Les Barres Extra Brut Champagne Pinot Noir

Not sure what to believe here as I understood “Les Barres” to be 100% ungrafted Pinot Meunier but the label states this is 100% Pinot Noir. To my palate, it tastes like the former. Regardless, this pours with a strikingly pale straw color and a persistent mousse. The nose is somewhat reticent but I also believe it was served too cold. On the palate, whoa. The first thing that hits is the minerals. Then it’s the bright lemon citrus fruit mixed with red berries. After that, it’s minerals, and then more minerals. So chalky and saline with fantastic acid. The finish is long and steely. A nerdy Champagne and certainly not for the faint of heart. Don’t serve this too cold! Disgorged June 2019.

Broad with a quick bite of cherry-like acidity on the front of the palate and tangy yellow fruit in the mid palate followed by brioche and toast. Beautiful bottle of wine.

Raspberry, pear, fine acidity, soft mousse, long ⚡️

Exceptional way to cap off the evening; sure the nose outperformed but it set a very high bar

3 days later still straight

Crisp, balanced bullies and acidity