Larmandier-Bernier’s Les Chemins d’Avize Grand Cru Extra Brut 2015 is a terroir-focused Blanc de Blancs from Avize, built on old-vine Chardonnay and a deliberately dry, low-dosage profile. The wine comes from a “very small parcel of 0.7 hectares in Avize,” according to Jeb Dunnuck (tasted by Audrey Frick), and is finished as Extra Brut at “2 grams per liter dosage,” a figure echoed across critics. Vinous (Antonio Galloni) also reports it was “Disgorged: September 1, 2022,” underscoring the long lees-aging approach typical of this cuvée.

In the glass, this is a Chardonnay Champagne that leans toward breadth and vinous intensity rather than simple citrus-and-chalk austerity. Galloni calls it “a broad, ample Champagne that reflects both vinification in wood and time on the lees,” with flavors that “build in the glass” from “lemon confit” and “marzipan” to “dried flowers, chamomile, sage and spice.” Dunnuck similarly notes a “spicier profile” with “a touch more oak presence” and “ripe orange zest,” alongside “full-bodied richness” and “a fluffy mousse.”

The structure is a key part of the story. Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate (William Kelley) describes it as “medium to full-bodied, pillowy and chalky,” with “bright acids” and a “rather concentrated profile,” adding that it’s “a little compact out of the gates” but “built to age with grace.” Dunnuck agrees it “will take time to blossom fully,” recommending “Drink 2025-2045.”

Critical reception is strong, led by an excellent 95-point review from Vinous, which concludes the 2015 is “powerful and resonant, with no hard edges,” and “terrific.” Dunnuck rates it 94 and calls it “an impressive wine,” while Wine Advocate assigns 94+ points, emphasizing its ageworthy, tightly knit core.