Lurquin’s Champagnes are among the rarest bottles on the Champagne market. The secondary market is wild. But w...

Lurquin’s Champagnes are among the rarest bottles on the Champagne market. The secondary market is wild. But what about the wine itself? It prompts plenty of open-ended questions. This bottle is a statement in itself, complex, red-wine-like, and full-bodied, with notable power and punch, clocking in … ehmm nearly 14% alcohol. Packed with orange peel, blood orange, ripe cherries, and spices, with a clean aromatic profile. Well-made. The nose is beautiful. It smells like a complex Pinot indeed. But the mouth feeling is so confusing. The finish is, 2 years after the deg., still quite tannic. I kept trying to decide whether I liked it or not. I’m not a strong believer in “drinkability” as the main criterion for wine, especially Champagne. Wine can be intellectual, even demanding. Still, I appreciate a certain playfulness, and this bottle is clearly crafted as the antithesis of easy drinking. I didn’t enjoy the alcohol sweetness in my glass and overall, it was too grippy to me. I don’t think I’ll seek out Lurquin’s Champagnes again. That said, I’m glad I had the chance to try it, especially with the help of a sommelier who guided me to the right bottle and helped me understand Lurquin’s unique style. ( I can not mention the greatness of the wine service in @lewinebarbylevintage enough. It’s not a secret tho!) #lurquinchampagne #rarewine #winediaries #champagnelover #champagnediaries