Vintage Champagne That's Just $60!
5/8/25 -
It feels that in todays world of wine, there is a constant search for value. Today we offer a wine that is a perfect example of a great value: a vintage Champagne from 2015 that spent 8 years on the lees and that is just $60! Did we mention, it's absolutely delicious?
The Rafflin family has been in Champagne since the 1840's. Hervé took over his family vines in 2001, with 5 hectares in the Montagne de Reims spread across the villages of Chigny-les-Roses, Ludes, Rilly la Montagne, and Taissy. His vines average 30-40 years in age and have been certified organic since 2021. The production here can vary greatly depending on the vintage as Hervé will say that "nature dictates business, not demand." In only exceptional years does Hervé make his vintage bottling, with this being the second vintage release for the U.S. (the first was 2012 vintage).
2015 is considered a fantastic vintage for Champagne. The temperatures were hot, which did affect some yields, however it also prevented possible disease amongst the grapes. The resulting fruit had high ripeness and very balanced structure, showing off rich fruit yet also great acidity. The aging potential is quite high from a vintage like 2015, and Hervé has made a phenomenal vintage wine here.
The 2015 is a 50/50 blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grown organically in Ludes (the same village as Bérêche). After fermentation the wine is aged for 6 months in stainless steel tanks before being bottled. The wine aged for 8 years on the lees before it was disgorged in April 2024 with 2.4g/l dosage.
The wine has a beautifully rich and powerful nose with a hint of umami. The palate showcases incredible texture with a hint of toasted brioche and a long salty finish. The freshness on this wine is fantastic, and will keep you coming back for more.
Sadly, wines like this do not come around as often as they should, so I recommend to grab a few bottles while you can. These bottles are ready to drink now and will continue to age well in your cellar. And remember, you do not need a special occasion to open some bubbles!
-Hanna Krilov
