Benoit Lahaye Brut Nature / Grand Cru NV Champagne
Champagne 12.5% ABV ABV Benoit LahayeGood but needs the right moment
Had this at a friend's dinner party and thought it was solid but maybe not an everyday buy at that price point. The finish is lovely and clean, and there's a minerally thing going on that I liked. Just not sure I'd pick it over a decent £40 bottle for casual drinking.
Birthday treat that delivered
Bought this for my 40th and wow, it really lived up to the hype. Bone dry with this amazing crispness that just kept me going back for more. Not cheap at £70 but for a Grand Cru champagne on a special occasion? Worth every penny.
Saw this on a restaurant menu
Tried it at a restaurant first then tracked down a bottle to have at home. It's the kind of champagne that builds on you — first sip is nice, by the third glass you're properly impressed. Great with seafood starters. The dry style really works here.
Proper grown-up champagne
The guy at my local wine shop recommended this when I said I wanted something a bit more interesting than the usual suspects. It's got real depth to it — not just fizz and gone, there's actual substance. Took a couple of sips to really get into it but then I couldn't stop.
Smells incredible
First thing I noticed was the nose on this — really expressive and aromatic without being over the top. Paired it with some cheese and charcuterie and it was perfect. The acidity cuts right through rich food. Will definitely get another bottle.
Bit pricey for what it is
Look, it's a nice champagne. Clean, precise, does what it says on the tin. But at £71 I expected to be a bit more blown away honestly. I've had grower champagnes at £45-50 that gave me a similar experience. Would try other things from Lahaye though.
Converted me to brut nature
I usually go for regular brut because I thought zero dosage champagnes would be too harsh. This completely changed my mind. It's dry but not aggressive, and there's a weight to it that surprised me. The fruit and the acidity are really well balanced. Benoit Lahaye is now on my radar.