Vilmart Brut Champagne Coeur de Cuvée 1er Cru 2016

95 points Wine Spectator: "[$185 list] Notes of honeysuckle and lime blossoms, blood orange peel, anise and cardamom are a fragrant overtone heralding this fresh Champagne, which shows good tension and drive. The refined, chalky mousse is lacy in texture, buoying finely meshed flavors of ripe apricot and quince paste, raw almond, vanilla wafer and candied ginger. Ends with a long, mouthwatering finish. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Disgorged September 2022. Drink now through 2036. 75 cases imported. (9/25/24)"

95 points Audrey Frick (JebDunnuck.com): "Also 80% Chardonnay, the 2016 Champagne 1er Cru Coeur De Cuvée Brut is a bright yellow color and is a bit more shy at this stage on the nose compared to the Grand Cellier D'Or, with notes of lemon candies, green apples, baking spices, and delicate fresh baked brioche. Driving, with more linear persistence in its acidity, it’s citrus-driven on the palate, with a zesty, spritely mousse and a clean, chalky finish with just a hint of bitter citrus. This one feels as though it needs more time at this stage to open up and come around, but it has a lot of potential. Drink it over the coming 10-15 years. Drink: 2024-2040. (12/20/24)"

94-95 points Essi Avellan, MW: "(80% Chardonnay, 20% Pinot Noir). Vilmart are proud owners of a vast amount of old vines on the majestic Blanche Voies in Rilly-la-Montagne. Produced from the very best ‘heart’ of the pressing only, this long-ageing wine receives significant oak impact, yet takes it so well already. Dense and profound on the silky flowing palate of great concentration and stunning acid line. This one is best forgotten in the cellar for a few years for even more layers and richness. (Feb 2024)"

94+ points Yohan Castaing (Wine Advocate): "The 2016 Brut Premier Cru Coeur de Cuvée is derived from vines planted in the Hauts de Blanches Voies lieu-dit on chalky soils. Evoking aromas of pear, spices, white flowers, spring blossoms and lemon oil, it's full-bodied, sappy and round, with a deep core of fruit, bright acids and a long, ethereal, chalky finish. Slightly phenolic and with a pinpoint mousse, this blend of 80% Chardonnay and 20% Pinot Noir was matured for five years in the bottle on the lees and released two years after disgorgement. This is simply gorgeous. Drink: 2024-2044. (10/24/24)"

94+ points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "The 2016 Brut Coeur de Cuvée is an elegant, sensual Champagne. In other words, classic Vilmart. Crushed flowers, mint, chalk, slate, dried herbs and citrus peel are all beautifully delineated. Brisk acids wrap it all together in style. The 2016 needs a few years to be at its most expressive, as it is pretty reserved today. Even so, all the elements are impeccably put together. The barrels used here are one to three years old. Dosage is 7 grams per liter. Disgorged: September, 2022. Drink: 2024-2036. (Mar 2024)"