Champagne lovers! Anyone who revels in the superfine, mind-expanding power of world-class bubbly, get in here! This one ticks all the boxes: 1er Cru, grower Champagne, biodynamic fruit, low dosage, 95 POINTS…and obviously WAY less than the usual going price.

All those years, if we had only known of exquisite Champagnes hiding right here in Sonoma County… well, kind of. We met Clémence Lelarge-Peugeot overseeing an immaculately curated wine list she created for a popular local wine bar and eatery, and you’d never know from her humble, bubbly self that she also is the heiress of a small but mighty fine boutique Champagne house with roots back to the 18th century… and you’d think The Wine Spies would be better at sniffing secret lives by now!

A fine bead rises over the crystal-clear horizon, as faintly golden vivid sparks shimmer in the flute. Honeysuckle, lemon verbena, grapefruit pith, wet stones, and toasted brioche abound on the dizzying nose. The lush mouthfeel is dominated by apricot, oyster shell, ginger, marzipan, toasted almond, and spun honey adding complexity. A sense of vibrancy and finesse enhance the rich and creamy streak of chalky minerality on the very long finale. Racy and persistent as any top-notch Blanc de Blanc should be, with just 2g/l of dosage. This is a lovely Champagne, versatile enough for a kaleidoscope of foods to pair over equally lovely evening for lasting memories.

This, loyal and royal Operatives, is a near-impossible to find bottle. It really is all that, AND a 40% break? Give US a break while we pile up too!

95 Points – Decanter

“Blind tasted by Susie Barrie MW, Simon Field MW, Andy Howard MW at Decanter’s top panel. From a family of winegrowers since 1799, Lelarge-Pugeot are based in Vrigny, a Premier Cru village located in Montagne de Reims. Certified both organic and biodynamic, Dominique Lelarge and his wife Dominique Pugeot focus on producing wines with minimal intervention in the winery, to truly express the terroir. The grapes for the Blancs de Blancs Extra Brut Premier Cru are a blend of 5 parcels selected from sandy loam and calcareous marl soils, and the wine undergoes 4 years of lees ageing prior to release. Drink 2019-2024.”