Georges Laval Cumieres Premier Cru Brut Nature Rose, Champagne, France 2020

Cumières Premier Cru Brut Nature Rosé 2020 is a rare, highly distinctive Champagne from one of Cumières’ most respected grower families. The 2020 is the first vintage of this brighter, more delicate rosé style, made from Pinot Noir and Chardonnay and produced as a Rosé de Saignée, rather than a conventional blended rosé.

The wine is deeply vinous yet remarkably fresh, with wild strawberry, cranberry, sour cherry, blood orange, graphite, smoke and subtle spice. There is a fine tannic grip from the maceration, while the chalky, clay-limestone soils of Cumières provide an energetic, saline finish. It was raised for six months in used barrels, spent 18 months on the lees, and was disgorged without dosage in November 2022.