David Leclapart

One of the cornerstone biodynamic producers in Chamapagne and quite simply one of my favourite producers. I have lost so many hours sitting in David’s front room enjoying the delights of one or more of his cuvees whilst discussing everything from travel to table tennis! He is quiet, generous and genuinly interested in everything you can possibly throw at him. Of course when pushed about Champagne he know exactly what he wants from his wines and gosh does he provide. His wines range from the crisp, clear L’Amateur which is always very forward and fun. The L’Artiste is a superb blend of steel and oak and one of my favourite drinking wines. L’Apotre, 100% oak, is at times a touch too serious and supressed with dense, saline notes, copper and needs hours in the glass to show itself. 2014 saw the release of his new wine; L’Astre. Being pinot noir it is a little more voluptuos in the palate and certainly more approachable. I look forward to seeing this wine evolve. All his wines demand time in the glass, giving off an oxidative note for the first 5-10 minutes which always lifts to lead you to a beautiful, seductive palate with immense structure. I hear on the grapevine he is releasing magnums of historic stock…