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We are very proud to feature a new selection of the extraordinary organic Champagnes of André Beaufort, just in time for the holidays!
New in this shipment are the 2014 Polisy Blanc de Blancs and 2004 Polisy Brut Réserve, recent disgorgements of the 2009 Polisy Blanc de Noir and 2006 Ambonnay Grand Cru and a new Polisy Brut NV based on the 2020 vintage. And we're very happy to offer the last 48 btls of the extraordinary 2016 1er Cru (Hautvillers), exclusively at CSW, and 36 btls of the unique and beautiful 2019 Polisy Coteaux Champenois Rouge. All wines have been recently disgorged.
Primarily available at natural wine shops in France, Italy and Japan, we are happy to bring these exceptional Champagnes to New York. They all show the intense "vinosity" and complexity found in the Beaufort wines - products of superb farming, living soils, extended sur-lie aging and the commitment of the Beaufort family to create true Champagnes of terroir. The Beauforts converted to organic agriculture in 1971 and also avoid the use of copper sulfate in the vineyard, preferring to use essential oils and homeopathic preparations of their own creation. Vinifications at Beaufort are generally 8-10 months long and both fermentations take place with native yeasts - these are some of the very few Champagnes, along with those of Amaury Beaufort, to not use exogenous yeasts in the prise de mousse. The malo-lactic transformation is not blocked and the wines are not re-acidified. SO2 is used sparingly (approximately 30mg/L) or not at all depending on the vintage.
The Beauforts produce Champagnes both in Ambonnay (Grand Cru) and in Polisy, with normally a blend of about 80% Pinot Noir and 20% Chardonnay. These are broad, full-bodied wines that benefit from extended sur-lie aging. "We keep our wines sur-lie as long as possible before release, so one can taste a Champagne of ten years of age with mature aromas, having conserved some traits of youth - thus, disgorgement is always recent." (Lot number and disgorgement date are always included on the back-label)
The Beaufort wines are remarkably different from most modern Champagnes, usually showing a softer mousse due to the wild-yeast fermentations, and always displaying an expression of fruit and mineral flavors one associates with a fine Burgundy. Quoting the French review, Bettane and Desseauve: “The natural expression of Beaufort's wines will remind older fans of the incomparable Champagne that prevailed before the adoption of industrial agriculture." Bravo to Constant and Réol Beaufort for continuing the great work of their father Jacques at this extraordinary estate!
Note: We recommend serving in a white wine glass, rather than a flute, in order to appreciate the complex aromas of these unique Champgnes!
The wines have arrived at our warehouse, please allow 3 to 5 days before pick-up or shipping.
Beaufort, André NV (2020) Champagne Polisy Brut Réserve (D 09/22)
The new release of André Beaufort Polisy Brut NV is based on the excellent 2020 vintage, and was disgorged in September, 2022. The aromas are ethereal, with earth and sea air mixing with the subtle white fruits, brioche and herbal notes. The palate is all minerals and citrusy acids underlying the white fruit and herbal flavors, finishing with pear, earth and saline minerals, a real wine of terroir. Serve this vibrant young wine as the perfect aperitif, with oysters or as a beautiful accompaniment to grilled or broiled fish.
Beaufort, André 2009 Champagne Polisy Blanc de Noirs Brut (D 9-22)
The rather ripe 2009 vintage brings us this beautifully full-bodied Pinot Noir from the Kimmeridgian soils of Polisy, farmed organically for the last 50 years by Jacques Beaufort and family. The wine shows lovely aromas of ripe white fruits with hints of red fruits, lemon, white flowers, earth and mint. The palate is dense and round with a melange of white and red fruits, creamy and lemony with earth, herbal and mineral flavors. This is a ripe and youthful Champagne with enough acidity to carry the fruit into the next phase of maturity. Quite delicious now, it should be singing in 5 to 10 years. Disgorged in September 2022.
Beaufort, André 2004 Champagne Polisy Brut Réserve D 9-22
The 2004 Polisy Brut shows a bright gold color and very complex aromas of a mature Champagne, with baked apple, citrus pith, earth, minerals and spices such as clove and cardamom. The palate is very expressive with apple and pear, earth, brioche, citrus and stone, finishing with firm lemony acidity with herbal and mineral flavors. Showing it's age, compared to the 2002, but still a lovely wine of contemplation. Serve with a finely flavored caviar. (Disgorged in September, 2022)
Beaufort, André 2016 Champagne 1er Cru Hautvillers Réserve D 9-22
A new bottling for us at the store. This extraordinary special cuvee of 2016 “Reserve” Brut is from Beaufort vines in the 1er Cru village of Hautvillers located in La Grande Vallée de Marne next door to Cumiéres, home of Vincent Laval. The robe is a pale peachy yellow hue. Fine bead. The effusive nose offers lovely aromas of apple blossom and stone fruit—white peach skin, nectarine, St Anne cherry. The palate is ample, ripe, and generous with gorgeous fruit underlain by a fine stony core and a long, juicy, lingering finish with just a hint of brioche on the back end. Really lovely out of the gate, but with such balance that we are eager to see what a few years in the cellar will do. One of the finest young Champagnes we’ve tasted from Beaufort and a true crowd-pleaser. (Disgorged in September 2022)
Beaufort, André 2019 Coteaux Champenois Polisy Rouge
(Arrives 5/16) The 2019 Beaufort Polisy Rouge Coteaux Champenois (stilll wine) is 100% Pinot Noir grown on the Kimmeridgian limestone of Polisy. 2019 is a vintage of beautiful ripeness, but showing only 11% alcohol thanks to the climat in Polisy and the Beaufort's superb organic farming. This is remarkable from the first sniff, with delicate red fruit mixed with an intense herbal component. Don't be scared, there is nothing green or stemmy here - it's minty and spicy and deeply delicious. As it sits in the glass the wine opens up and becomes fuller and earthier. It's fresh on the palate, almost salty, with a fine fragile mouthfeel and beautiful length. Wonderful wine. I suspect this will take on weight with time in the bottle too. Sam Ehrlich