family have nurtured grapevines in Chouilly, a Grand Cru village in the center of the Côte des Blancs. A meetcute between François Legras and Brigitte Haas in 1967 led to the creation of this house, as well as the combination of the vines they tend to, covering almost 37 hectares with 18 in Chouilly, 12 in Vitry, and 6.5 in Les Riceys. These days, the couple’s sons, Olivier, Rémi, and Jérôme, run the winery and oversee the vineyards, continuing to produce dynamic and luxurious cuvees that hold fast as touted expressions of the highest characteristics in the Côte des Blancs and elsewhere.

Made of 100% chardonnay grown on a furrowed ridge – which is the meaning behind the Les Sillons name – in a parcel called Les Partelaines, this fruit leans riper and even somewhat more tropical than that of Le Mesnil or Avize, regardless of Chouilly being the northernmost Grand Cru village in the Côte des Blancs. This wine falls into step with a demonstrably generous, luscious, and grand final product standing as the happy result of tried and true winemaking and sourcing prowess. While it’s built to drink now, it will also wonderfully evolve over the next decade or so with ease.

An exuberant mousse brings the first aromas straight to your nose with notes of almond-cream tartine, fragrant lilies, and a captivating pickled plum character. When that mellows, fuller aromas of brown butter, sun-ripened stone fruits, pineapple, and freshly baked apple pie come into play, plus a smattering of baking spices and garden-fresh herbs. On the tongue, you’ll experience apricots and white cherries to fill out the fruit profile, followed by tantalizing gingersnap cookies and toasted almond notes. The finish is stony and fresh with a clean river rock character and a long spine of lemon and orange citrus acidity. If that sounds like a whole lot going on, you’d be right – and it’s so splendid, this is a bottle you won’t want to end. For that reason, grab more than one (shipping included on 2+), and take a look for yourself at this serious pedigree and considerable value when placed next to its peers!