Vilmart Brut Champagne Grande Réserve 1er Cru NV

93 points Tyson Stelzer (The Champagne Guide): "(tasted in 2023 in France; 30% chardonnay, 70% pinot noir; 2020 base vintage with reserves from 2019 and 2018; average vine age 30 years; aged 10 months in foudres; no malolactic fermentation; disgorged November 2022 – all on back label; 50% reserves; aged 15 months on lees in bottle). A pristine Grande Reserve that captures the concentration and tension of Vilmart with grand precision. There is wonderful depth of lemon, grapefruit, apple and white peach, accented with fig, even a hint of fennel. Age delivers subtle spice and brioche. The interplay between chalk minerality, malic acidity and gentle phenolic depth is fantastic, defining a classic Vilmart and signature northern Montagne de Reims. (Edition VII; 2024)"

92 points Wine Spectator: "[$72 list] Vivid acidity creates a mouthwatering frame for the white raspberry, blood orange, salted Marcona almond and star anise flavors carried on the lightly chalky mousse of this sleek and focused Champagne. Lightly briny and lingering on the finish. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Disgorged July 2023. Drink now through 2029. 750 cases imported. (11/30/24)"

91 points Yohan Castaing (Wine Advocate): "A blend of 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay, the latest rendition of Vilmart's NV Brut Premier Cru Grande Réserve reveals a pure, delicate bouquet of pear, white flowers, confit citrus and menthol. Medium to full-bodied, pure, precise and seamless, it has a fleshy core of fruit, bright acids and a crystalline texture that paves the way to a long, mouthwatering and ethereal finish. Based on the 2021 vintage complemented with 2020 and 2019, it includes 50% vins de réserve and was vinified and matured for 10 months. Drink: 2024-2030. (10/24/24)"

91 points Sarah Mayo (The Wine Independent): "Based on the 2020 vintage with 50% of reserve wines from the previous two years, the Vilmart Grand Réserve NV is a 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay blend that is barrel fermented with ten months on lees prior to second fermentation and disgorgement December 2022. It was finished with an eight grams per liter dosage. Burnished gold with columns of exuberant bubbles, it opens with slightly oxidative notes of bruised apple that give way to fresh Anjou pear, white grapefruit peel, verbena blossoms and toast. Medium-bodied with incisive acid freshness and subdued orchard fruit, it finishes with a long, mineral note. Alcohol 12.5%. Drink: 2023-2028. (11/8/23)"

90 points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "Vilmart's NV Brut Grande Réserve is brisk and finely cut. Citrus, almond, dried flowers and crushed rocks are all finely delineated. This year's Grande Réserve is endowed with quite a bit of energy and drive, but it is also quite deep. Once again, it is a fine introduction to the range. This edition is based on 2021, with reserve wines from 2020 and 2019. Dosage is 8 grams per liter. Disgorged: July 2023. Drink: 2024-2034. (Mar 2024)"