The 1996 Nicolas Epton LXIR Blanc de Blancs is one of the best deals we have come across this year for Champagne and is a fantastic, recently disgorged Champagne in magnum at an unbelievable price! Produced entirely from Grand Cru Chardonnay from Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, 1996 is one of the greatest Champagne vintages of the modern era and was kept for approximately 20 years on the lees before being disgorged at the end of 2022. Nicolas Epton was a récoltant-manipulant active in Champagne during this period. He had an interesting connection to Bruno Paillard through Crus et Vins de Champagne, a company established in Le Mesnil-sur-Oger in 1996 in which both men were involved before Paillard ultimately succeeded Epton. A good friend in France recently tasted the 1996 LXIR and was extremely impressed by how well it is showing! Deep golden in color with remarkable presence and complexity, showing ripe yellow peach and lemon with the depth and richness that only long lees aging can provide. Most importantly, there is no tired or overly mature character here—the wine still has tremendous power, freshness, and structure nearly 30 years from vintage. This is very much a Champagne for the table, and the rare magnum format, Grand Cru Mesnil fruit, legendary 1996 vintage, and late disgorgement make it an exceptionally rare bottle for anyone who loves mature Champagne. Don’t miss it!
1996 Nicolas Epton Champagne Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Extra Brut 'LXIR'
1996 Nicolas Epton Champagne Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Extra Brut 'LXIR'
The 1996 Nicolas Epton LXIR Blanc de Blancs is one of the best deals we have come across this year for Champagne and is a fantastic, recently disgorged Champagne in magnum at an unbelievable price! Produced entirely from Grand Cru Chardonnay from Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, 1996 is one of the greatest Champagne vintages of the modern era and was kept for approximately 20 years on the lees before being disgorged at the end of 2022. Nicolas Epton was a récoltant-manipulant active in Champagne during this period. He had an interesting connection to Bruno Paillard through Crus et Vins de Champagne, a company established in Le Mesnil-sur-Oger in 1996 in which both men were involved before Paillard ultimately succeeded Epton. A good friend in France recently tasted the 1996 LXIR and was extremely impressed by how well it is showing! Deep golden in color with remarkable presence and complexity, showing ripe yellow peach and lemon with the depth and richness that only long lees aging can provide. Most importantly, there is no tired or overly mature character here—the wine still has tremendous power, freshness, and structure nearly 30 years from vintage. This is very much a Champagne for the table, and the rare magnum format, Grand Cru Mesnil fruit, legendary 1996 vintage, and late disgorgement make it an exceptionally rare bottle for anyone who loves mature Champagne. Don’t miss it!
