AR Lenoble has been on a hot streak the past few vintages, and many of us can't get enough of these masterful creations from this brilliant duo. A brother- and sister-owned house, Lenoble, was inherited from their father, along with some excellent holdings. A small production located in the village of Damery within the Marne Valley, the size allows them to focus on quality every step of the way. The Gentilhomme is one of the top champagnes made here and is only crafted in standout vintages like 2013, which is fantastic, and it is sourced completely from the Grand Cru Village of Chouilly. As many know, 2013 is an outstanding vintage for Chardonnay, decisively fresh and elegant, with a good balance of richness and acidity and excellent transparency, letting the fantastic chalky minerality of Chouilly shine through. It's a very impressive, focused, and precise cuvee, which tends to be the style here, with layers of orchard and yellow fruits intertwined with chalky and steely minerality. It is textbook Blanc de Blancs from AR Lenoble's Champagnes and an excellent example of how these Champagnes stay true to their terroir. This is one that can be enjoyed now, but the Lenoble champagnes do very well in the cellar, so keeping it for a few years is no problem. We have a limited amount arriving this week, and it's an excellent Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs from this great vintage.

James Suckling 96 pts! "Lots of salted caramel and wildflower honey on the nose, together with dried lemon peel and some dried apple. Full-bodied and very spicy, with tangy acidity adding vibrancy and life to the full body. Linear and integrated blanc de blancs. Spicy at the end. Dosage 2g/L. Drink now or hold."