Vilmart Brut Champagne Grande Réserve 1er Cru NV

93 points Tyson Stelzer (The Champagne Guide): "(2015 base vintage; disgorged June 2017; 30% chardonnay, 70% pinot noir; Rilly-la-Montagne and Villers-Allerand; 2014 reserves; fermented and aged 10 months in large oak foudres; no malolactic fermentation; 9g/L dosage). Grand Réserve and Rubis are Vilmart’s only cuvées led by pinot noir, and they never hit quite the high notes of the other cuvées. That said, this is the best Grande Réserve in five years, a well-crafted, harmonious and seamless cuvée of layered complexity of yellow fruits of all kinds. Excellent tension of grapefruit and lemon contrasts with the ripeness of spicy white peach. Large oak-foudre fermentation integrates the tension of malic acidity and the prominent chalk minerality of the northern slopes of the Montagne de Reims with the wonderfully creamy texture and toasty, spicy expansiveness of old oak. It’s a compelling accord, concluding with definition and freshness. (2020-2021)"

92 points Wine Spectator: "[$58 list] A bright, harmonious Champagne, with a lovely vibrancy to the finely detailed bead that effortlessly carries the flavor range, including crunchy Asian pear, tangerine and slivered almond notes that show hints of grated ginger and elderflower. Ends with a lasting, creamy finish. Disgorged October 2019. Drink now through 2025. (10/15/21)"

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)"