Champagne Georges Laval, Garennes, Extra Brut

The NV Extra-Brut Garennes is rich, ample and inviting, with all of the textural intensity that is the signature of Vincent Laval’s wines. Readers should expect a rich, boisterous Champagne laced with generous Meunier intensity. Dried pear, hazelnut and crushed flowers are some of the many notes that develop with a bit of air. The Garennes bottling continues to gain in complexity. This is the best edition yet. This release is based on 2016, with 40% reserve wines from 2015, 2014 and 2013. The blend is 90% Meunier with 5% each Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.Vincent Laval was in high spirits when I stopped by this past March. The cellar was eerily empty as Laval chose to bottle his 2018s earlier than normal. The Champagnes I tasted were all compelling and also terrific examples of a house style that emphasizes sustainable farming, low yields and minimal intervention in the cellar. Rich, Vinous.com and full of energy, the Laval Champagnes are some of the most original, deeply personal wines readers will come across.Drink 2020 - 2028antonio_galloni, Vinous.com.com (July 2019)