In the Grand Cru village of Aÿ, Champagne Lallier has been quietly cultivating a reputation for expressive, terroir-driven wines since 1906. Known for its precision and purity, the house now enters a new era with the release of R.021, the latest chapter in its flagship Réflexion range, guided by newly appointed Cellar Master Dominique Demarville.
Launched in 2014, Réflexion departs from Champagne’s traditional pursuit of consistency. Instead, each cuvée captures the character of its harvest while remaining anchored by four pillars: freshness, purity, depth, and intensity. Numbered labels—R.010, R.020, and now R.021—signal the vintage that forms the foundation of each blend.
R.021 is particularly significant as the first crafted fully under Demarville’s vision and, for the first time, includes both a Brut and a Brut Rosé. The Brut, drawn largely from the 2021 harvest, blends 49% Pinot Noir, 44% Chardonnay, and 7% Meunier, with reserve wines adding texture and complexity. Despite a challenging year of frost and low yields, the wine surprises with citrus brightness, saline finesse, and a long, refined finish. The R.021 Brut Rosé, composed of 53% Pinot Noir (including 7% still red wine from Bouzy), 41% Chardonnay, and 6% Meunier, offers a vibrant expression of blood orange, red berries, and subtle bitterness, resulting in a structured yet elegant cuvée.
Together, the Brut and Brut Rosé embody Lallier’s philosophy: honoring the truth of each harvest, celebrating terroir, and reminding us that no two years—or wines—are ever the same.
The Soul Of Italian Reds
From the sun-drenched hills of Veneto to the misty valleys of Piedmont, these red wines capture Italy’s timeless passion for elegance and flavor.
Masi 2020 Costasera Amarone Classico Veneto
With roots tracing back to 1772, Masi has carried forward a family tradition of excellence in winemaking. The 2020 Costasera Amarone Classico reveals aromas of powdered cocoa, mocha, black plum, and raspberry tart. On the palate, it unfolds with flavors of baked fruits, plum, and blackberry, embodying the rich elegance of Veneto.
Allegrini 2020 Amarone Classico Veneto
A family legacy since the 16th century, Allegrini became internationally renowned under Giovanni Allegrini in the 1960s. Today, the new generation continues that heritage with finesse. Ruby in hue, the 2020 Amarone bursts with aromas of dark chocolate, cinnamon, red plum, and dried cranberries, balanced by flavors of cedar, vanilla, and dried cherry.
G.D. Vajra 2021 Barolo Ravera Piedmont
Among the pioneers of organic winemaking in Barolo since 1971, G.D. Vajra remains dedicated to purity and terroir. The 2021 Ravera Barolo opens with crushed flower petals, white pepper, cedar, and red raspberry. Silky tannins lead into notes of tobacco leaf, black plum, and warm baking spices, capturing the timeless soul of Piedmont.