NV Drappier Larevallis
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Tasting notes
The NV Champagne Clarevallis Extra Brut pours a medium straw/copper hue and offers notes of wet stones, smoky earth, white peach, savory citrus pith, grapefruit, and hints of umami. The palate is frothy and open. A blend of 70-75% Pinot Noir, along with Pinot Meunier, Chardonnay, and Blanc Vrai (Pinot Blanc), based on the 2018 and 2019 vintages, it was disgorged in March 2024, with four grams per liter dosage. The wine sees no oak, but the soils it comes from give it a reductive, earthy character.
Critic scores
Jancis Robinson MW
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
A superb and flamboyant wine from Drappier, the latest rendition of the NV Extra-Brut Clarevallis, disgorged in March 2024 with a dosage of four grams per liter, is derived entirely from the 2019 vintage. Displaying an attractive pink-salmon hue, it opens from the glass with aromas of cherry, mandarin and apricot mingling with hints of lychee. Full-bodied, fleshy and muscular at the core, it reveals impressive depth and harmony. The palate is layered and animated by tangy acids and a pillowy mousse, concluding with a chalky, delicately perfumed finish. Readers will recall that this cuvée pays homage to the Abbey of Clairvaux, whose monks pioneered viticulture in Urville.
Certified organic-farmed (part horse-ploughed) parcels on Jurassic Kimmeridgian limestone round Urville where Drappier is based. 75% Pinot Noir, 10% Pinot Meunier, 10% Chardonnay and 5% 'Blanc Vrai'. No clue as to age. The name is inspired by that of the local Cistercian abbey. Sulphur only 20 mg/l. Dosage 5 g/l. Pale amber – sort of Lucozade colour (because of the low sulphur?). Smoky nose and bone-dry finish with pure, distinctly meaty Pinot flavours in between. Quite distinctive. Goes off a bit like fireworks in the mouth. A welcome addition to the champagne canon. (JR)