France | Champagne | Laherte Freres | Champagne Les 7

Champagne Les 7

Varietals
18% Chardonnay, 18% Pinot Meunier, 17% Pinot Blanc, 15% Petit Meslier, 14% Pinot Noir, 10% Fromenteau, aka Pinot gris, 8% Arbanne

Notes
VINTAGE:The Les 7 blend is unusual in two respects: firstly, it’s a solera dating to the first harvest of these young vines in 2005. Secondly, the vines in question represent a field blend consisting of all seven grape varieties allowed in the making of Champagne, and for this reason is named "Les 7". This release is a base of the 2016 vintage and disgorged 2/2020.

VINEYARD: The parcel was planted by Thierry Laherte in 2003 on a 1.7ha parcel behind the winery in Chavot. The soils are chalky-clay with a sprinkling of pebbles.

VINIFICATION: Grapes are hand-harvested then placed in a traditional press. Natural alcoholic and malolactic fermentations in barrels. The wine matures for 6 months with regular stirring of the lees. Like a solera, there's a blending of several years: 50% of wines of the years are added to 50% of reserve wines (kept since the first harvest). Light filtration before bottling in spring. Disgorged by hand in February 2020.
272 cases produced this release

PRESS/REVIEWS: The NV Extra Brut Les 7 is a blend of the seven authorized grapes in Champagne, co-fermented, done in a perpetual reserve style that goes back to 2005. It is one of the most intriguing wines in the range. Citrus, orchard fruit and floral notes abound as this crystalline, taut Champagne reveals its stunning beauty. Les 7 is finished with no dosage, but there is more than enough natural richness to keep the wine in balance. I loved it. Disgorged: February, 2020.
-- Antonio Galloni 94 (VINOUS, 11.19.20)