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Champagne Paul Déthune Blanc de Noirs Les Crayeres Extra Brut Grand Cru 2016 Wine - Last Bottle

Champagne Paul Déthune Blanc de Noirs Les Crayeres Extra Brut Grand Cru 2016

Champagne Paul Déthune is Ambonnay royalty – the family has been around since 1610! This 94 point 2016 vintage from the iconic Les Crayères site is perhaps one of the Champagne's best in recent memory!

$119
$199

Retail

40
Flavor Profile: Pink Lady apples, jasmine tea with a squeeze of lemon, saltwater taffy, chipped river rocks, and sushi ginger
Time on Lees: 56 months
Disgorgement Date: January 2022
Dosage: 5 g/L
Farming Method: HVE Certified
Score: VN94

Why We Love It...

The lush roundness of pinot noir and the lower amounts of dosage that Champagne Paul Déthune has implemented in recent years are part of the reason why this wine is so stellar and why they continue to be one of the most respected houses in all of the region.

The Déthune name is gold in the Grand Cru village of Ambonnay. They’ve been growing grapes in the region since the 1600s, and are the second-oldest family in Ambonnay. They know a thing or two about grape growing, and pinot noir in general, and their cuvees, including the Les Crayères Extra Brut, tastes like the royalty they are. 

Les Crayères is a revered site of 50+ year old vines, and aptly named after the soil content upon which it sits. Limestone and chalk are the hallowed base of this cuvée’s vines, and therefore, it’s a mineral-driven beauty with all of the best characteristics of a great Champagne.  All in all, it is a perfect marriage that expresses the 1.5-hectare plot of old vines flawlessly – perhaps even better than Egly-Ouriet’s bottling from this same site that sells in the $500 range. Just saying – at our exceptional price – this is a steal! A judicious use of liqueur d’expedition (dosage) at only 5 grams per liter ensures that the brilliance of the wine shines, not the makeup that might mask its flavors and textures. With 56 months on the lees – that’s nearly 6 years for anyone who’s math-averse – it’s got a richness that’s as sultry and sexy as any pinot noir Champagne you’ve ever tasted!

This wine is 100% pinot noir, aged in 205-liter Champagne barrels and bottled without filtration. Powerfully rich, impressively intense, and playfully elegant, this Champagne is exceptional even in its youth, but there is no denying it – the best years are yet to come! Enticing aromas of cherry blossoms, rose water, lime leaf, and fresh-from-the-oven brioche saunter out the glass (and speaking of glass – definitely opt for the wide-mouthed Burgundy bowls on this one, friends). The bubbles explode on the tongue – revealing flavors of Pink Lady apples, jasmine tea with a squeeze of lemon, saltwater taffy, and sushi ginger, all with this tingly vein of chipped river rocks throughout. It has a complex and powerful finish that goes on, and on, seemingly forever!

** (Side note: the word “crayère” means chalk pit and is a common term throughout Reims, so beware of cheaper look-alikes that don’t actually hail from this tiny Grand Cru site)! **

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Technical Details

Country: France
Region: Champagne
Appellation: Montagne de Reims
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Winemaker: Pierre Dethune
Farming Method: HVE Certified
Alcohol: 12.5%
Pair it with: Veal Tenderloin with demi-glace and roasted root vegetables and mushrooms

About the Producer

Champagne Paul Déthune embodies a rich winemaking legacy that dates back to 1610, with Pierre Déthune following in the footsteps of his father, Paul, and previous generations, including his great-grandfather Léon and grandfather Henri. Growing up in the vineyards of Ambonnay, Pierre learned the intricacies of viticulture alongside his father, fostering a deep connection to the land and its heritage. Together with his wife Sophie, he honors their ancestors' courage and dedication by carefully considering their choices for the future. This commitment to preserving their cultural heritage is evident in their work as independent winegrowers, as they strive to leave a lasting positive impact on their community and the environment.

Dedicated to sustainable development, Pierre and Sophie have a three prong approach to sustainability focusing on creating a safe and pleasant workplace for their employees, ensuring the financial stability of their operations, and minimizing their ecological footprint with organic farming practices, solar energy and rainwater recovery systems. Their estate, which produces a remarkable range of ten champagnes, is entirely Grand Cru, showcasing the unique terroir of Ambonnay. This meticulous attention to quality and respect for both people and nature results in champagnes that are celebrated for their elegance, complexity, and authenticity. By embracing their role as stewards of a timeless heritage, the Déthunes not only honor their family's history but also contribute to the evolution of sustainable winemaking practices in the Champagne region.

Champagne Paul Déthune Blanc de Noirs Les Crayeres Extra Brut Grand Cru 2016

$119
$199

Retail

40

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