J.L. Vergnon, 'Conversation' Blanc de Blancs Brut Grand Cru, Champagne, France, NV

Overview of the Wine
In the heart of the chalk wonderland that is Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Didier Vergnon and his son Clement are the 4th and 5th generations to lead this small 5 hectare estate. Founded in 1950, it was in 1985 that Jean-Louis Vergnon first began producing estate-bottled wine from some of their choice sites, including multiple Grand Cru parcels in and next to the legendary Les Chetillons. Over the last 15 years this family property has truly emerged as one of the elite properties in the Côte des Blancs. It was in the early 1980’s that Didier’s father had the foresight and began the push to harvest only balanced and ripe grapes, with up to 11 degrees of natural potential alcohol or more. This allowed the family to completely eliminate chaptalization, block malolactic fermentation, and use a generally very low dosage across the range. Most of the wines are vinified in stainless steel tanks and aged for a minimum of 36 months on the lees, with most aging for much longer before release. Tasting through the remarkable range of Didier’s wines, there exists the classic virile qualities of Le Mesnil that has made this village so famous and lauded around the world. However, they also possess their own unique personality that come from the singular vision of the Vergnon family to push for high quality fruit at harvest and minimal intervention in the cellar. It is this combination of exceptional terroir and inspired winemaking vision that has caught the attention of the world’s Champagne enthusiasts. This family tradition has been further strengthened by Clement and Didier partnering with the young and talented enologist Julian Goût. With stints working alongside Anselme Selosse and Taittinger among others, Julian is the perfect person to continue the Vergnon tradition, so expertly carried out by Christophe Constant during his tenure.

Organic.

Grape / Blend
Chardonnay

Origin
Champagne, France

Winemaker's Tasting Notes 
45 year old vines on average. 90% Le Mesnil Grand Cru, 10% Oger and Avize Grand Cru.

93 Points - Vinous
The NV Brut Blanc de Blancs Conversation Grand Cru is a terrific introduction to the range. It is a wine of tremendous breadth and real character, all of which comes through pretty much upon opening. This release is based on 2014, with a 20% 2013 reserve wines from vineyards in Mesnil, Oger and Avize. Chardonnay flavors are kicked up a few notches in this decidedly vinous, powerful Blanc de Blancs. Dosage is 5 grams per liter. Disgorged: October 16, 2019.

92 Points - Jeb Dunnuck
The nose of the NV Champagne Grand Cru Conversation Brut lifts with a stylistically sweet perfume that translates through the entire range. It offers notes of sweet pastry, ripe peach, and honeydew melon, and the palate is medium-bodied and has ripe juicy fruit as well as a kiss of sweetness, with green apple candy, key lime, and white flowers. Approachable now, it would make a wonderful aperitif or an after dinner reset, given there is a hint of that generosity from the dosage. Drink over the next 8-10 years. Best after 2022.

91 Points - James Suckling
A rich, mouth-filling Blanc de Blancs for cool-climate, still-chardonnay fans! Serious creaminess and a discreet mousse. Not incredibly subtle, showing intense red-apple and peach-skin character, but the power and structure at the finish are impressive. Drink now.

Product size: 750ml