Vintage Champagne that's Just $60
Vintage Champagne that's Just $60
It feels that in today’s world of wine there is a constant battle to search for further value. Although this hunt reigns true for all wines, it can commonly seem most challenging within Burgundy and Champagne. Today we offer a wine that is a perfect example of value: a vintage Champagne from 2015 that spent 8 years on the lees and that is just $60! Did I mention, it's absolutely delicious?
The Rafflin family has been in Champagne since the 1840's. Hervé took over his family vines in 2001, 5 hectares in 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 only being the second vintage release for the U.S., the first being 2012.
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 such as this, and Hervé has made a phenomenal vintage wine here that is more accessible then almost any other grower Champagne is.
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 that is a bit umami. The palette 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
Rafflin, Herve 2015 La Nature'L 1er Cru Extra Brut
The 2015 is a 50/50 blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grown organically in the village of Ludes. After fermentation the wine is aged for 6 months in stainless steel tanks before being bottled. The wine aged for 8 years...
$59.99
