Larmandier-Bernier Latitude Blanc de Blancs Base 2021 Disg Apr 24, Champagne

The NV Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs Latitude 1er Cru is bright and beautifully focused. The Latitude contains 40% perpetual reserve wine dating back to 2004. It is usually a bit more approachable on release, but this year's version clearly needs time to soften. Today, citrus, floral and mineral notes abound on the steely finish.

92 points Antonio Galloni vinous.com

Unfurling from the glass with scents of pear, acacia and pastry, it is more ample than the Longitude, with ripe yet vibrant acidity and a pillowy mousse. Disgorged in February 2024 with a dosage of three grams per liter, it will make for a great comparison when tasted alongside the Longitude.

91 points Kristaps Karklins robertparker.com

Base 2021, Disg. Apr 24

Latitude is 100% Côte des Blancs Chardonnay from vineyards on the southern side of Vertus. These vineyards are on roughly the same latitude, hence the name, which also hints at the breadth of texture that wines from these sites—having more clay in the soil—tend to offer. In the cellar, Larmandier uses mostly large casks (almost all the wood now comes from Stockinger in Austria). 

Fermentation and malolactic fermentation take place naturally, and there is no filtration. Latitude matures in bottle for more than two years before disgorgement and dosage at low, extra-brut levels (in this case, 3 g/L) at least six months before release. This bottling is based on the 2021 vintage, with 40% reserve wine drawn from a ‘perpetual’ reserve started in 2004. Upcoming releases will include fruit from some terrific vineyards in Villeneuve and Bergères, which will only further buttress the quality.

Larmandier Bernier Latitude Blanc de Blancs Base 2021 Disgorged April 2024 is a beautifully rounded and expressive Champagne that captures the more generous face of Côte des Blancs Chardonnay. Sourced exclusively from biodynamically farmed vineyards around Vertus, this cuvée reflects the village’s southern position—hence the name "Latitude"—bringing a richer, more fruit-forward personality to the glass while maintaining the hallmark precision the domaine is known for.

Pierre and Sophie Larmandier ferment the wine with indigenous yeasts in a mix of stainless steel and large oak foudres. There is no fining or filtration, and the dosage is kept low to preserve purity and minerality. The result is a Champagne that is textural and vibrant, combining generosity with chalky finesse.

On the nose, expect ripe pear, white peach, lemon cream and subtle pastry notes. The palate is layered and silky, with stone fruit, almond, citrus peel and a salty mineral lift. Fine bubbles and bright acidity keep everything beautifully in balance, while the finish is long, savoury and mouthwatering.

It’s a versatile match for everything from creamy seafood dishes to roast chicken or hard cheeses. Friendly enough to pour as an aperitif, but with the structure and complexity to shine at the table.