Vincent Cuillier isn't well known even to Champagne fanatics, but there's no chance that this dynamic young grower will escape notice for much longer.
His 2019 Chemin des Nature is brilliant and one of the most fascinating Champagnes that we tasted this year. There's a pitch-perfect clarity that's incredibly compelling.
The Chemin des Nature is a multifaceted triumph. Few Champagnes reach a similar level of energy, nuance, and precision.
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Vincent Cuillier comes from a winemaking family. While keeping his family's label, Cuillier selected what he believed to be his family's two best parcels and created his own label.
Cuillier goes through extraordinary measures to promote the health of his soils and vines. He follows organic methods utilizing cover crops, doing little-to-no tillage, planting trees in the vineyards, and using homemade compost and plant preparations.
The two parcels that Vincent issues Champagnes from are located in the Massif de St Thierry, an area where Chartogne-Taillet also works. The sandy soils of Massif de St Thierry gives the wines a signature layered finesse.
The 2019 Chemin des Rois really highlights the elegance and deep complexity that the area is capable of. It is a blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay and is aged in barrel for one year and then aged in bottle where it undergoes secondary fermentation for around two years. Indigenous yeasts and the wine doesn't receive dosage or additional sulphur.
We found Chemin des Rois to be revelatory. We seldom encounter Champagnes as rigorously composed and so pristinely expressive. It is highly recommended.
To order, email offers@crushwineco.com or call the store at (212) 980-9463.
Joe Salamone
Wine Buyer
Crush Wine & Spirits
