Pehu-Simonet Fins Lieux n°1 Verzenay Grand Cru Blanc de Noirs 2013

David Pehu is the fourth generation to lead his family's 7.5 ha estate. Located in Verzenay, a Grand Cru village in the Montagne de Reims, Champagne's most famous area for Pinot Noir, he also has vineyards in neighbouring villages of Verzy, Sillery, Mailly and Bouzy as well as in Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, one of the most famous Côte des Blancs villages for Grand Cru Chardonnay. While some producers can produce quite structured or robust Pinot Noir-based Champagnes, David produces wines that are polished and glossy. Quite sumptuous though with an appealing mineral backbone. This Blanc de Noirs is a blockbuster! Five years on lees adds real depth, biscuit and brioche notes to ripe but crunchy red fruits. The acidity and richness make this a meal all by itself. This is something to drink on lonely nights because you wouldn’t want to share it!

Robin says "A real under-the-radar gem, David Pehu produces a number of different wines from his Grand Cru vineyards which are mostly Pinot Noir-dominant. His "Face Nord" range are more traditional varietal blends but his "Fins Lieux" are single-variety, single-vineyard expressions. His 2012 Verzenay has such appeal but fully expresses the Grand Cru quality of the fruit. A serious food Champagne."