The NV Vilmart et Cie Grand Reserve is a Champagne blend produced by Vilmart et Cie in France's renowned Champagne region. This white wine, primarily composed of 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay, is known for its vibrant and harmonious character, as highlighted by multiple professional reviewers.
Wine Spectator awarded this Champagne a score of 92, praising its "bright, harmonious" nature and "lovely vibrancy." The review notes that the finely detailed bead carries a flavor range featuring "crunchy Asian pear, tangerine, and slivered almond notes" with hints of "grated ginger and elderflower." It finishes with a "lasting, creamy finish." This particular batch was disgorged in October 2019 and is recommended for consumption now through 2025.
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate gave the NV Brut Premier Cru Grande Réserve a score of 90. Reviewer William Kelley described it as "medium to full-bodied, seamless and complete." He highlighted aromas of "pear, wheat toast, yeast extract, and confit citrus," noting its "fleshy core of fruit, tangy acids, and a pillowy mousse." Kelley pointed out that the wine is derived from the 2017 vintage, complemented by reserve wines from 2015 and 2016, with a dosage of nine grams per liter and was disgorged in June 2019. Kelley notes that while it is already showing beautifully, it will also age gracefully.
Vinous also scored this Champagne 90 points, with Antonio Galloni describing it as "brisk and finely cut." He mentions flavors of "citrus, almond, dried flowers, and crushed rocks," emphasizing its energy and depth. This edition is based on the 2021 vintage with reserve wines from 2020 and 2019, featuring an eight grams per liter dosage and was disgorged in July 2023.
The Wine Independent's Sarah Mayo provided a 91-point review. She noted its "slightly oxidative notes of bruised apple" that transition to "fresh Anjou pear, white grapefruit peel, verbena blossoms, and toast." The Champagne is "medium-bodied with incisive acid freshness and subdued orchard fruit," finishing with a "long, mineral note." This blend was based on the 2020 vintage with 50% reserve wines, barrel fermented with ten months on lees, and finished with an eight grams per liter dosage, disgorged in December 2022.
Overall, the NV Vilmart et Cie Grand Reserve is a highly regarded Champagne known for its vibrant flavors and balanced structure, with distinct notes and textures that promise enjoyment now and in the future.