Etienne Calsac 'Les Rocheforts' 1er Cru Blanc de Blancs NV

In 2012, Etienne started a separate perpetual reserve just for Les Rocheforts. This 1er cru single-vineyard in Bisseuil sits on pure chalk soils and creates a precise and beautifully expressive Blanc de Blancs (produced with 25% reserve wine). Extra Brut, 100% Chardonnay, Disgorged October 2023. 50% oak, 50% stainless steel vats. Aged on fine lees for 18 to 24 months. This wine is simply incredible. It balances genuine ripeness (orchard fruit, stone fruit, waxy green apple) with a firm line of acid. But on top of this, despite the power, there is a refinement to the wine and a lift to the fruit (aromatically and on the palate) that is only matched by the absolute best producers of the region. One of my wines of the year. From anywhere. – Ches Cook, FWC.