NV Lilbert-Fils Perle Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru

92 Points - Tom Hewson, Decanter

“Bertrand Lilbert’s wines have long been insider favourites, particularly the intensely characterful, clean-cut and aromatic Cramant Chardonnay, and the Perle – which follows a tradition in the village of reducing the pressure of the mousse by one third to give finer, creamier bubbles. This hits a sweet spot with its pear, apricot juice and citrus oil intensity, fragrant with jasmine-like florals and rounded out by a third of the blend coming from a perpetual reserve system. Based on the 2019 vintage”

91 Points - Kristaps Karklins, Wine Advocate

“Disgorged in April 2024 with a dosage of three grams per liter, Lilbert’s NV Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Perle is crafted from a third of 2019 and a third of 2018, complemented by a perpetual blend initiated in the 1980s. Just like Bertrand Lilbert’s regular NV Blanc de Blancs, it is heavily based on Cramant, with the remainder coming from Chouilly and Oiry. However, it spends a year longer on the fine lees in tank and is then made with a lower-pressure than traditional Champagnes, delivering four atmospheres instead of the standard six, by adding a solution with just 16 grams of sugar per liter instead of 24, as four grams of sugar per liter produces one atmosphere of pressure. Opening in the glass with scents of hazelnut, honeysuckle, smoke and brioche, it is more generously structured and vinous than the regular non-vintage cuvée, informed by the quality and personality of the base vintages.”