Producer Notes from Polaner Imports:

"After a defining period at Champagne Bollinger, eighth generation Benoit Déhu returned to his family’s historic (pre-French Revolution) estate on the western edge of the Vallée de la Marne. With a vision toward natural viticulture and a desire to deeply understand the potential of the Meunier grape, Benoit roped off a 1.7 hectare parcel known as “La Rue des Noyers”, which he farms biodynamically and partially ploughs with a horse. From this parcel he makes a Champagne and a Coteaux Champenois white and red, all made from 100% Meunier. Wines are fermented and aged in oak barrels, many of which are made from trees in the nearby forest of Fossoy. The resulting wines are intense and vibrant with a driving minerality."

About the cuvee:

This current release of "La Rue des Noyers" is made primarily from the 2018 vintage, and was disgorged in December of 2022 after 4+ years on tirage lees. Though it's Brut Nature, you feel the warmth of the 2018 vintage in its richness on the palate, as well as the vibrancy of fresh fruit aromas. This is exactly the kind of Champagne that's well-suited to zero dosage - a wine that needs no softening of its already supple, rounded edges. Aromas of honey and yes, walnuts, separate this cuvee from the crowded field of fantastic grower Champagne. Though malolactic is blocked to preserve its fresh acidity, 11 months of base wine aging in barrel give it a lovely creamy texture and subtle hints of nutmeg and allspice, which pair nicely with its primary lemon curd and tangerine zest flavors. Light bodied for Meunier, but not lacking in concentration, this is among the best examples of an Ode to Meunier that I've tasted.

-GG, tasted 9/18/24