That we’re able to offer these out to you at $170 less than the retail is just a huge, monumental coup. If you’ve ever wondered just how top notch Champagne ages… or if you needed experiential proof of how vintage Champagne varies from year to year… this is the perfect opportunity. Six consecutive vintages, beginning in 2010 and carrying through to 2015… all aged for years and years on the lees, and none with any dosage whatsoever. This is purity at its best – we’re shaking our collective heads in disbelief here at the office. 

2010: 12 years on the lees

2011: 11 years on the lees

2012: 10 years on the lees

2013: 9 years on the lees

2014: 8 years on the lees

2015: 7 years on the lees

As you see, these were all disgorged at the same time, specifically on June 21, 2022. These exceptionally rare-bottlings stand apart from his traditional Le Cles Cuvees, which are single vintage (though not labeled as such), yet don't see anywhere near the amount of extended aging on the lees that this collectible set has witnessed. The differences are simply staggering and fascinating to behold. Stephane had this to say about these wines, “It is very rare to find vintage verticals, which is more pure Pinot Noir, hence this desire to demonstrate that a good wine has several qualities: It ages, well and long. If it has a natural acidity, it allows it to stay fresh and lively in its aging time without drying the mouth.”

We loved finding the nuances between these wines, but there is certainly some shared characteristics too. Delicate notes of white flowers, with mandarin blossom and peonies taking lead, followed by flavors of myriad stone fruits, with lemongrass and a nutty hit of baked apples. On the palate, the wine is nearly full-bodied, racy but deep and fleshy, reined in with lively acidity and a laser-focused, mouth watering finish. I can’t pick a favorite, but 2013 is my anniversary, so I’m giving that the edge. Let me know your pick!

This is top-notch Grower Producer stuff… super limited, so don’t sleep on this!