{"title":"2018 Champagne Vintage Collection","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"1428\" data-end=\"1709\"\u003eThe growing season in 2018 was unusually favorable. A wet spring replenished vineyard water reserves, followed by one of the warmest summers in recent Champagne history. Disease pressure remained low, yields were generous, and fruit ripened evenly across the region’s key villages. The result: \u003cstrong data-start=\"1723\" data-end=\"1775\"\u003ebalanced wines combining richness with freshness\u003c\/strong\u003e, a hallmark of great Champagne vintages.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"2018-champagne-l-guillette-romelot-c-pages-d-autrefois-mill-sime-brutsomm2512-lgrm18autch-751","title":"2018 Champagne Léguillette-Romelot \"Cépages d’Autrefois Millésime Brut\"","description":"\u003cp class=\"my-2 [\u0026amp;+p]:mt-4 [\u0026amp;_strong:has(+br)]:inline-block [\u0026amp;_strong:has(+br)]:pb-2\"\u003eA rare single-vintage showcase from this small grower-producer in Charly-sur-Marne (Marne Valley\/Côte des Bar), blending five of Champagne's seven permitted grape varieties to highlight forgotten heirlooms: 59% Pinot Meunier (for roundness and fruit), 18% Pinot Blanc (golden stone fruit vibrancy), 15% Pinot Noir (structure), 5% Petit Meslier (crisp acidity), 2% Chardonnay (lift), and 1% Arbane (floral nuance). From old vines (average 40 years) on clay-limestone soils, the 2018—warm and ripe but balanced—is hand-harvested, vinified in stainless steel with native yeasts, and lees-aged ~36 months for texture, with low dosage (~6g\/L Brut) emphasizing purity over power. Tasting notes reveal pale yellow with fine mousse, precise aromatics of white peach, Mirabelle plum, fresh cream, toasted grains, and sea salt, plus apricot jam, buttered toast, crushed minerals, and salted preserved lemon on a creamy, tart-mineral finish—astonishing complexity from obscure grapes.\u003cspan class=\"citation-nbsp\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-state=\"closed\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" class=\"citation inline\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.wineaccess.com\/catalog\/leguillette-romelot-cepages-dautrefois-brut-champagne_f6f79a6a-0fda-4def-a958-edcc02527f20\/\" class=\"inline\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"my-2 [\u0026amp;+p]:mt-4 [\u0026amp;_strong:has(+br)]:inline-block [\u0026amp;_strong:has(+br)]:pb-2\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLéguillette-Romelot\u003c\/strong\u003e, founded officially in 1963 (roots to 1705), farms ~20 acres sustainably (HVE\/VDC certified) with Christine Léguillette at the helm, focusing on Meunier-dominant blends plus \"Cépages d'Autrefois\" from Clos du Mont Dorin—old-vine plots revived for rare varieties like Arbane and Petit Meslier. Total production ~40,000 bottles\/year emphasizes terroir-driven, low-intervention Champagnes from Aisne's cooler, clay-influenced sites. The 2018 \"Cépages d'Autrefois\" stands out as a millésime rarity (CT92 average on CellarTracker), drinkable now–2030, with Meunier's generosity tempered by Petit Meslier's edge and Arbane's subtlety—proving Côte des Bar's potential beyond the big houses.\u003cspan class=\"citation-nbsp\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-state=\"closed\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" class=\"citation inline\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.cellartracker.com\/wine.asp?iWine=4688517\" class=\"inline\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 id=\"why-youll-love-it\" class=\"mb-2 mt-4 font-display font-semimedium text-base first:mt-0 md:text-lg [hr+\u0026amp;]:mt-4\"\u003eWhy You'll Love It\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"marker:text-quiet list-disc\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"py-0 my-0 prose-p:pt-0 prose-p:mb-2 prose-p:my-0 [\u0026amp;\u0026gt;p]:pt-0 [\u0026amp;\u0026gt;p]:mb-2 [\u0026amp;\u0026gt;p]:my-0\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"my-2 [\u0026amp;+p]:mt-4 [\u0026amp;_strong:has(+br)]:inline-block [\u0026amp;_strong:has(+br)]:pb-2\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRare heirloom revival\u003c\/strong\u003e: Blends 5\/7 obscure Champagne grapes (Arbane! Petit Meslier!), delivering floral, stone-fruit exotics absent in standard PN\/Chard\/Meunier trios.\u003cspan class=\"citation-nbsp\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-state=\"closed\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" class=\"citation inline\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.champagne-leguillette-romelot.net\/boutique\/en\/nos-creations-cepages-dautrefois-\/7-brut-harmonie.html\" class=\"inline\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"py-0 my-0 prose-p:pt-0 prose-p:mb-2 prose-p:my-0 [\u0026amp;\u0026gt;p]:pt-0 [\u0026amp;\u0026gt;p]:mb-2 [\u0026amp;\u0026gt;p]:my-0\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"my-2 [\u0026amp;+p]:mt-4 [\u0026amp;_strong:has(+br)]:inline-block [\u0026amp;_strong:has(+br)]:pb-2\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVibrant 2018 balance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Warm vintage ripeness meets high acidity and minerality for creamy texture, precise aromatics, and age-worthiness (now–2030).\u003cspan class=\"citation-nbsp\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-state=\"closed\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" class=\"citation inline\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.wineaccess.com\/catalog\/leguillette-romelot-cepages-dautrefois-brut-champagne_f6f79a6a-0fda-4def-a958-edcc02527f20\/\" class=\"inline\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"py-0 my-0 prose-p:pt-0 prose-p:mb-2 prose-p:my-0 [\u0026amp;\u0026gt;p]:pt-0 [\u0026amp;\u0026gt;p]:mb-2 [\u0026amp;\u0026gt;p]:my-0\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"my-2 [\u0026amp;+p]:mt-4 [\u0026amp;_strong:has(+br)]:inline-block [\u0026amp;_strong:has(+br)]:pb-2\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrower purity\u003c\/strong\u003e: Old-vine, sustainable Marne Valley terroir shines through low-intervention vinification—no oak, native yeast, long lees for seamless complexity.\u003cspan class=\"citation-nbsp\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-state=\"closed\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" class=\"citation inline\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.winewise.biz\/producers\/l%C3%A9guillette-romelot\" class=\"inline\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 id=\"how-to-serve-it\" class=\"mb-2 mt-4 font-display font-semimedium text-base first:mt-0 md:text-lg [hr+\u0026amp;]:mt-4\"\u003eHow to Serve It\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"marker:text-quiet list-disc\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"py-0 my-0 prose-p:pt-0 prose-p:mb-2 prose-p:my-0 [\u0026amp;\u0026gt;p]:pt-0 [\u0026amp;\u0026gt;p]:mb-2 [\u0026amp;\u0026gt;p]:my-0\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"my-2 [\u0026amp;+p]:mt-4 [\u0026amp;_strong:has(+br)]:inline-block [\u0026amp;_strong:has(+br)]:pb-2\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChill to 45–48°F\u003c\/strong\u003e: Preserve fine mousse and bright peach\/apricot aromatics; serve in white wine glasses to unfurl toasted grains, sea salt, and mineral depth without losing freshness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"py-0 my-0 prose-p:pt-0 prose-p:mb-2 prose-p:my-0 [\u0026amp;\u0026gt;p]:pt-0 [\u0026amp;\u0026gt;p]:mb-2 [\u0026amp;\u0026gt;p]:my-0\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"my-2 [\u0026amp;+p]:mt-4 [\u0026amp;_strong:has(+br)]:inline-block [\u0026amp;_strong:has(+br)]:pb-2\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePair adventurously\u003c\/strong\u003e: Shellfish\/Oysters, Roasted Chicken, Seared Sea Scallops w\/ Herb Beurre Blanc, Seafood Risottos or Soft and Creamy Cheeses.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"SommSelect","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44397675479094,"sku":"SOMM2512-LGRM18AUTCH-750","price":74.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/3628\/8822\/files\/2018ChampagneLeguillette-RomelotCepagesd_AutrefoisMillesimeBrut_1.png?v=1764884732"},{"product_id":"2018-champagne-louise-brison-a-l-aube-de-la-c-te-des-barsomm2512-lbr18cha-750","title":"2018 Champagne Louise Brison “A l’Aube de la Côte des Bar”","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"542\" data-end=\"876\"\u003eIf you think you know Champagne, the Aube is here to correct you. This once-“second tier” southern zone, closer to Chablis than Reims, is now ground zero for some of the most electric, terroir-first, dosage-free Champagne being made. And \u003cem data-start=\"808\" data-end=\"816\"\u003enobody\u003c\/em\u003e is doing it with more quiet authority than Louise Brison.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"878\" data-end=\"1283\"\u003eThis tiny, four-generation estate farms Kimmeridgian limestone—the same chalk that gives Chablis its spine—and bottles only \u003cstrong data-start=\"1002\" data-end=\"1059\"\u003esingle-vintage, zero-dosage, barrel-raised Champagne.\u003c\/strong\u003e No fluff. Just pure Aube identity in a glass: mineral, tensile, coiled, vibrant… the kind of wine that makes sommeliers turn their heads mid-stride and mutter: “Oh damn, that’s good.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1285\" data-end=\"1793\"\u003eToday’s bottle, \u003cstrong data-start=\"1301\" data-end=\"1340\"\u003e2018 “A l’Aube de la Côte des Bar,”\u003c\/strong\u003e is the domaine’s north-star cuvée and a masterclass in restraint and power. It’s 50% Pinot Noir, 50% Chardonnay, fermented and aged nine months in neutral oak (no malo!), then left on the lees for nearly \u003cstrong data-start=\"1545\" data-end=\"1559\"\u003efive years\u003c\/strong\u003e before disgorgement—\u003cem data-start=\"1580\" data-end=\"1599\"\u003ewith zero dosage.\u003c\/em\u003e The result? Champagne that feels carved out of chalk: citrus oils, green apple skin, quince, white flowers, crushed stone, subtle pastry, and a laser-etched saline finish that just keeps going.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1795\" data-end=\"2038\"\u003eThis is Champagne for people who love Champagne \u003cem data-start=\"1843\" data-end=\"1855\"\u003eas a wine,\u003c\/em\u003e not as a logo. It’s what you open to impress your most jaded wine friends. It’s what you pour when you want Burgundy lovers to raise an eyebrow and say: “Okay, the Aube is for real.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"2045\" data-end=\"2099\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2048\" data-end=\"2097\"\u003eWhy You’ll Love It \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"2100\" data-end=\"2443\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"2100\" data-end=\"2230\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2102\" data-end=\"2230\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2102\" data-end=\"2130\"\u003eChablis meets Champagne:\u003c\/strong\u003e Kimmeridgian limestone = electric minerality, linear precision, and that unmistakable chalk buzz.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"2231\" data-end=\"2344\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2233\" data-end=\"2344\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2233\" data-end=\"2277\"\u003eZero-dosage, oak-vinified, vintage-only:\u003c\/strong\u003e A trifecta of grower-discipline almost unheard of at this price.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"2345\" data-end=\"2443\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2347\" data-end=\"2443\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2347\" data-end=\"2379\"\u003eFive years on lees, no malo:\u003c\/strong\u003e Texture and depth \u003cem data-start=\"2398\" data-end=\"2407\"\u003ewithout\u003c\/em\u003e losing the cut-your-own-glass edge.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"2450\" data-end=\"2485\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2453\" data-end=\"2483\"\u003eHow to Serve It \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"2486\" data-end=\"2792\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"2486\" data-end=\"2574\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2488\" data-end=\"2574\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2488\" data-end=\"2507\"\u003eUltra-cold? No.\u003c\/strong\u003e Serve around 48–50°F so the chalk and citrus can actually speak.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"2575\" data-end=\"2662\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2577\" data-end=\"2662\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2577\" data-end=\"2603\"\u003eUse a white wine glass\u003c\/strong\u003e—not a flute—unless you want to suffocate the good stuff.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"2663\" data-end=\"2792\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2665\" data-end=\"2792\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2665\" data-end=\"2674\"\u003eFood:\u003c\/strong\u003e Oysters, scallops, turbot, roast chicken, veal, Comté, or better yet Chaource—the local cheese from the same terroir.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"SommSelect","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44469398339638,"sku":"SOMM2512-LBR18CHA-750","price":72.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/3628\/8822\/files\/2018ChampagneLouiseBrison_Al_AubedelaCotedesBar.png?v=1765403247"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/3628\/8822\/collections\/sparkling_wine_champagne_collection_07e6b535-e302-4e48-b3e4-6d2fe03b0471.webp?v=1772966225","url":"https:\/\/sommselect.com\/collections\/2018-champagne-vintage-collection.oembed","provider":"SommSelect","version":"1.0","type":"link"}