Roland Boulard 'La Passion de Laurine' Extra Brut, Champagne, France NV
$70.00
Regular price $65.00Founded in the 1970s by Roland Boulard and now led by his daughter Nathalie Barizet and her husband Benoît, Champagne Roland Boulard & Filles is an independent, family-run récoltant-manipulant based in Cormicy, north of Reims. The estate's nearly 10 hectares span two distinct terroirs: the Massif de Saint-Thierry, where the domaine is centered, and parcels in the Marne Valley, Château-Thierry, and Mailly-Champagne. The third generation joined in 2019 when Laurine — the eldest of Nathalie and Benoît's three daughters — returned after studies in viticulture and international trade. 'La Passion de Laurine' is named for her, the first cuvée to bear a daughter's name and one that reflects her temperament: structured, driven, and layered. The house specializes in Meunier-driven blends and places emphasis on precision in assemblage.
- WINEMAKER: Nathalie and Benoît Barizet, with Laurine Barizet
- FARMING: Certified High Environmental Value Level 3 (HVE-3); adherent to the Sustainable Viticulture in Champagne charter. Natural organic fertilizers used; pesticide use limited; cover cropping practiced to support biodiversity. Member of Vignerons Indépendants de Champagne.
- VARIETY: 40% Pinot Meunier, 40% Chardonnay, 20% Pinot Noir
- TERROIR: Vineyards centered on the Massif de Saint-Thierry, a sub-region north of Reims characterized by sandy clay soils over limestone — a notably different profile from the chalk-dominant Côte des Blancs and Montagne de Reims. The house also draws from plots in Cormicy, Hermonville, and Neuville-aux-Larris, as well as Mailly-Champagne Grand Cru. Base vintage: 2019.
- VINIFICATION: Only the cuvée (first-press juice) is used. Fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks; alcoholic fermentation with selected yeasts; malolactic fermentation completed. Reserve wines represent 15% of the blend, with those reserves having been aged in oak barrels. Pre-bottling élevage of a minimum of 7 months. Dosage: 5.50 g/L (Extra Brut).
- AGING: Minimum 4 years on the lees prior to disgorgement.
- TASTING NOTES: Deep gold with a fine, persistent bead. The nose is expressive, with tropical fruit, toasted brioche, and a thread of spice from the oak-aged reserves. The palate is ample and textured — creamy mousse framing notes of ripe orchard fruit and evolved complexity — with firm underlying acidity providing structure and length.
- FOOD PAIRINGS: Aperitif; coq au vin and other braised poultry dishes; aged semi-firm cheeses.
- SCORES: Decanter: 94 pts
Roland Boulard 'La Passion de Laurine' Extra Brut, Champagne, France NV
Regular price $65.00
Founded in the 1970s by Roland Boulard and now led by his daughter Nathalie Barizet and her husband Benoît, Champagne Roland Boulard & Filles is an independent, family-run récoltant-manipulant based in Cormicy, north of Reims. The estate's nearly 10 hectares span two distinct terroirs: the Massif de Saint-Thierry, where the domaine is centered, and parcels in the Marne Valley, Château-Thierry, and Mailly-Champagne. The third generation joined in 2019 when Laurine — the eldest of Nathalie and Benoît's three daughters — returned after studies in viticulture and international trade. 'La Passion de Laurine' is named for her, the first cuvée to bear a daughter's name and one that reflects her temperament: structured, driven, and layered. The house specializes in Meunier-driven blends and places emphasis on precision in assemblage.
- WINEMAKER: Nathalie and Benoît Barizet, with Laurine Barizet
- FARMING: Certified High Environmental Value Level 3 (HVE-3); adherent to the Sustainable Viticulture in Champagne charter. Natural organic fertilizers used; pesticide use limited; cover cropping practiced to support biodiversity. Member of Vignerons Indépendants de Champagne.
- VARIETY: 40% Pinot Meunier, 40% Chardonnay, 20% Pinot Noir
- TERROIR: Vineyards centered on the Massif de Saint-Thierry, a sub-region north of Reims characterized by sandy clay soils over limestone — a notably different profile from the chalk-dominant Côte des Blancs and Montagne de Reims. The house also draws from plots in Cormicy, Hermonville, and Neuville-aux-Larris, as well as Mailly-Champagne Grand Cru. Base vintage: 2019.
- VINIFICATION: Only the cuvée (first-press juice) is used. Fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks; alcoholic fermentation with selected yeasts; malolactic fermentation completed. Reserve wines represent 15% of the blend, with those reserves having been aged in oak barrels. Pre-bottling élevage of a minimum of 7 months. Dosage: 5.50 g/L (Extra Brut).
- AGING: Minimum 4 years on the lees prior to disgorgement.
- TASTING NOTES: Deep gold with a fine, persistent bead. The nose is expressive, with tropical fruit, toasted brioche, and a thread of spice from the oak-aged reserves. The palate is ample and textured — creamy mousse framing notes of ripe orchard fruit and evolved complexity — with firm underlying acidity providing structure and length.
- FOOD PAIRINGS: Aperitif; coq au vin and other braised poultry dishes; aged semi-firm cheeses.
- SCORES: Decanter: 94 pts