"Ludes 1er Cru" Blanc de Noirs Extra Brut

Score

93

"From Pinot Meunier vines planted in 1970 on a steep, north- and northwest-facing slope with particularly chalky soils, from two lieux-dits close to the grand cru of Mailly-Champagne, Paillard's 2019 Ludes Premier Cru was disgorged in November 2023 with two grams per liter dosage. It offers up aromas of citrus rind, pear, dried apricot and blanched almonds. Medium-bodied, dense and chiseled, with incisive acids and a penetrating, saline finish, it's packed with considerable tension. More sapid and taut than the Taissy cuvée, this Pinot Meunier bottling, sourced from purchased fruit, is well worth seeking out."

Score

92

"The 2019 Extra Brut Ludes Premier Cru Vieilles Vignes Meunier is a very pretty wine to drink now and over the next handful of years. Crushed flowers, chamomile, dried pear, sage, mint and ginger build with air. This attractive, translucent Meunier has a lot to offer, starting with its energy, tension and nuance. It emerges from the Hautes Perres and Vigneulles de Devant lieux-dits, both planted in 1970. Dosage is 2 grams per liter. Disgorged: December 2024"