Vilmart Brut Champagne Coeur de Cuvée 1er Cru 2002

97 points Tyson Stelzer (The Champagne Guide): "(tasted in 2021 in France; original disgorgement from the oenothèque of the house; 80% chardonnay, 20% pinot noir; 50 year-old, low-yielding vines in two vineyards; aged 10 months in 1, 2 and 3 year-old 227L barrels, plus 8 years in bottle; disgorged in 2010; 8-9g/L dosage.) It's been a full decade since I first tasted Vilmart's flagship 2002. I loved it then and I adore it even more from the same disgorgement now! Back then Laurent Champs described the vintage as 'close to perfect' and now as 'just perfect!' That it is. Its three phases of evolution in barrel, on lees and on cork have coalesced to dramatic effect in time, heightening its wonderfully creamy mouth feel, at once juicy and silky, yet structured and precise. The nuances of fruit and of wood of its youth have united with grand concentration and poise in reflections of galcé pear. The delightful presence of white fruit exuberance that sets apart 2002 is bathed in golden sunlight, structured with the creamy texture of Vilmart, enlivened with the presence of malic acidity and graced with the fine chalk minerality of the northern Montagne de Reims . An absolute sensation of truly grand cru stature. (Edition VII; 2024)"

97 points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "The 2002 Brut Coeur de Cuvée is a totally hedonistic Champagne. It was picked at 11.2% potential alcohol, where many growers harvest today, but unprecedented twenty years ago. Layers of apricot jam, tangerine oil, spice, vanillin and passion fruit saturate the palate. Still vibrant and full of energy, the 2002 shows no signs of fading. I loved the 2002 when it was first released and love it today. It is one of the all-time greats at Vilmart. Drink: 2023-2032. (May 2023)"

95 points Wine Spectator: "Aromatic notes of pain d'épices wind through this harmonious Champagne, blending with notes of patisserie pear, coconut, quince paste and candied orange peel. The flavor profile threads through the precise, lacy texture, and the wine is enlivened by vibrant acidity that leaves a mouthwatering impression on the finish. Drink now through 2027. 125 cases imported. Highly Recommended. (11/30/11)"

94+ points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "The 2002 Brut Coeur de Cuvee is absolutely stunning. This young, towering Champagne bursts from the glass with layers of mineral-infused fruit, showing fabulous intensity and purity from start to finish. Hints of tropical, opulent fruit are very nicely tempered by the wine’s underlying structure. Think Montrachet with bubbles. The Coeur de Cuvee is made from 50 year old vines in Les Blanches Voies Hautes. The blend is 80% Chardonnay and 20% Pinot Noir. Dosage is 8 grams per liter. Disgorged May 2010. (Nov 2011)"

94 points (18.25/20) Richard Juhlin (Decanter): "Very great wine, which is slightly dumb now, yet structurally grand. It is starting to show both muscles and feeling. An impressively rich and juicy rendition of Vilmart. Drink: 2020-2040. Alcohol 12%. (Jan 2016)"

94 points Josh Raynolds (International Wine Cellar): "(80% chardonnay and 20% pinot noir, from a single parcel in the premier cru Rilly la Montagne; disgorged May, 2010): Vivid gold. Intensely perfumed, mineral-driven nose displays pit fruits, honeysuckle, anise, clove, vanilla bean and marzipan. On the palate, suave, perfumed lemon, peach and chalky mineral flavors put on weight with air. The mineral quality gains power with air and carries through the very long finish, which strongly echoes the anise and vanilla notes. As complex as this Champagne is right now, it appears to be built to age. (Oct/Nov 2011)"