Score: 91

Lassaigne?s NV Brut Blanc de Blancs Vignes de Montgueux L110713 (which combines vintages 2009 and 2010) displays significant notes of lees autolysis ? smoky, toasty hints ? along with hazelnut and an aura of forest floor and although it had just been disgorged when I tasted it, the bright acids were not at all awkwardly sharp, with the buffering of mid-palate substance and sense of chalky underpinnings impressively prominent. There is a delightful sense of buoyancy here as well. Fresh lemon and orange are tinged with the piquancy of their rinds as well as the bite and muskiness of rose radish, all of which make for a penetrating and invigorating finish. This impressive bottling should merit attention for 3-4 years.

November 2013

Score: 89

The NV Brut Blanc de Blancs Les Vignes des Montgueux emerges from the glass with perfumed green apples, pears and flowers. This authoritative Champagne reveals plenty of persistence, with chalky tannins that add an element of zestiness to the finish. The wine is a touch linear and could use a little more finesse, but it is, nevertheless, quite pretty. This bottle was disgorged on January 7, 2009 (not indicated on the bottle). Anticipated maturity: 2009-2015.

December 2009

Score: 89

The NV Brut Blanc de Blancs Les Vignes des Montgueux emerges from the glass with perfumed green apples, pears and flowers. This authoritative Champagne reveals plenty of persistence, with chalky tannins that add an element of zestiness to the finish. The wine is a touch linear and could use a little more finesse, but it is, nevertheless, quite pretty. This bottle was disgorged on January 7, 2009 (not indicated on the bottle). Anticipated maturity: 2009-2015.

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