AR Lenoble Gentilhomme Grand Cru Blancs De Blanc

Tatler Champagne Guide 2024-2025

Grape Makeup:

100% Chardonnay

Sweetness Level:

Extra Brut

Ageing on Lees:

~Ten years

Price:

$$$

Cellar:

Five to ten years

Category:

Culinary

What

A boutique 100-year-old, 100% family-owned house now run by great-great-grandchildren of the founder.

Where

Damery, Vallée de la Marne; 18ha of vines are divided between Chouilly Grand Cru in the Côte des Blancs (11ha of Chardonnay), Damery (1.5ha, mainly Meunier) and Bisseuil (5.5ha of Pinot Noir).

Why

Gentilhomme comes solely from Chouilly Grand Cru and the high-energy, racehorse vintage of 2012. A little bit of wood maturation (25%) gives it some luxuriant plushness on the front palate, but the pedigree of the fruit comes through in the rigidity on the back.

What Else

The Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs “Mag 19,” which was part of our Signature Tasting at this year’s Tatler Champagne Festival, was a sleeper hit. This edition-marked NV has an extraordinary amount of quality packed in, with 40% reserve wines drawn from a perpetual reserve started in 2002, then aged in magnums a la Bollinger for four to five years before being added to the base year and then maturing on lees in bottle for over 3 years.

Tasting Notes

Malty, soft and doughy, this has a nose like a financier slathered with butter and kaya jam, though fresh fruit is a little scarce. The palate has a jellied, unctuous texture with the same malt and coconut notes as the nose, with a little bit more yellow apple fruit but reams of acidity that sharpen up the back, where there is a pleasing brioche toastiness. A little top-heavy, it has a marked appeal, with a chalky texture to finish.

Try It With

Something gooey and rich, like a quiche or eggs benedict

When To Drink

Brunch

Perfect For

Your dad or favourite uncle

TL/DR

Soft, buttery and unctuous

Supplier

Link Concept