Larmandier Bernier Blanc de Blancs Longitude 1er Cru Extra Brut SA

Robert Parker Wine Advocate "Its fruit sources spanning all of the prominent villages along the Cote des Blancs in which they have holdings is what prompted Larmandier-Bernier's NV Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs Longitude L1009-12 to acquire its current name. (It was long simply referred to as the estate's "Blanc de Blancs.") Nutty, herbal suffusion of pear, lemon, and green zebra tomato makes for a succulently juicy as well as intriguing cuvee that contrasts sharply – no doubt as intended – with the corresponding "Latitude" bottling. Here we haven't the aromatic fireworks – though a haunting evocation of flowered, grassy meadow emerges as the wine sits open – but there is an especially fascinating mid-palate exchange with, in part, ineffable elements of broadly mineral nature, leading to a finish of remarkable salivary compulsion and sheer length. This exceptional value in Champagne should merit following for at least 3-4 years."