…lavish complexity

I first met Daniel in 1991 and even then, his passion was clear, an incredible attention to detail and quality, not yet fully appreciated by the market at the time. Wow, what a journey, and a wonderful sensory treat and experience for all wine lovers. Daniel comes from 12 generations of Champagne vignerons. The first record of a Le Brun planting vines in the region of Champagne was in 1684. The date 1791 is carved into the historic family grape press, the year the Le Brun family first started producing wine in Champagne. Today, Daniel crafts his character filled wines in Marlborough, in the traditional method of his homeland.
In late October of this year - coinciding with Global Champagne Day, the Le Brun family at their No.1 Family Estate Winery in Marlborough, will be releasing a limited number of this Réserve in Magnums, which has developed slightly differently due to the volume of wine and its caress with the yeast, treat yourself for Xmas and appreciate the subtle nuances.
This Réserve cuvée was disgorged in June 2024 after six and a half years on lees, and officially launched onto the market on the 4th of October. 1680 bottles have been hand-labelled and numbered. I introduced & served this cuvée on the 9th of October at the ‘Tasting Table’ in Auckland - where ‘head chef’ Bob Lun, created a bespoke Crab & Prawn Fettuccine dish with a creamy crayfish bisque - designed as a ‘celebratory’ combination.
Another reason to celebrate, it was 25 years ago on Bastille Day in 1999, Adele & Daniel Le Brun launched their second Méthode Traditionelle venture called No.1 Family Estate. Over time, it has become a benchmark NV Méthode Traditionelle for the whole country. For this Réserve Cuvée, a limited number of bottles of their No.1 Cuvée are set aside for longer ageing and released after several years (on this occasion 6.5 years) giving it the title ‘Réserve’. This extended contact of lees ageing has resulted in added richness & complex nuances in the wine, along with Daniel’s signature of balance and character.

★ A vibrant peach colour illuminates the glass, you are sweat up in the hypnotic bouquet of baked apple tart, grilled peaches, mille-feuille pastry notes and hint of vanilla. The fine elegant mousse creates a luscious duvet landing on the palate, gently revealing its generous and engaging personality, proudly showcasing those baked apples, ripe peach and almond biscotti nuances, all highlighted by a define citrus seam. Then you are again wrapped up in patisserie characters, with a deft infusion of spice and a hint of vanilla brioche. The ensemble of flavours glide across the dancefloor on a continuous fine bead, and the natural fruit acidity providing an added effervescence to the wine’s lavish complexity and resulting in a stylish dénouement.

This No.1 ‘Réserve’ Blanc de Blancs NV has 12.5% Alc./vol. An ‘Extra Brut’ Style - with 2.3g/L residual sugar. Chill gently and serve in a voluptuous flute or aromatic shaped wine glass at 8º- 10ºC. - *NZ$98.00

CELLARING POTENTIAL: *(Article Posted 12/10/24)
Drinking perfectly this season; plus, it will hold nicely for another 5 - 7 years.

FOOD PAIRING SUGGESTIONS:
Perfect wine pairing with crayfish w/ lemon & garlic mayonnaise, tempura calamari, crab & prawn fettuccini, crumbed fish, creamy pumpkin gnocchi, freshly made seafood salads, or an apple tart served with fresh vanilla cream - enjoy.