'Clos Le Leon' 1er Cru Brut

Score

17.5

"Broad and full, swept onto stage by the seductive aroma of lemon curd on toast and followed by layers and layers of fresh green-anise herbs and crunchy seeds. Iris and jasmine flowers flutter-brush over quince richness and lemon-drizzle sweetness. Despite the tight bite of bubbles, the texture is nacreous and the finish scoops into a long, gleaming, brilliant scythe. (TC)"

Score

93

"The 2015 Brut Clos Le L,on, 100% Chardonnay from the Le L,on lieu-dit in Dizy, stands apart from the rest of the wines in the range because of its focus on Chardonnay. Here, too, H,brart has done a commendable job capturing the best 2015 had to offer while avoiding the year's pitfalls. That's a pretty admirable achievement in my book. There is a bit of dryness that appears at the very tail end of the finish, but that is not enough to detract from all the 2015 has to offer, which is, namely, a pretty, structured, ample style of Chardonnay that emphasizes savory and mineral notes more than anything else. Dosage is 3 grams per liter. Disgorged: January 18, 2022."

Score

94

"A lovely, harmonious Champagne, with a creamy, almost viscous texture to the mousse, which wraps the delicate frame of acidity and carries the well-meshed notes of toasted almond, poached pear and peach fruit. Shows a streak of salinity and accents of elderflower, oyster shell and Meyer lemon peel that echo on the finish. Disgorged January 2023. Drink now through 2030. 40 cases imported."