Champagne Benoit Lahaye Blanc de Noirs Grand Cru is a biodynamic, non-vintage Extra Brut sparkling wine produced using the traditional method. It is characterized by aromas of strawberries, flowers, sweet pie dough, ripe red fruits, and white flowers, with underlying chalky minerality and fresh red currant notes. On the palate, it is medium-bodied, rich, fresh, and structured, offering a creamy, rounded mouthfeel, saline vitality, and an elegant, delicate, long finish with extraordinary length and persistence. It showcases the power, intensity, and concentration typical of Pinot Noir from the region, with dark-toned fruit and stony minerality.
Food Pairings
- This Champagne pairs well with shellfish, crab, lobster, baked white fish, poached turbot, scallop dumplings (steamed), mac and cheese, lobster risotto, and Livarot cheese. It complements food generally, enhancing dishes with its toasty start and long finish
Critics Reviews
- Average Critic Score: 90/100 (based on 18 reviews).
- James Suckling: “Aromatic with strawberries, flowers and sweet pie dough. Medium-bodied with fresh acidity and a creamy, rounded mouthfeel. Lovely finish. Drink now.” (Tasted July 2025).
- Robert Parker (90): “Benoit Lahaye Blanc de Noirs is a light sparkling wine with notes of ripe red fruits and white flowers. On the palate it is rich, fresh and structured with a saline vitality. It has a long, elegant and delicate finish.”
- Decanter: “Made entirely from Pinot Noir, this is a vivid, energetic Champagne, which shows the power and ripeness of the fruit grown in its south-facing vineyards.”
- Vivino User Average: 4.5/5 stars. Example reviews: “Delicious champagne. Some body to it, with a toasty start and a long, apple and pear finish. It just keeps going and complements food well.”; “Still a touch of lanolin, like chenin blanc, then wild strawberry and a nice coppery note. On the palate, lovely acidity, bead is slightly aggressive to start.”
Drink Window
- Drink now through 2035. It is ready to enjoy immediately but can age well due to its structure and acidity.
Serving Temperature
- 7-10°C (45-50°F), standard for Champagne to preserve its effervescence and aromas (specific serving details not listed in sources, but this is the recommended range for Blanc de Noirs styles).
