Over the past few vintages, we've watched Fidèle take off. It's always been an impressive bottle, but recently it's surprised us.

The 2012 base may very well be the strongest example of this wine to date. Galloni isn't out of line at all when he calls it "a knock out."

In terms of interest, individuality and sheer quality, Vouette et Sorbée's Fidèle offers ridiculous value.

As Peter Liem writes, Fidele is "made entirely of pinot noir and almost exclusively from Kimmeridgian soils in Biaunes and Vouette." You really feel the Kimmeridgian origins (the same soils in parts of Chablis) in the wine's detailed minerality. Against the backdrop of minerality, there is Pinot fruit, floral notes and crunchy red fruits.

The 2012 base is especially noteworthy in the way that it combines power, clarity and finely etched detail. The total package is stunning. The vintage's extra volume seems like it creates an even greater runway for a wild complexity to develop. There's everything from a firm, textured minerality to spices, flowers and a vast array of red fruits. Few Champagnes articulate such a nuanced, intense and thought provoking profile.

Vouette et Sorbée makes some of the most provocative and captivating Champagnes we’ve come across. At the urging of his friend, none other than Anselme Selosse, Gautherot stopped selling off his grapes, started bottling his own wines and, almost overnight, became a cult sensation. We've been fans since the moment the wines hit our shores.

Gautherot's heart is in the vineyards and that's where he focuses an insane amount of energy, restricting yields and following biodynamic practices. Anyone who has visited him has mentioned how beautifully the vineyards are maintained.

It shows in the wines. And the 2012 drives this home. They are utterly singular. It's a pleasure to offer such a home run vintage for Fidèle at such sharp pricing.

To order, reply to offers@crushwineco.com or call the store at (212) 980-9463.

Joe Salamone

Wine Buyer
Crush Wine & Spirits

Vouette et Sorbée Fidèle Extra Brut (12)

Antonio Galloni: "The NV (2012) Extra Brut Fidele is another fabulous wine from Vouette & Sorbée. Here, the richness of Pinot Noir comes through loud and clear in the wine's depth and overall richness. Creamy and beautifully layered throughout, the 2012 hits all the right notes. Red berry, mint, flowers, sweet spices and candy fill out the wine's broad frame effortlessly. What a gorgeous wine this is. Simply put, the 2012 is a total knock-out."