Larmandier-Bernier Extra Brut Champagne Les Chemins d'Avize Grand 2013

96 points William Kelley (Wine Advocate): "Revisited from the October 2019 disgorgement, Larmandier-Bernier's 2013 Extra-Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Les Chemins d'Avize continues to show brilliantly, offering up complex aromas of argan oil, fresh apricot and crisp yellow orchard fruit, complemented by hints of fresh walnuts and almond paste. Full-bodied, deep and vinous, it's layered and elegantly fleshy, with a concentrated core of ripe fruit, racy acids and a long, mineral finish. As I wrote last year, Pierre Larmandier invariably excels in cool, late-growing seasons, so the 2013 vintage was perfectly adapted to his talents. Drink: 2020-2040. (Mar 2021)"

95 points La Revue du Vin de France: "

94 points Tyson Stelzer (The Champagne Guide): "(Two vineyards, Chemin de Plivot and Chemin de Flavigny, of 50-year-old vines planted on chalky sites with thin top soils in the heart of Avize; wild fermented in Stockinger casks and vats; aged ~6 years on lees; disgorged January 2020; 2g/L dosage). The reverberating generosity of old vines in the company of the expansive presence and creamy texture of cask and vat fermentation bring considerable depth and breadth to the characteristic tension of Avize in the refreshing 2013 season. The result is a blanc de blancs of considerable amplitude, meticulously assembled layer by layer on a core of white peach and grapefruit, with the generosity of fig, even a perception of the ripeness of persimmon. Nuances of orange rind and fruit mince spice lend exoticism, while vanilla cream and toasted almond biscotti declare the presence of oak. I have always found the oak a little imposing in this cuvée, and it certainly speaks confidently here, but these Stockinger casks and vats are top class oak, and generous fruit ultimately claims confident victory in 2013. Such creamy texture and succulent, honeyed fruit ripeness lend a sweetness that bely just 2g/L dosage. The inimitable, stark chalk minerality that characterises Avize, in concert with the energetic acidity of 2013, keeps things lively on a long finish. (Edition VII; 2024)"

94 points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "The 2013 Extra Brut Les Chemins d'Avize Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru is floral and gracious, much more so than is common in Avize Champagnes, which tend to have more body. The 2013 is beautifully perfumed and ethereal from start to finish, with striking beams of salinity that confer tension. Candied lemon peel, white flowers, spice, hazelnut, dried flowers and chamomile are some of the many notes that are laced together. This subtle, wonderfully nuanced Champagne has so much to offer. It is the most restrained wine in this range. The Chemins d'Avize is a blend of fruit from Chemin de Plivot and Chemin de Flavigny, done in neutral oak. Dosage is 2 grams per liter. Disgorged: October, 2019. Drink: 2020-2028. (Nov 2020)"

92 points Decanter: "Pithy nose with lemongrass and verbena undertones and nuances of coconut and tropical notes. Rich and rounded, creamy, showing finesse. Drink 2021-2026. (Jan 2022)"