Vineyards and winemaking
Le Griffon 2014 combines Pinot Meunier from the Vallée de la Marne with Chardonnay from the Massif de Saint-Thierry. Meunier supplies breadth and dark-skinned fruit character, while Chardonnay from the area's distinctive soils gives lift, mineral detail and length.
First-press juice was fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel and completed malolactic fermentation before four months in second- and third-fill oak. The wine then spent at least seven years on its lees, was disgorged in July 2023 and finished with a dosage of 6.75g/l.
Tasting notes
Appearance
Deep gold with an exceptionally fine, steady bead.
Nose
Mandarin peel, dried apricot and quince are layered with brioche, toasted almond, hazelnut and discreet vanilla.
Palate
Structured and vinous, with orange, ripe stone fruit and nutty lees complexity held by bright acidity. Older oak adds breadth without sweetness, and the long finish brings together citrus oil, spice and a cool mineral note. Chill well and open gently, allowing the wine to broaden in the glass.
Food pairing
A fine choice for roast guinea fowl, glazed ham, salmon en croûte, wild-mushroom vol-au-vents or an aged Gruyère. Its maturity and savoury depth make it especially suited to the main course rather than only the opening toast.
Background story
The griffon is the Boulard family's emblem, representing protection, constancy and guardianship of the estate. This long-aged vintage cuvée carries that symbol as a more contemplative expression of the house, uniting two grapes and two Champagne landscapes.
Our collaboration with the family began through daughter Laurine's university placement at Sommelier's Choice. Bottles shared at her farewell gathering introduced us to Champagnes then unavailable outside France, and Le Griffon shows the depth behind that very personal discovery.
