Laherte Frères Les 7:
A solera based Champagne utilizing all 7 (technically 8 now) authorized grapes in Champagne. This bottle being 18% Pinot Meunier, 18% Chardonnay, 17% Pinot Blanc, 15% Petit Meslier, 14% Pinot Noir, 10% Fromenteau, and 8% Arbanne. The solera itself dates back to 2005, with this bottle being disgorged in 2020.
The nose on this was incredibly complex. Lemon zest from Pinot blanc, cream from Chardonnay, lychee from Fromenteau, peach from Meslier, white flower from Arbanne. On the palate, ripe strawberry, ripe peach, lemongrass, brioche, orange zest and anise.
I know it sounds like a lot, but I found both the nose and the palate rather harmonious. Classic champagne flavors of lemon, bread, and red fruit are still here, but their presence is uplifted by the over abundance of stone fruit, spice and flowers that I normally don’t find in a solera champagne. Speaking of solera, I did not find this to be heavily yeasty like you might find in a bottle of Selosse or Pierre Peters. Still a factor, just not as pronounced as I expected. Overall, great wine. Definitely a unique experience if you love champagne.
by konman32
7 Comments
Grower Champagne has been a true revelation for me. So much seriously interesting stuff out there, and at very decent prices compared with the prestige bottlings from the big houses.
Plus their labels are usually gorgeous.
You made me order more.
Is this a true solera or more a perpetual cuvée?
They have all the good stuff, even the basic Ultradition Champagne is super compelling.
Thanks for the notes, I happen to be sitting on a bottle of this right now and I’m excited to try it out the next time I have an occasion for it.
laherte is so good. love their stuff
Enjoy