BENOIT LAHAYE BRUT NATURE NV

Style: Savoury & Detailed

A passionate advocate of natural winegrowing, Benoît Lahaye has bottled estate Champagnes since 1996. He has been working organically since that time and became certified organic in 2007. He also uses various biodynamic treatments, and he¿s one of the few growers in Champagne to own a horse, which he uses to plough much of his 5ha estate. Nearly 90% of his vines are Pinot Noir, as befits his Bouzy terroir, and in his hands these create vibrant, complex Champagnes, combining the ripe depth typical of the southern Montagne de Reims with an energy and expressiveness derived from high-quality viticulture. Much of his production is fermented in oak barrels, using indigenous yeasts, although his Champagnes are neither oxidative nor overtly oaky in flavour. In fact, they are consistently slow to develop, typically needing either long ageing or plenty of air upon opening to show their best, yet they¿re capable of tremendous complexity and intensity, as well as soil expression. DECANTER

From brown limestone clay soils in Bouzy (80%) and Ambonnay (20%). 90% Pinot Noir and 10% Chardonnay with reserve wines making up 40%. Spends a minimum of 30 months on lees. Bottled with no dosage and, off the record, says Benoit, has no sulphur added. Delicately scented with bright ripe Pinot Noir fruits and deep layers of mineral and briny complexity with fresh red apple, a little mushroom and some oak complexity. Sweet ripe red apple and red berry fruits burst onto the palate tapering to a finer more mineral flavour spectrum before a long tangy finish. This is incredibly sweet and ripe for a Brut Nature. It would be hard to pick it as zero dosage. VINOUS, Importer

Region: Champagne, FRANCE

Variety: Pinot Noir

ABV: 12.5%

Liquor Act 2007. It is against the law to sell or supply alcohol to, or to obtain alcohol on behalf of a person under the age of 18 years. Lic No. LIQP770016424

*We endeavour to ensure the correct vintage is displayed, however some variations may occur in store and for delivered bottles.