Like Pierre Moncuit, Robert Moncuit is another outstanding Côte de Blancs producer in Mesnil-sur-Oger. A rising star many years ago, the Champagnes here are still relatively unknown in the US, and even rarer are the Millésime releases. This is a small, 8-hectare grower estate headed by fourth-generation winemaker Pierre Amillet, who, since his tenure began in 2000, has transitioned to organic viticulture, resulting in wines that are exceptionally well-crafted, terroir-driven, and mineral-spined beauties. We have the crown jewel of the lineup today, which comes from the beloved Chetillons vineyard, a legendary site popularized by Pierre Peters as one of the premier Grand Cru vineyards of the Côte des Blancs. Moncuit has 2 hectares of this famed site spread across five parcels, two of which were planted in 1956, providing the vines with excellent age and, subsequently, excellent concentration. The hand-harvested fruit is gently pressed and fermented in older barrels, where it goes through malolactic fermentation. The wine is then bottled and aged for an additional six years sur latte before being released with a very low dosage, ranging from 0 to 3 grams in 2023. 2016 was a tricky year, but those who were skilled enough made some great Champagnes, and with Chardonnay on the fresher side with high acidity, which is the perfect candidate for the vinification regimen performed here (oak and malo). Galloni gave this the same score as Pierre Peteres Chetillon from the same vintage, and Moncuits' version is available at a fraction of the price and is an outstanding buy from this incredible vineyard, showing so well now with plenty of life left. We have low pricing today, and it's one of the top buys for vintage Champagne this year!
James Suckling 97 pts! This pulls you in with aromas of lime and grapefruit peel and a hint of almond blossom, followed by some salted almond and light toffee. Toast, too. It builds on the palate with rich flavors, yet elegance and so much freshness. Tight bubbles. Very long and complex. 100% chardonnay. Unfiltered. No dosage. Disgorged February 2023. Drink or hold
Antonio Galloni 96 pts! .The 2016 Extra Brut Blanc de Blanc Les Chétillons Grand Cru picked in the eponymous site in Oger, spent 60 months on lees after the base wines fermented spontaneously in oak. Despite being labeled extra brut, it has zero dosage. The nose opens with wonderfully enticing smoky reduction that blends into creamy dried corn husk. The palate offers salty, buttery shortcrust pastry, smooth and melting yet somehow taut, bright and fresh. The oaky creaminess shines through but does not detract from the serene, elongating lemon brightness, all supported by the finest mousse. A gorgeous, smooth and stunning Blanc de Blancs. Zero dosage. Disgorged: February 2023. - Anne Krebiehl MW (Drink between 2024 - 2050)
.2016 Robert Moncuit Champagne Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut Les Chetillons
2016 Robert Moncuit Champagne Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut Les Chetillons
Like Pierre Moncuit, Robert Moncuit is another outstanding Côte de Blancs producer in Mesnil-sur-Oger. A rising star many years ago, the Champagnes here are still relatively unknown in the US, and even rarer are the Millésime releases. This is a small, 8-hectare grower estate headed by fourth-generation winemaker Pierre Amillet, who, since his tenure began in 2000, has transitioned to organic viticulture, resulting in wines that are exceptionally well-crafted, terroir-driven, and mineral-spined beauties. We have the crown jewel of the lineup today, which comes from the beloved Chetillons vineyard, a legendary site popularized by Pierre Peters as one of the premier Grand Cru vineyards of the Côte des Blancs. Moncuit has 2 hectares of this famed site spread across five parcels, two of which were planted in 1956, providing the vines with excellent age and, subsequently, excellent concentration. The hand-harvested fruit is gently pressed and fermented in older barrels, where it goes through malolactic fermentation. The wine is then bottled and aged for an additional six years sur latte before being released with a very low dosage, ranging from 0 to 3 grams in 2023. 2016 was a tricky year, but those who were skilled enough made some great Champagnes, and with Chardonnay on the fresher side with high acidity, which is the perfect candidate for the vinification regimen performed here (oak and malo). Galloni gave this the same score as Pierre Peteres Chetillon from the same vintage, and Moncuits' version is available at a fraction of the price and is an outstanding buy from this incredible vineyard, showing so well now with plenty of life left. We have low pricing today, and it's one of the top buys for vintage Champagne this year!
James Suckling 97 pts! This pulls you in with aromas of lime and grapefruit peel and a hint of almond blossom, followed by some salted almond and light toffee. Toast, too. It builds on the palate with rich flavors, yet elegance and so much freshness. Tight bubbles. Very long and complex. 100% chardonnay. Unfiltered. No dosage. Disgorged February 2023. Drink or hold
Antonio Galloni 96 pts! .The 2016 Extra Brut Blanc de Blanc Les Chétillons Grand Cru picked in the eponymous site in Oger, spent 60 months on lees after the base wines fermented spontaneously in oak. Despite being labeled extra brut, it has zero dosage. The nose opens with wonderfully enticing smoky reduction that blends into creamy dried corn husk. The palate offers salty, buttery shortcrust pastry, smooth and melting yet somehow taut, bright and fresh. The oaky creaminess shines through but does not detract from the serene, elongating lemon brightness, all supported by the finest mousse. A gorgeous, smooth and stunning Blanc de Blancs. Zero dosage. Disgorged: February 2023. - Anne Krebiehl MW (Drink between 2024 - 2050)
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