Rose De Meunier "Extra Brut", Laherte Freres, Champagne, FR, NV

Vinous 93 Points

The NV Extra Brut Rosé de Meunier is very similar to the Ultradition version (the blend of vintages changes slightly) but bottled with 2.5 grams per liter of dosage. The lower dosage seems to bring out an extra kick of savory intensity to play off the dried rose petal, cinnamon, orange peel and crushed red berry fruit. This release is a blend of equal parts 2018 and 2017, done as a blend of lots that are pressed as white (Blanc de Noirs), saignée and still red wine. I loved it.

Robert Parker's 90 Points

Disgorged earlier this year, the NV Extra-Brut Rosé de Meunier bursts with aromas of red berries, peonies, licorice and spices. Medium to full-bodied, ample and fleshy, it's layered and vinous, with a ripe core of fruit and brisk girdling acids. As usual, it's a blend of 60% direct pressed Pinot Meunier, 30% macerated Pinot Meunier and 10% red Pinot Meunier.