Tarlant Brut Nature Champagne Cuvée Louis Tarlant NV

95 points Tyson Stelzer (The Champagne Guide): "(2003 base vintage; disgorged October 2018; 50% chardonnay, 50% pinot noir; single-vineyard Oeuilly near the Marne river with vines of average age 69 years; fermented and aged in old oak barrels with regular lees stirring; no malolactic fermentation; 40% 2002 reserves; aged 14.5 years on lees; zero dosage). The wine rises to its grand credentials, a radiant and monumental expression of the profound generosity of 2003 and the grand depth of decades of maturity. A glowing, full straw-yellow hue with a hint of copper declares its depth and age. It’s a wonderfully rich and characterful cuvée that contrasts the ripeness of its unique site with the freshness of cool malic acidity. Exuding sensational complexity and integrity, it has attained a compelling place where the primary fruit of white peach, grilled pineapple, persimmon and lemon meets the toasty, spicy, honeyed, fruit mince spice complexity of lees age, just beginning to take on a faintly tertiary profile of green olive. The phenolic texture and grip of 2003 is well encompassed into the generosity of the wine and the creamy and silky texture of the house. A masterfully crafted cuvée that captures the richness, power, purity, tension and length of its historic site on the Marne. (2020-2021)"

95 points James Suckling: "Very nutty and flavorful Champagne with aromas and flavors of cooked apples, light strawberries and minerals. Full body. Checked fruit with a solid core of tannin and fruit at the end. Superb. Complex. Drink now. (9/2/19)"

94+ points John Gilman (View From the Cellar): "The Cuvée Louis bottling is the top of the line from the Tarlant family, with its first vintage having been the 1982. Today, it is not a vintage-dated bottling, but rather one that is based on 85% of a base year and 15% a blend of reserve wines from the three previous vintages... The wine is a fifty-fifty blend of chardonnay and pinot noir, planted in the lieu à dit of 'Les Crayons' in Oeuilly back in 1946... This is a stunning wine, offering up a superb bouquet of pear, white peach, fresh-baked bread, a stunning soil signature, pastry tones, gentle smokiness, an exotic touch of saffron and a bit of butteriness in the upper register. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied and very complex, with lovely secondary layers already emerging, a fine core, elegant mousse and excellent mineral drive on the very long, beautifully balanced and classy finish. Great juice. 2015-2040."

94 points William Kelley (Wine Advocate): "Disgorged in February 2019 and based on the 2002 and 2003 vintages, the NV Extra Brut Cuvée Louis derives from Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grown in the lieu-dit Les Crayons and fermented in barrel. Offering up aromas of crisp orchard fruit, dried citrus rind, wheat toast and licorice, it's full-bodied, layered and enveloping, with considerable depth and complexity, concluding with a precise and saline finish. It's a lovely rendition of this serious bottling and comes warmly recommended. Drink: 2020-2035. (Aug 2019)"

94 points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "[$150 list] Tarlant’s NV Brut Nature Cuvée Louis, 60% 2003 and 40% 2002 in this release, is a terrific example of the house style. Baked apple tart, pastry, apricot marmalade, vanillin, honey and sweet oak all flesh out in a striking, super-expressive Champagne. Even with all of its natural intensity, the Cuvée Louis retains terrific freshness and verve. Cuvée Louis is a blend of equal parts Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from the Les Crayons lieu-dit in Oeuilly vinified and aged in oak. This is a superb edition. Bottled with no dosage. Disgorged: August, 2018. Drink: 2019-2029. (Jul 2019)"