Tarlant "Cuvée Louis" Brut Champagne

This is Tarlant's top-of-the-line wine, and one of the best Champagnes we carry regardless of price. It is made of half Chardonnay and half Pinot Noir from the chalkiest portion of the Tarlant family's hillside vineyards in Oeuilly (Vallée de la Marne). The Tarlant family uses organic practices in the vineyard- but they are very coy about calling themselves organic, no doubt due to the family's prominence in the vignerons association in Champagne. The plot that the grapes come from is called "les Crayons" and the vines are all over 45 years of age, but average out to more than 50 years. It is fermented in oak barrels without malolactic fermentation, then aged in oak for 13 months and then on its lees for nine years before release. This very long aging process gives this wine lots of complexity and the suppression of malo and the high quality old vine fruit give it the vivacity of youth. Look for flavors of cinnamon, lightly toasted bread and apples. The dosage is very, very low and the finish is dry, precise and ultra-long. Hold on to your hat, this wine has it all!

Wow! This has got to be one of the most delicious Champagnes at K&L. It is made from half Chardonnay and half Pinot Noir and is a blend of the 1996 and 1997 vintages. The Cuvee Louis is full bodied and very dry. What impresses me the most is how complex and interesting this Champagne is. But more important than all of the above, the Cuvee Louis tastes so good and is worth twice the price.

Yes, I love this Champagne this much! It has almost everything that one could ask for in a bubbly. Complexity, quality, cellar worthiness and just plain old fantastic taste! Rich and toasty with golden apples, toasted sourdough and cinnamon. I worship at the house of Krug and Tarlant's Cuvee Louis is a chapel on the property. When we have it, buy a magnum! You won't regret it!