Philippe Lancelot Les Hauts d'Epernay Extra Cuvee Brut Nature Grand Cru 2019

【One of Philippe Lancelot's most acclaimed Grower Champagnes】

【Les Hauts d'Epernay Grand Cru】

【Biodynamic farming, Demeter/Biodyvin certified】

【A tense, terroir-driven, exceptionally clean and rounded Champagne】

【2019: A relatively mature and concentrated vintage in the Champagne region】

ZTF439 Philippe Lancelot Les Hauts d'Epernay Extra Cuvee Brut Nature Grand Cru 2019

Special price: $800/piece

Region/Grade: France/Champagne

Grape varieties: 40% Chardonnay, 40% Pinot Noir, 20% Meunier

Alcohol content: 12.5%

Volume: 750ml

This Les Hauts d’Epernay is one of Philippe Lancelot’s most acclaimed single terroir (lieux-dits) series in recent years, showcasing the minerality and dynamism of the chalky soils of the Épernay highlands. It is considered by many nature-oriented Champagne enthusiasts to be one of the winery’s signature pieces. Les Hauts d’Epernay means “Épernay highlands,” and the grapes are primarily sourced from Boissimon and Saint-Antoine, two high-altitude slopes in Épernay. These areas possess the typical deep chalky soils of the Champagne region, resulting in a strong minerality and a salty finish, linear acidity, and exceptionally high purity. Therefore, its overall style differs from that of typical rounder Champagnes.

Philippe Lancelot is one of the most prominent "Grower Champagne" representatives in the Champagne world in recent years. The winery is located in Cramant Grand Cru, a famous village in the Côte des Blancs region of Champagne. It is known for its extremely pure Blanc de Blancs Champagne with a distinct minerality.

Founded in the 1970s by the Philippe Lancelot family, the winery saw Philippe himself take over in 2007, significantly promoting natural and biodynamic farming practices. The winery currently owns only about 4 hectares of vineyards, primarily located in Cramant, Avize, Chouilly, Oiry, Épernay, and Aÿ, mostly Grand Cru plots, primarily Chardonnay.

Since 2012, Philippe Lancelot has fully transitioned to biodynamic methods, subsequently obtaining Demeter/Biodyvin certification, and since 2015 has almost completely eliminated the use of sulfur dioxide in its cellars. The winery collaborates closely with renowned Champagne producer Hervé Jestin, emphasizing minimal intervention, native yeast fermentation, ultra-low dosage, and strong terroir expression. Consequently, their wines typically exhibit a very distinct chalky minerality and savory character, linear acidity, and exceptionally clean Chardonnay tension.