Domaine J. Laurens

Le Moulin is named for the parcel where most of the domaine’s Mauzac grows, a hillside topped by an old windmill. Mauzac is Limoux’s traditional grape, and here it makes up 90% of the blend, finished with 10% Chardonnay. The domaine farms near La Digne-d’Aval, outside Carcassonne, on clay-limestone slopes where hot, dry days and cool nights keep the fruit fresh. The grapes are picked by hand.

The grapes are pressed slowly in a pneumatic press, and the first fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks. The second fermentation happens in bottle by the traditional method, and the wine is finished brut.

Fresh apple, pear, and honey aromas with apricot underneath. Fine bubbles with a soft, rounded palate and a clean, refreshing finish.

91pts ~ Decanter World Wine Awards 2017 | 90pts ~ Decanter Global Blanc de Blancs Panel 2019 | 89pts ~ Wine Enthusiast

The “7” marks 2007, the first year the domaine made a rosé, and the label nods to a famous perfume. The blend is 60% Chardonnay, 25% Chenin Blanc and 15% Pinot Noir from the domaine’s hand-harvested vineyards on the clay-limestone slopes around La Digne-d’Aval.

The grapes are pressed gently and slowly, and only the first juice, the cœur de presse, is kept. The first fermentation runs in temperature-controlled tanks and the second in bottle. The wine then ages at least 12 months in the domaine’s cellars before disgorgement and a light final dosage.

Pale salmon pink. Raspberry and citrus with delicate floral notes on the nose. Red fruit runs through the palate, the Pinot Noir lends it fullness, and fine bubbles keep it fresh and lively. Fine mousse with a fresh, elegant finish.

91pts ~ Wine Enthusiast

Le Clos des Demoiselles is one of the domaine’s top cuvées. It was created in honor of the Brut Originel: Limoux’s claim to the first sparkling wine ever made in 1531. The blend is 60% Chardonnay, 25% Chenin Blanc and 15% Pinot Noir from the domaine’s hand-harvested clay-limestone slopes.

It’s made by the traditional method. The grapes are pressed slowly and gently in a pneumatic press, the first fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks, and the second in bottle.

Golden in the glass with a fine, steady bead, it opens on white peach blossom and notes of a musky anise undertone. Complex and refined with brioche, citrus, and toasted almond on the palate. Creamy mousse with a soft, full, and persistent finish.

91pts ~ Wine Enthusiast | 90pts ~ Decanter World Wine Awards 2018

Les Graimenous is the lieu-dit where the domaine sits, and the name means “wild grasses” in Occitan. It’s the domaine’s signature wine: a vintage Crémant of 60% Chardonnay, 30% Chenin Blanc and 5% each of Pinot Noir and Mauzac, from hand-harvested vines on clay-limestone slopes.

The grapes are pressed slowly and gently in a pneumatic press, and the first fermentation runs in stainless steel. After the second fermentation in bottle, the wine ages at least 12 months on its lees and gets a light dosage at disgorgement.

The nose is intense, with citrus, dried fruit and honey and a touch of green apple. The palate is round, with white flowers and toast, and it ends on a crisp, fruity finish and a discreet lime note.

2020 93pts ~ Decanter (Natalie Earl)