While many of Champagne’s fabulous producer estates are centuries old, Remy Massin et Fils has only been in the Grower Champagne game since 1974. The estate has been passed down through the family since 1865, however, and they’ve been growing and selling grapes for over a century. This beautiful property in Ville-sur-Arce, in the heart of the Côte des Bar comprises 22 hectares of pinot noir, pinot blanc and chardonnay vines. Burgundy’s Chablis region is so nearby that you can almost throw a stone there – where it’d likely fall on the very same kimmeridgian soil that makes Chablis so revered. For Champagne – this soil is loved dearly for its influence on pinot noir – the dominant grape of the region. Remy Massin also champions the forgotten varieties, as a locally rare pinot blanc is one of their varieties and used to make a different Special Club we’ve offered on occasion. But we’re focusing on their fabulous Special Club pinot today.

This 2017 is just as luscious as you’d imagine. Awash with power and depth, a wine that pulses with ripe raspberries, Rainier cherries, rose petals, butter cookies, white grapefruit, lemongrass, berry coulis, and sourdough bread. The richness of the (relatively) warmer climate is evident in the full-bodied characters on the palate, but a focused and fine acidity provides excellent length and a pristinely clean and fresh finish. The wine ages for five years on the lees, and is finished with a disgorgement of an extra brut-worthy 4 g/liter dosage. It’s one of my favorite pinot noir Champagnes ever, and one of the greatest prices for a fantastic Special Club Champagne I’ve ever seen! Trust me, you WANT this in your collection. This doesn’t come around often, but when it does, I’m always first in line to snap up a few. And you can be sure it will fly every bit as quickly as last time, so do not delay!