Emmanuel Brochet Le Mont Benoit (L016) Extra Brut Champagne

Emmanuel Brochet hails from the Villers-aux-Noeuds village south of the city of Reims. He farms 2.5 hectares of vines, all located in a single parcel, and planted with all three major varieties with the oldest vines dating back to 1962. The vineyard was converted to organic viticulture starting with the 2008 vintage, which he does more out of respect for the land than something he necessarily believes results in better wine.

Based on the 2016 vintage with the inclusion of 20% reserve wines, this Champagne is produced from a blend of certified organic 30% Pinot Meunier, 40% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay grapes. Showing good hold over a pale straw coloured base that has tinges of pale gold to it, is a fluffy white mousse. An exceptionally fine bead continuously flowing through its core. Intense pear, baked bread, dried honey and yeast lees aromatics flow from the glass trailed by oily toast, citrus and almond notes. Rich and complex, the palate has a light oily feel with poached pear, baked bread and oyster shell flavours mixing with plum, yeast lees and notions of hazelnut. Very dry, saline like finish with a striking freshness to the crisp acidity. Long gentle, grilled nut aftertaste.
Drink over the next 4-5 years.
Alc. 12%

Other Reviews....
Based on the 2016 vintage, supplemented by 20% reserve wines, Brochet's NV Extra-Brut Le Mont Benoit (L016) was disgorged in February 2020 with two grams per liter dosage. Mingling aromas of citrus oil, chamomile, green apple, white flowers and almond paste in an inviting bouquet, it's medium to full-bodied, fleshy and elegantly vinous, with fine depth at the core, bright acids and a long, mineral finish.
94 points
William Kelley - Wine Advocate (Apr 2021)

The NV Extra Brut Le Mont Benoit 1er Cru is terrific. Dried flowers, almonds, dried pears and chamomile are some of the many notes that flesh out. Ample, broad and creamy, with plenty of depth from the red grapes that make up most of the blend, the Mont Benoit is terrific today. Specifically, the Mont Benoit is rich and vinous on the palate, yet also remains wonderfully light on its feet. Don't miss it.
93 points
Antonio Galloni - Vinous