Legras & Haas Champagne 'Les Sillons' Grand Cru Derriere des Partelaines Chouilly Brut Millesime 2013

This report describes the Legras & Haas Champagne 'Les Sillons' Grand Cru Derriere des Partelaines Chouilly Brut Millesime 2013in detail, from its origins in an exceptional terroir to its complex aromas and promising ageing potential.

The Legras & Haas estate and its terroir in Chouilly

Founded in 1991, the Legras & Haas family estate is based in Chouilly, the northernmost Grand Cru village in the Côte des Blancs . The family cultivates 18 hectares of vineyards here, which are considered to be one of the best sites for the Chardonnay grape variety .

The single vineyard "Derriere des Partelaines"is the centrepiece of this cuvée. It is located in the far west of Chouilly, near Épernay, and is considered an outstanding parcel within the estate that deserves to be bottled separately. The soil of the Côte des Blancs is characterised by chalk, with the older "Quadrata" limestone, known for its excellent water retention capacity, predominating in this particular location . The orientation of the slope to the east and north brings a particular strength and depth to the wines.

Vinification and technical data

This champagne is a pure Chardonnay (100%) and represents a modern approach to champagne production:

• Ageing: The base wine is vinified and aged in new oak barrels with medium toasting. This gives the wine structure, complexity and subtle toasted flavours.

• Length of ageing on the lees: The wine spends a total of 4 years on the lees in the bottle to develop its fine perlage and complex flavours.

• Dosage: The dosage is very low at 4 g/l (Extra Brut), which emphasises the varietal character of the Chardonnay and the mineral salinity of the terroir.

• Vintage: 2013 was a classic, cooler vintage, which gives the wines a remarkable freshness and vibrancy.

The sensory profile

Legras & Haas 'Les Sillons' 2013is complex and multi-layered, emphasising the interplay of ripe fruit, wood ageing and mineral depth.

• Colour: Pale straw yellow with a hint of warm golden nuance, indicating maturity and the influence of wood.

• Nose: The aroma is impressively complex. Ripe fruit flavours of yellow apples, pears and peach meet notes of quince, mandarin and exotic fruits such as star fruit. This is accompanied by notes of toasted bread, typical of wood maturation , as well as almonds and brioche from maturing on the lees. In the background, there is a refreshing component of citrus fruit and white flowers. With further maturation, notes of truffle, smoke, dried tobacco and a slightly spicy nuance may even develop .

• Palate: The wine is powerful and precise on the palate. The lively acidity provides freshness and tension, while the fine, elegant perlage coats the mouth with a creamy texture. The flavours of the bouquet are picked up again and infused with a distinctive mineral note and salinity that make the finish long and persistent. Some critics, such as those from Gault&Millau, speak of an "appetising root dimension of gentian" and a "perfect saline structure". Experts from wine-pages emphasise the "layered complexity" with a "striking, striking acidity".

• Finish: The finish is long, fine and persistent with a fruity dryness and a spicy aftertaste.

Reviews and drinking recommendation

The cuvée receives outstanding ratings from international critics, which emphasise its high quality. James Suckling awarded it 93 points, while the community on Cellartracker gave it an average score of 91.4 points.

The Legras & Haas 'Les Sillons' 2013is a Champagne with remarkable ageing potential. While it is already showing its qualities now (in 2026), according to experts, its peak is expectedbetween 2027 and 2033. The excellent balance and wood ageing allow the wine to be enjoyed in its youth.

Serving temperature: 10-12°C. Ideal in a large Burgundy flute to fully bring out the complex flavours.

Price and availability

Due to its exclusivity - it was only the second vintage from this single vineyard - the wine is rare and priced in the upper segment. Prices vary greatly depending on the retailer and location:

• approx. €130.00

• approx. £90.00 (approx. 105 €)

• approx. $145.79 (approx. €135)

• Budget estimates by French experts were around €30-50, but this is likely to differ greatly from current market prices.

Fits...

The complexity and characterful style of Legras & Haas 'Les Sillons' 2013 make it an excellent food companion. It is already appreciated by big names in gastronomy. It harmonises ideally with:

• Fish and seafood: Fried fish, scallops or lobster.

• Poultry and veal: dishes with creamy sauces.

• Mushroom dishes: The earthy notes of champagne go wonderfully with a creamy mushroom risotto.

• Aged cheese: especially with Comté or Gruyère.

Summary

The Legras & Haas 'Les Sillons' Grand Cru Derriere des Partelaines Chouilly Brut Millesime 2013 is an exceptional champagne that demonstrates all the craftsmanship of Legras & Haas. Its mature aroma spectrum, the perfectly integrated wood notes, the lively acidity and the mineral depth are evidence of a great terroir. For connoisseurs and collectors who appreciate a powerful, elegant and characterful Blanc de Blancs with great potential, this champagne is an outstanding choice.