Benoit Lahaye Rose de Maceration N.V.

“Disgorged with 2.5 grams per liter dosage, Lahaye’s NV Rosé de Macération saw a day or two of maceration in tank before pressing, followed by vinification in amphora and barrel. Bursting with aromas of peonies, blood orange, red berries and spices, it’s medium to full-bodied, pillowy and flavorful, with lively acids and a saline finish. Drink: 2020-2030. 92 points

Benoît Lahaye has been producing wine at this 4.8-hectare Bouzy estate since 1993, and only a few years later, he began to experiment with organic and biodynamic farming. Now certified biodynamic for over a decade, he ploughs many of his vineyards with his own horses. Concentrated and incisive, these are serious Champagnes: harvested at full maturity and vinified without chaptalization in barrels, they see comparatively long élevage on the lees—with full malolactic fermentation—before tirage, and after maturation sur lattes, they’re disgorged with minimal dosage. Lahaye is one of Champagne’s finest producers, and on this visit to the domaine, I relished the opportunity to taste though all his recent releases.”

William Kelley, Wine Advocate (248)