vinous
2018
Rating:
93
–93
The 2018 Extra-Brut Les Beguines is a gorgeous Champagne from Jérôme Prévost. In this release, the Beguines is a bit more ethereal than it can be. There is plenty of Meunier character, with dried orchard fruit, spice and hazelnut flavors that are nicely lifted. This edition is 90% 2018 plus 10% reserve wines, all done in the 600-liter casks that Prévost favors. What the 2018 lacks in depth it more than makes up for with its charm and accessibility. Dosage is 2.5 grams per liter. (Originally published in May 2021)
vinous
2018
Rating:
93
–93
The 2018 Extra-Brut Les Beguines is a gorgeous Champagne from Jérôme Prévost. In this release, the Beguines is a bit more ethereal than it can be. There is plenty of Meunier character, with dried orchard fruit, spice and hazelnut flavors that are nicely lifted. This edition is 90% 2018 plus 10% reserve wines, all done in the 600-liter casks that Prévost favors. What the 2018 lacks in depth it more than makes up for with its charm and accessibility. Dosage is 2.5 grams per liter.
robert_parker
2006
Rating:
93
–93
A recent bottle of the 1999 La Closerie Les Beguines was breathtaking. Prevost’s La Closerie Les Beguines (2006) offers up hazlenuts, honey, autumn leaves, dried apricots, and smoke in a beautifully-delineated expression of this site. Later, notes of mint, flowers and spices develop in the glass, adding additional layers of aromas and flavors. An expansive, textured wine, the La Closerie Les Beguines possesses awesome length, density and a sublime, classy finish. Today the wine is still very primary and it will take some time for the full array of flavors to develop, so a year or two of cellaring at a minimum seems prudent if readers are to experience the full breadth of this superb Champagne. This bottle was disgorged in October 2008. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2018.
Jerome Prevost is one of the young generation of producers who spent time working under Anselme Selosse, where he also made his first Champagnes. Prevost’s La Closerie Les Beguines is a compelling Champagne made from 100% Pinot Meunier sourced from 48-year old vines in Gueux. Prevost favors Burgundian barrels for vinification and aging. These beautiful wines are made in an unmanipulated, pure style, with natural yeasts, no filtration and no dosage. The style is the ultimate expression of Champagne as wine. Prevost gives his vintage Champagne relatively little time on the lees, but the wines are capable of aging extraordinarily well on the cork.
A Thomas Calder Selection, imported by Polaner Selections, Mt. Kisco, NY; tel. (914) 244-0404
