We have the 2017 Grand Cellier d’Or today, an excellent vintage that is showing beautifully after a few years in bottle. Vilmart & Cie, founded in 1890 and now in its fifth generation under Laurent Champs, is widely considered one of the top grower-producers in Champagne. Based in the Premier Cru village of Rilly-la-Montagne, Vilmart farms 11 hectares of organically tended vineyards and is one of the few estates to produce vintage Champagne every year. The Grand Cellier d’Or is a staple of the house, sourced from 50+ year-old vines and made from 80% Chardonnay and 20% Pinot Noir, all grown in Rilly. The 2017 was vinified entirely in oak barrels and aged 42 months on the lees without malolactic fermentation, contributing both texture and precision. While 2017 was a challenging vintage in Champagne overall, Vilmart’s disciplined farming and low yields paid off, producing one of the most compelling renditions of this cuvée to date. It delivers a rich and slightly exotic profile this year, layered with citrus oil, orchard fruit, and spice, all wrapped around a mineral spine and vibrant acidity. We have this standout bottling at a sharp price today—it’s a top-tier grower Champagne and a must for fans of the Vilmart house.
Antonio Galloni 92 points! "The 2017 Brut Grand Cellier d' Or is a rich, exuberant wine. In 2017, the Brut Grand Cellier d' Or has an exotic, tropical quality that is a bit unusual, but also incredibly appealing. Hints of mango, passionfruit, citrus confit and white flowers all build nicely in the glass. Medium in body and yet quite resonant, the 2017 is an absolute delight. The 2017 looks to be more of an early-drinking vintage, but I doubt that will be a problem for Vilmart fans. The blend is 80% Chardonnay and 20% Pinot Noir. Disgorged: July, 2021. (Drink between 2022-2030)"
JebDunnuck.com (Audrey Frick) 92 points! "The 2017 Champagne Grand Cellier d'Or Brut is also 70% Chardonnay and the rest Pinot Noir. The nose is a bit more rounded, with notes of pastry, almond, and ripe peach. The palate is ripe upfront and through the mid-palate, with juicy lime candy, pear, and melon. It has a light confected feel and is open and approachable. Drink 2023-2033."
2020 Vilmart & Cie Champagne Premier Cru Grand Cellier d'Or
2020 Vilmart & Cie Champagne Premier Cru Grand Cellier d'Or
We have the 2017 Grand Cellier d’Or today, an excellent vintage that is showing beautifully after a few years in bottle. Vilmart & Cie, founded in 1890 and now in its fifth generation under Laurent Champs, is widely considered one of the top grower-producers in Champagne. Based in the Premier Cru village of Rilly-la-Montagne, Vilmart farms 11 hectares of organically tended vineyards and is one of the few estates to produce vintage Champagne every year. The Grand Cellier d’Or is a staple of the house, sourced from 50+ year-old vines and made from 80% Chardonnay and 20% Pinot Noir, all grown in Rilly. The 2017 was vinified entirely in oak barrels and aged 42 months on the lees without malolactic fermentation, contributing both texture and precision. While 2017 was a challenging vintage in Champagne overall, Vilmart’s disciplined farming and low yields paid off, producing one of the most compelling renditions of this cuvée to date. It delivers a rich and slightly exotic profile this year, layered with citrus oil, orchard fruit, and spice, all wrapped around a mineral spine and vibrant acidity. We have this standout bottling at a sharp price today—it’s a top-tier grower Champagne and a must for fans of the Vilmart house.
Antonio Galloni 92 points! "The 2017 Brut Grand Cellier d' Or is a rich, exuberant wine. In 2017, the Brut Grand Cellier d' Or has an exotic, tropical quality that is a bit unusual, but also incredibly appealing. Hints of mango, passionfruit, citrus confit and white flowers all build nicely in the glass. Medium in body and yet quite resonant, the 2017 is an absolute delight. The 2017 looks to be more of an early-drinking vintage, but I doubt that will be a problem for Vilmart fans. The blend is 80% Chardonnay and 20% Pinot Noir. Disgorged: July, 2021. (Drink between 2022-2030)"
JebDunnuck.com (Audrey Frick) 92 points! "The 2017 Champagne Grand Cellier d'Or Brut is also 70% Chardonnay and the rest Pinot Noir. The nose is a bit more rounded, with notes of pastry, almond, and ripe peach. The palate is ripe upfront and through the mid-palate, with juicy lime candy, pear, and melon. It has a light confected feel and is open and approachable. Drink 2023-2033."
