Critic ratings
vinous
NV
Rating:
94
–94
The NV Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs Latitude 1er Cru is bright, punchy and full of mineral-driven intensity. Crushed flowers, lemon peel, sage, mint and crushed rocks build as this potent, intensely saline Champagne opens in the glass. This is impressive. As always, the Latitude is a Champagne built on textural breadth and volume, typical of wines from the southern sector of Vertus. This release is based on 2019 and 40% a perpetual reserve that goes back to 2004. Dosage is 3 grams per liter. Disgorged: February, 2022.
vinous
NV
Rating:
93
–93
The NV Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs Latitude 1er Cru is a powerful, driving wine that exemplifies the house style at Larmandier-Bernier. There"s real texture and breadth here. Citrus, dried almond, chamomile and crushed flowers build in a beautifully resonant, expressive Champagne that shows the natural richness that is common in the southern part of Vertus. This release is 60% 2018 and 40% a perpetual reserve that goes back to 2004. It"s fabulous. Dosage is 4 grams per liter. Disgorged: April, 2021.
vinous
NV
Rating:
93
–93
The NV Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs Latitude 1er Cru is a fabulous introduction to the Larmandier-Bernier wines. It offers a compelling mix of Chardonnay brightness with the breadth and natural resonance that comes so easy from the clay-rich soils that are common in the southern edge of Vertus. Dried lemon peel, chamomile, mint, sage and almond nuances flesh out in this beautifully resonant, expansive Blanc de Blancs. This release is based on 2017, with 40% wines from a perpetual reserve that dates back to 2004. Dosage is 4 grams per liter. Disgorged: October, 2019.
vinous
NV
Rating:
92
–92
The NV Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs Latitude 1er Cru is a gorgeous wine, and a terrific introduction to the Larmandier-Bernier Champagnes. Bright and floral at the outset, the Latitude also possesses terrific depth and tons of resonance that carries through to the finish. In this tasting, the Latitude is just stellar. All the elements fall into place effortlessly in a Champagne that captures the essence of Chardonnay in this southern part of Vertus, where the wines tend to be ample in feel. This release is 60% 2015 and 40% reserve wines. Dosage: 4 gr/L. Disgorged: December, 2017.
vinous
NV
Rating:
92
–92
The Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs 1er Cru Latitude from Larmandier-Bernier is a powerful, structured wine. Deep and resonant on the palate, the Latitude packs a serious punch. There is no shortage of depth or intensity, that much is clear. Like so many wines based on the 2015 vintage, the Latitude has a slightly vegetal quality lurking beneath the fruit that is evident but not to the point of being overpowering. Aeration helps that slight vegetal quality in the wine dissipate, although it does not disappear entirely. Dried apricot, sage, fennel, crushed stone all open up in the glass, adding layers of nuance. Readers should expect an imposing, rich Champagne that will be at its best at the dinner table. Like all of the Larmandier-Bernier Champagnes, the Latitude will offer its best drinking if opened several hours in advance. This release is 60% 2015 and 40% reserve wines. As always, Latitude emerges from clay rich soils that confer breadth. Dosage is 4 grams per liter. Disgorged: December 2017.
vinous
NV
Rating:
94
–94
The NV Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs Latitude 1er Cru is powerful, full-bodied and structured, with a real sense of depth. Smoke, lemon peel, crushed rocks, graphite, menthol, dried pear and chamomile nuances infuse this virile Champagne. Readers looking for a Champagne to drink at the dinner table will adore the Latitude. This is an especially fine edition. Don't miss it. The current release is based on the 2014 vintage, with 40% reserve wines. As always, the Latitude emerges from the southern part of Vertus, an area that has historically been planted with Pinot Noir, which was considered better suited than Chardonnay because of the clay-rich soils. Disgorged: April 2017. Dosage is 4 grams per liter.
vinous
NV
Rating:
92
–92
The NV Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs Latitude is a big, vinous wine. Bold, ample and large on the palate, the Latitude exudes power. Dried apricot, roasted nuts and spices are pushed forward in a rich, creamy wine that reflects the personality of these clay-rich soils on the southern edge of Vertus. With time in the glass, the Latitude gains freshness, volume and intensity. The current release is 60% 2013, with 40% reserve wines. Dosage is 4 grams per liter. Disgorged: January 2016.
vinous
NV
Rating:
91
–91
Larmandier-Bernier's NV Blanc de Blancs Latitude is a bit compact and tightly wound, especially next to the Longitude. Traditionally, these clay-rich soils have been planted to Pinot Noir rather than Chardonnay. That sense of phenolic intensity is very much in evidence here. The Latitude is an excellent choice for readers who enjoy dense, powerful Champagnes. Disgorged September 2013. Dosage is 4 grams per liter.
vinous
NV
Rating:
92
–92
The NV Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs Latitude (Tradition) is a more overtly mineral, intense wine than the Longitude, with tons of cut and pure energy. Lemon, grape fruit, crushed rocks, flowers make a positive first impression. With time in the glass, the wine fleshes out beautifully, showing hints of Pinot-inflected fruit and weight, a reminder this site was once planted with Pinot. Layers of fruit build to a rich, effortless finish. What a beautiful wine this is. This release is 70% 2010, with 30% reserve wines from sites just south of Vertus. Dosage was 4 grams per liter. This bottle was disgorged on September 2012.
vinous
NV
Rating:
92
–92
(4 g/l dosage): Pale yellow. Pungent aromas of citrus pith, pear skin and chalky minerals, plus a suave floral aspect. Juicy and sharply focused, conveying strong mineral, lime and honeysuckle character and a jolt of iodine. Dry and emphatically mineral-driven but not austere in style, finishing with excellent clarity and lingering florality.
vinous
NV
Rating:
92
–92
Bright straw. Elegant, high-pitched aromas of Meyer lemon, quince and white flowers. Vibrant, mineral-laced citrus and orchard fruit flavors shows excellent clarity and lift, picking up notes of anise and honey with air. Finishes taut and focused, with repeating mineral and floral notes. This graceful Champagne would be fantastic with simply prepared crab or shrimp dishes.
robert_parker
NV
Rating:
91
–91
The latest rendition of Larmandier-Bernier's NV Extra-Brut Blanc de Blancs Latitude is based on the 2021 vintage (60%), vinified entirely in wood and complemented by a perpetual blend dating back to 2004. Parcels on richer soils, mostly east- and southeast-facing, deliver rounder, fuller-bodied wines, and this holds true even in the context of the 2021 vintage. Unfurling from the glass with scents of pear, acacia and pastry, it is more ample than the Longitude, with ripe yet vibrant acidity and a pillowy mousse. Disgorged in February 2024 with a dosage of three grams per liter, it will make for a great comparison when tasted alongside the Longitude.
