We were able to get a bit more of this fantastic newer addition to the Prevost lineup at our same low pricing. An early disciple of Selosse, Jerome Prevost broke away from his humble beginnings by starting his Champagne career after taking over his grandma's two hectares of vines, which we now know as Les Beguines. The Prevost name has risen to cult status, and while not as elevated as Selosse, these are masterfully thoughtful wines that deserve the appeal, raising the first few vintages in Selosses cellar. Prevost works his magic on the Montagne de Reims in the tiny town of Gueux west of Reims and is one of the Maestros of Pinot Meunier, which is what the Les Beguines vineyard is almost wholly planted too, along with small quantities of Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, and Chardonnay peppered throughout the vineyard, all of which are massale selection. Jerome drew upon what he had learned from Selosse and spent much time honing in his family vineyard to produce some of the best examples of champagne.

"&" is Jerome's newest bottling and replaced the Esperluette cuvee in 2018. The cuvee is relatively unchanged and is 100% Pinot Meunier but sees more fruit from Les Beguines, accounting for 20% of the cuvee. The remaining fruit comes from sites in Gueux that share the same sandy soils as Beguines, with 20% reserve wine from the previous vintage. Like the other Champagnes, "&" is fermented in barrel and demi-muid with Indigenous yeasts and is disgorged extra brut, typically about 2.5g/l. It is textbook Prevost and another incredibly expressive champagne. The wines from Jerome are so rare and we never hesitate to offer them when given a chance, especially when pricing makes sense. While the Fac Similie and Les Beguines Extra Brut are the cornerstones of the production here, the "&" follows in their footsteps and is another masterfully made bottle from one of the most magnificent Champagne growers of our time. This is the newest release from Prevost and is not one to miss for those serious about grower champagne.