We haven't been able to offer Coessens Les Sens Boisés in years, but we finally managed to secure a small amount of this exceptionally distinctive Champagne. Jérôme Coessens works entirely from his family’s monopole vineyard, Largillier, in Ville-sur-Arce, planted exclusively with Pinot Noir on Kimmeridgian clay-limestone soils remarkably similar to those found in Chablis. The vineyard has become particularly famous through Coessens’ friendship and collaboration with Guillaume Selosse, who uses Pinot Noir from Largillier for his own extraordinarily rare and expensive Largillier Champagne. Les Sens Boisés is one of Coessens’ most distinctive expressions of the site, fermented and aged in seasoned barrels previously used for Grand Cru Chablis, giving the wine added texture and complexity without overwhelming its mineral character. It is a powerful, vinous Blanc de Noirs, combining ripe orchard and red fruit with citrus, spice, subtle toast, and expressive minerality. Something distinctly Selosse-like comes through in the intensity and terroir expression, but Coessens tends to be much less oxidative and more immediately approachable. Production is tiny, and these wines remain extremely difficult to find in the U.S. After several years without being able to offer Les Sens Boisés, we are very happy to have a few bottles again, and at this low price it's not one to miss!
Jed Dunnuck (Audrey Frick) 96 pts! Aged entirely in barrel, the 2020 Champagne Largillier Les Sens Boisés is 100% Pinot Noir from Largillier and pours a bright straw-yellow hue. A pleasing touch of reduction gives way to white pepper, white smoke, quince, and white pineapple. It is medium to full-bodied, rounded, and elegant, with a pillowy mousse and savory salinity carrying through the palate. This is already compelling, but I would give it another several years for the oak to integrate further. It spent 10 months in barrel, with 15% new oak, and was finished with 4 grams per liter dosage. Production was 2,000 bottles. Drink 2027-2042.
Coessens Champagne Les Sens Boisés Extra-Brut Largillier (2020)
Coessens Champagne Les Sens Boisés Extra-Brut Largillier (2020)
We haven't been able to offer Coessens Les Sens Boisés in years, but we finally managed to secure a small amount of this exceptionally distinctive Champagne. Jérôme Coessens works entirely from his family’s monopole vineyard, Largillier, in Ville-sur-Arce, planted exclusively with Pinot Noir on Kimmeridgian clay-limestone soils remarkably similar to those found in Chablis. The vineyard has become particularly famous through Coessens’ friendship and collaboration with Guillaume Selosse, who uses Pinot Noir from Largillier for his own extraordinarily rare and expensive Largillier Champagne. Les Sens Boisés is one of Coessens’ most distinctive expressions of the site, fermented and aged in seasoned barrels previously used for Grand Cru Chablis, giving the wine added texture and complexity without overwhelming its mineral character. It is a powerful, vinous Blanc de Noirs, combining ripe orchard and red fruit with citrus, spice, subtle toast, and expressive minerality. Something distinctly Selosse-like comes through in the intensity and terroir expression, but Coessens tends to be much less oxidative and more immediately approachable. Production is tiny, and these wines remain extremely difficult to find in the U.S. After several years without being able to offer Les Sens Boisés, we are very happy to have a few bottles again, and at this low price it's not one to miss!
Jed Dunnuck (Audrey Frick) 96 pts! Aged entirely in barrel, the 2020 Champagne Largillier Les Sens Boisés is 100% Pinot Noir from Largillier and pours a bright straw-yellow hue. A pleasing touch of reduction gives way to white pepper, white smoke, quince, and white pineapple. It is medium to full-bodied, rounded, and elegant, with a pillowy mousse and savory salinity carrying through the palate. This is already compelling, but I would give it another several years for the oak to integrate further. It spent 10 months in barrel, with 15% new oak, and was finished with 4 grams per liter dosage. Production was 2,000 bottles. Drink 2027-2042.
