At a recent tasting of over thirty wines, Laherte's 2013 Autrefois stole the show.

It was sort of amazing. Among Cru Barolos and 1er Cru Burgundies, it was a Pinot Meunier Champagne that costs $59.95 in 4-packs that the entire staff was talking about.

Along with people like Prevost and Chartogne-Taillet, Laherte powerfully highlights what Pinot Meunier is capable of. Until fairly recently, people didn't believe that Pinot Meunier was capable of producing serious wine on its own.

Nowadays, a small group of very conscientious growers are turning out absolutely head-turning examples of the grape. The best Meuniers flaunt the nuanced aromatics, complexity and detailed finesse that the grape is capable of.

Laherte's 2013 Autrefois is undoubtedly one of the most impressive examples of Meunier that we've tasted. We love its precision, tensely coiled minerality, and lifted notes of stone fruits, herbs and flowers. You can really feel the intensity of the old vines, which were planted between 1947 and 1964.

The 2013 vintage in Champagne is seriously impressive. The Autrefois has many of the best qualities of 2013. It has plenty of presence plus beautiful clarity and refinement.

Over the past handful of years, Laherte has emerged as one of the most talented growers in Champagne. The majority of Laherte's vines are in Coteaux Sud d’Epernay, an area between the Côte des Blancs and the Vallée de la Marne, that has chalky soil with a thin layer of clay on top. It's hard not to feel that the chalk contributes to the Laherte's signature of tension and fineness.

This is the best Champagne value that we've come across this year. I strongly encourage you to take advantage of the 4-pack pricing. It's rare to come across a Champagne this compelling and this fascinating at anywhere near the price.

To order, please email us at offers@crushwineco.com or call the store at (212) 980-9463.

Joe Salamone

Wine Buyer
Crush Wine & Spirits