Wine Critic
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Production is limited, in line with the small size of the estate.
Julien Prélat “La Lemblée” Blanc de Blancs is a Côte des Bar grower Champagne made from 100% Pinot Blanc (a rare “forgotten” variety in Champagne), from the La Lemblée lieu‑dit near Celles‑sur‑Ource, on Kimmeridgian limestone and marl‑clay soils. The style is clean, precise, and low‑dosage, with citrus, subtle stone fruit, toast, and a mineral backbone.
Producer and vineyard
Julien Prélat is a third‑generation vigneron based in Celles‑sur‑Ource in the Côte des Bar (southern Champagne). He farms about 2.5 ha without herbicides or pesticides and focuses on single‑varietal, plot‑driven cuvées, often from individual vintages.
La Lemblée comes from vines over 24 years old on Kimmeridgian limestone and marl‑clay soils in the Côte des Bar. It is the only pure Pinot Blanc cuvée in his range and one of the few in Champagne.
Winemaking and style
Assemblage: 100% Pinot Blanc.
Vinification: spontaneous fermentation with indigenous yeasts in a mix of French oak barrels and stainless steel.
Aging: at least 60 months on lees in bottle before disgorgement.
Dosage: under 6 g/L (around 4.5–6 g/L), labeled Extra Brut.
Production: very limited (around 1,100 bottles in recent vintages).
Tasting profile
Nose: pale straw color with fine bubbles; aromas of citrus, vanilla, baking bread, and later balsamic hints.
Palate: silky and enveloping, with orange citrus, subtle black fruit notes, fresh acidity, and a charming toastiness.
Finish: long, savory, and citrus‑driven, with persistent freshness and mineral length.
Overall, it’s a rare, complex, and well‑executed Pinot Blanc Champagne that stands out for its freshness, texture, and length.
Drinking window and food pairing
Best enjoyed now through about 15+ years from the base vintage if stored well; it has the structure and acidity to age.
Serve slightly cool (8–10°C) as an aperitif, with French cheeses, various appetizers, mushroom vol‑au‑vents, foie gras, or shrimp risotto.
