2017 Laherte Freres Les Empreintes, Champagne

Disgorged December 2021

The 2017 Extra Brut Les Empreintes, an equal blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, is impressive. Lemon confit, white flowers, mint and white pepper are all nicely amplified. This rich, potent Champagne delivers the goods. It is an especially fine effort in a very challenging year and one of the standouts in this range. Dosage is 4 grams per liter.

93 points Antonio Galloni vinous.com

The Laherte Frères Les Empreintes Extra Brut is a distinctive field blend Champagne that showcases the estate’s adventurous and terroir-driven philosophy. Crafted by Aurélien Laherte, this cuvée brings together old-vine Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from the family’s biodynamically farmed vineyards in Chavot, in the Côteaux Sud d’Épernay. The blend reflects the character of multiple lieux-dits, each adding complexity and depth, while long lees ageing and sensitive oak élevage give the wine texture, savoury nuance and remarkable length.

In the glass it is golden straw with a fine, persistent bead. The bouquet is layered and expressive, offering aromas of citrus, pear and orchard apple alongside hazelnut, brioche, spice and a subtle smoky flintiness. On the palate it is full-bodied and textural, with ripe fruit carried by vibrant acidity and a chalky mineral line. Savoury notes of toast, spice and saline complexity give depth, while the finish is long, precise and elegant, striking a balance between richness and restraint.

Food pairings highlight its layered, gastronomic style: lobster with butter, roasted guinea fowl, truffle risotto, or creamy cheeses such as Brillat-Savarin or Délice de Bourgogne. With 10 to 15 years of cellaring potential, it develops greater complexity, gaining honeyed, nutty and smoky dimensions while maintaining freshness.