Vilmart & Cie Grand Cellier d’Or 1er Cru Brut 2019

Founded by Dsir Vilmart in 1890, Vilmart & Cie has always been a rcoltant-manipulant, which translates to grower-producer and means that they make Champagne exclusively from their estate-owned vines. In 1995 the property was handed down to Laurent Champs, the fifth generation of the family to take the helm of the house. Located in Montagne de Reims, with Premier cru sites in Rilly-la-Montagne and Villers-Allerand, Vilmart & Cies holdings total just 11 hectares with vines averaging 35 years old. The Vilmart vineyard is notable for its mix of varietals, a majority of 60% Chardonnay with the remaining 40% planted to Pinot Noir. This proportion is highly unusual for the region which is most well known for its world-class Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier.

Critical Acclaim

96 Wine Spectator

Gorgeous aromas and flavors of nectarine, chopped almond, dried white cherry, ground cardamom and ginger, lime blossoms, graphite and espresso crema are immediately present on the mouthwatering palate of this elegant Champagne. Buoyed by bright, well-integrated acidity, the flavors glide along on the fine, creamy mousse, underscored by a racy streak of salinity that drives the clean-cut finish. Shows beautiful harmony and expression.

93 Wine Advocate

Disgorged in July 2020, the 2016 Brut Premier Cru Grand Cellier d’Or unwinds in the glass with inviting aromas of orange oil, green orchard fruit, freshly baked bread, blanched almonds and white flowers. Medium to full-bodied, pillowy and elegant, it’s pretty and seamless, with a charming core of fruit, bright acids and a delicate pinpoint mousse.