Charles Ellner "Premier Cru" Brut Champagne (Previously $45)

Charles Ellner Champagne is a family affair spanning three generations since its first bottling in 1905. Charles Ellner's grandson, Jean-Pierre, is currently at the helm along with his daughters, Emmanuel and Alexandra, and his nephews, Frederic and Arnaud. A "Négociant Manipulant" (NM) since 1972 (a producer who buys grapes and makes champagne on their own premises and sells under their own name), the grapes are sourced from Montagne de Reims, Sezanne, the Côte des Blancs, Bar sur Aubois, the Vallée de la Marne, and in the hills of Epernay. In order to preserve the purity of the fruit and fully express the terroir, Ellner's champagnes are fermented in stainless steel tanks and do not undergo malolactic fermentation This award winning 1er Cru exemplifies the artisanal craftmanship of the Ellner's champagne. 75% Chardonnay and 25% Pinot Noir and aged sur lie for over seven years, this elegant sparkler offers depth, complexity, and beautiful ripe fruit balanced with toasty notes and mouthwatering acidity. Perfect as an aperitif or paired with seafood.

I love how often Champagnes find themselves at the crossroads of being elegant but also fun, and this Premier Cru from Charles Ellner is a perfect case in point. The base wine is 75% Chardonnay and 25% Pinot Noir. With all premier cru fruit and 7 years aging on the lees, you know you're going to get something complex and layered. The twist, though, is how bright and approachable this Champagne is in addition to the serious depth. You know there's real richness on the nose, but standing out to me is the playful fresh cherry and bright lemon notes that come across as quite vibrant. The palate has fresh-sliced lemon wheels on angel food cake, apple and pear skin elements, and lovely (slightly toasty) breadiness that circles back to light cake and citrus.

The Charles Ellner Premier Cru Brut Champagne is taut and racy, with absolutely ripping citrus-driven acidity and loads of steely, stony mineral flavors. Tart green apple and lemon curd unfold on the palate after the initial burst of acidity, and touches of toast and fresh bread dough round out a stunning bottle of champagne while that piercing laser beam of acid carries the fruit flavors through the finish.

75% Chardonnay, 25% Pinot Noir the Premier Cru Brut Champagne from Charles Ellner is aged on the lees for seven years. The result is a complex wine with notes of Gruyère, sour apple mash, and honeysuckle on the nose. There's some amazing floral notes on the palate that are complimented by vibrant acidity on the finish. A really stunning Champagne for under $50!

Lemon meringue, tangerine, lychee, honey and baked sourdough waft from the glass. The fruit is so concentrated, bright, rich and crisp on the palate, with a seemingly endless finish. There are not many "Premier Cru" designated champagnes in our portfolio, but this one makes me think there should be. It's so good.

This is just as delicious as the other Champagnes that fall in this "Premier Cru" category and more affordable. There is a minerally, aromatic lees, apple core snappiness to this that is astonishingly satisfying if you love a little SNAP to your bubbles.

This Champagne comes entirely from the 1er cru vineyards of Dizy, Rilly-la-Montagne, Sermieres and Champillon. It is composed of 75% Chardonnay and 25% Pinot Noir with over six years of ageing on the lees. This has the personality of a Champagne with much more Pinot Noir than the composition suggests. I love the black cherry on toast aromas and the incredible hazelnut depth on the palate. This is very concentrated, serious Champagne.

Very serious Champagne for the under $40 category. With a full 6 years on the lees, there is a depth and complexity here that we often have to pay much more for in the world of Champagne. This extended aging time lends a soft and supple touch to the palate, it effortlessly delivers notes Cara Cara orangeand Bosc pear, fresh baked bread lingers on the finish. This is a great new direct import project for us, and the quality in all the wines has been just amazing when you look at how affordable they are!

This is really a classic offering from the exceptional little negociant whose own vines produce some of champagnes finest offerings. Creamy rich nose with biscuits and a surprisingly strong showing from the Pinot. Bright red fruit aromatics translate on the palate and the wide mouth feel is balanced by great structure and hint of the pinot savoriness at the end. Another stupendous one from Ellner that sparkles as brightly in the glass as it does on the label.

Don't let the purple glitter label and killer price fool you: this is serious, elegant Champagne. 75% Chardonnay and 25% Pinot Noir, all of which is estate fruit, the Charles Ellner Premier Cru really showcases the strength of terroir. There is a freshness here, with notes of bright cherry and a brioche quality. I'd be hard pressed to pick a favorite from the Ellner lineup, but this clean, complex beauty may be it.

Ask someone to describe me, and you'll get a myriad of responses: "Witty", "Generous" "A snappy dresser". Most importantly, however, I'm widely known as a movie freak. And so, I found myself about to taste Charles Ellner's 1er Cru Champagne, which he has simply named "PREMIER CRU". What was my first thought? WHY HAS THEIR NOT BEEN A MOVIE with this title? It's so evocative. So dramatic and up front with its intention. After tasting, I realized my answer. No movie, no matter how good, could possibly live up to the craftsmanship that is expressed here in this amazing Champagne. It tells a story, and as such, has a wonderful three-act-structure: Vibrant cherry and blackberry on the nose; A rich and creamy texture that you wouldn't expect from a Chard based wine; And finally... A third-act climax of pear, toast, and just the right amount of acidity! No, there is no movie called PREMIER CRU (until I write it), but we can rest assured that the name has found a fitting home on this AMAZING WINE!

I love richness and fruit in Champagne and because of that Charles Ellner is a new producer that I am definitely keeping my eyes on. Typically I prefer more Pinot Noir in my champagne to give it that quality, but I was super impressed by this bottling when I tasted it. Although two thirds of it is Chardonnay there is lots of stone fruit and pear notes with a warm golden nose. A little hint of toast and a crisp finish round this bottle out and make it so easy to drink and it is under $40 which is just awesome.