Press Reviews

Bettane & Desseauve French Wine Guide 2013

Michel Bettane & Thierry Desseauve

" The dynamic Tarlant family, who harvest and make their own wines, go from strength to strength. They have no hesitation in offering wines with minimal or non-existent dosage from specific plots.."

Zero : "With a very fruit-forward, lively and tangy character, this is a very sound extra-brut." - 14 /20

La Vigne d'Or 2003 : "Great fresh liveliness. Fine and generous structure." - 16 /20

La Vigne Royale 2003 : "A fine champagne. Excellent vinosity, with a firm intense character." - 16 /20

CHAMPAGNE

Gerhard Eichelmann - Germany

In the latest 2013 german edition of Gerhard Eichelmann's Champagne guide, Tarlant estate is rated 4.5 stars (among 5).

Larousse Champagne Guide

Gerhard Eichelmann

" The champagnes are powerful and concentrated. Partial barrel aging gives them breadth and structure. Despite minimal dosage, they have plenty of length and expression."

Guide to the Best French Wines 2013

La Revue du Vin de France

" The champagnes are full-bodied and mouth-filling and by virtue of light dosage, they conserve plenty of freshness... The Vigne d'Or and the Vigne Rouge have now become two iconic wines from Champagne.."

Guide Hachette des Vins 2013

Three stars awarded to Cuvee Louis :

Cuvee Louis : 3-star "With light hints of wood, the nose combines butter and almonds, leading into ample round flavours in the mouth. Pleasant freshness and unusual length make this wine utterly seductive."

La Vigne d'Or 2003 : 2-star "Fruit-forward, racy and complex. The mouth is harmonious, straightforward and open."

Zero : "Lively attack in the mouth which is long and well balanced." - Mention

GaultMillau Wine Guide 2012

Editor's choice for La Vigne d'Or 2002

Zero : "Once again the 'Zero Nature' won us over by its uncompromising purity in the mouth." - 16 /20

Rosé Prestige 1999 : "A very fine rosé for the table." - 15.5 /20

Cuvee Louis Tarlant : "The mousse is consistent and generous giving a vinous and creamy mouth filling taste." - 16 /20

La Vigne d'Or 2002 : "The mousse hovers between vinosity and power which combine wonderfully." - 17 /20 *Editor's Choice*

La Vigne d'Antan 2000 : "The mousse is subtle and above all as perfectly integrated with the vinous body as one could ask for, while maintaining freshness." - 17 /20

Guide Hachette des Vins 2012

Three selected wines:

Prestige Vintage 1998 : "It is broad and its finish of rare length is praiseworthy." - 2 stars

Cuvee Louis : "Aging beautifully, well integrated and with finesse." - 2 stars

Zero : "A well balanced champagne."

Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France (La Revue du Vin de France) 2012

" Our Editor's choice this year is awarded to La Vigne d'Or 2002, a white made from Pinot Meunier of rare finesse, taut with flavours of angelica and rhubarb. An example which will make the annals."

Champagne Guide - Revel 2012

For the 2012 edition of his guide to champagnes and sparkling wines, the wine taster Guénaël Revel from Quebec tasted over 770 wines:

Zero : "The effervescence brings a velvety character which channels the acidity in the mouth." - 15 /20

La Vigne d'Or 2002 : "A champagne with and unusual and flattering bouquet." - 16 /20

La Vigne d'Antan 2000 : "An excellent wine maker's champagne." - 16 /20

Prestige Vintage 1998 : "Plenty of breadth, the effervescence appears young and airy, while the mouth is more mature in flavour." - 17 /20

Cuvee Louis : "A remarkable wine, with a subtle and unusual bouquet of warm pear, Virginia tobacco, walnut and acacia. Powerful and dry in the mouth, this champagne has a creamy airy effervescence, illustrated by light, fine creamy bubbles. The Louis wine is a wine that is both sober and imposing." - 18 /20

Euvrard-Garnier Champagne Guide 2012

The 2nd edition of this guide, entirely consisting of champagnes, discusses 800 wines:

La Vigne d'Or 2002 : "Broad and harmonious mouth... A high quality 100% Pinot Meunier." Editor's Choice

La Vigne d'Antan 2000 : "A seductive and open nose... A broad and generous champagne which demonstrates its balance around excellent acidity, supported by freshness. The finish is long and aromatic." - *Editor's Choice*

Zero : "A nose with great intensity... A champagne that is straight forward and frank. The texture is delicate silky and supple... A superb bottle." - *Editor's Choice*

Rosé Zero : "The mouth impresses with its volume and vinous power... A wine with gentle texture and long and persistant finish. A great bottle!" - 2 stars

Cuvee Louis : "The nose is exceptional in its intensity and complexity... The mouth is rich and generous, with supple and caressing body, ample breadth, complex and elegant scents, and a very long finish. A very high class wine, a wonderful tasting experience." - 3 stars + Excellence label (= highest mark)

Gerhard EICHELMANN

Das Champagner Handbuch 2011 - DEUTSCHLAND

Le Point - December 2011

In his 'Champagne Special', Jacques Dupont marks and comments on two wines:

La Vigne d'Or 2002 : "The wine is pure, without a trace of dosage, long, fresh and delicious." - 17.5 /20

La Vigne Rouge 2003 : "A new wine. A very elegant example of the Pinot Noir." - 17 /20

"Complexity, richness, maturity"

Guide GaultMillau 2011 - FRANCE

" Very long aging of fine blends bring complexity, richness, maturity and an ultra fine mousse."

Zero : "Definite vinous personality, airy mouth thanks to the subtle and distinguished mousse." 15.5 /20

Rosé Zero : "The nose shows real aromatic richness. The mouth combines a finely tannic character with a vigorous mousse. Equally good and tasty." 15.5 /20

Prestige Vintage 1998 : "A profusion of aromas." 16 /20

Cuvee Louis Tarlant : "A tasty structure supported by a creamy and melting mousse." 15 /20

La Vigne d'Or : "Agreeable on the mouth, with its very long lasting flavours of pineapple and mango." 15.5 /20

La Vigne d'Antan : "Magnificent in its breeding and power. (...) The profusion of flowers on the nose and the purity in the mouth remain memorable." 17.5 /20

" Ennobles the heart of the left bank of the Marne Valley. "

Guide RVF 2011 - FRANCE

" This year, the entire output has been produced with minimal dosage (Extra-brut) or none at all (Nature). This perfect mastery of grape maturity can be seen starting with their Zero, open, very dry, pure, with a taste of grapes and the North wind. The Prestige Vintage 1998 finishes fresh on the mouth now it has reached maturity - characteristic of the sunny year . La Vigne d'Antan 2000 (ungrafted vines) is a slender chardonnay, well bodied and with plenty of vigour, considering the year. Our favourite continues to be La Vigne d'Or 1999, a Pinot Meunier white, of great gentleness, (hints of honey and grapes in rum) very fine in texture, to be drunk now."

"Produces wines that are ever more natural"

Guide Bettane & Desseauve 2011 - FRANCE

" Always experimenting, and producing wines that are ever more natural. Zero is highly recommended."

Zero : "Simple and easy to drink, but very straightforward, pure and unfussy. Very much a wine of today." 14 /20

Rosé Zero : "Fruit forward, exuberant and amusing, a delicious thirst-quenching wine." 14 /20

Cuvee Louis : "A blend that is ambitious in its cellaring with some malo-lactic fermentation. A fine mousse, gentle and refined overall." 15 /20

"Stunning new releases..."

Robert Parker - The Wine Advocate - USA

" This is a stunning new releases from Benoit Tarlant. All of the wines show incredible purity and transparency."

Zero: Outstanding, 93 Pts - Gorgeous, open aromatics meld into an expressive core of ripe yellow fruit. The wine possesses dazzling intensity, clarity and detail in a generous, beautifully balanced style. Smoke, roasted nuts and pastry develop in the glass, adding complexity on the richly textured, vivid finish. The NV Brut Nature is equal parts Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier based on the 2005 vintage with the addition of reserve wines aged in oak. This bottle was disgorged in June 2009 with no dosage. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2020.

Rosé Zero: Outstanding, 93 Pts - This beautiful Champagne is first and foremost a wine that happens to have bubbles. The Brut Nature Rosé Zero reveals outstanding tension, richness and depth in a powerful expression of fruit. The masculine, intense finish is certainly not for the timid, but this is a gorgeous, utterly pure wine that will come to life at the dinner table. The Brut Nature Rosé Zero is 85% Chardonnay and 15% Pinot Noir based on the 2004 vintage with the addition of reserve wines aged in oak and bottled with no dosage. This bottle was disgorged in December 2008. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2014.

Cuvee Louis: Outstanding, 93 Pts - The wine captures a gorgeous balance between its mature bouquet and a level of freshness that is the result of the recent disgorgement. Dried pears, apricots and smoke are just some of the nuances that come to life on the long, creamy finish. This is a harmonious, elegant Champagne of the highest level. Tarlant's NV Extra Brut Cuvee Louis is 50% Pinot Noir, and 50% Chardonnay, vintages 1998, 1997 and 1996, fermented in oak with no malolactic fermentation. This bottle was disgorged in May 2009. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2019."

" Dedicated to the true expression of wine "

Guide GaultMillau 2010 - FRANCE

"  The Tarlant family are an ancient Champagne family who are long past their first experiments. Very long aging of fine blends bring complexity, richness, maturity and an ultra fine mousse. The wines are nervy, fresh, or sometimes even lemony but so full of flavour! La Vigne d'Antan 2000 is a jewel of great purity and excellent intensity. The Cuvee Louis is spicier, while the Prestige Vintage 1998 shows beautiful tasty fruit. The two cuvee Zero (undosed) should be drunk as aperitifs. " (guide 2010)

Cuvée Louis * * , Rosé Zéro * * , Zéro

Guide Hachette 2010 - FRANCE

Cuvee Louis (marked 2 stars): "Intense, fresh and lightly wooded on the nose, the mouth shows itself powerful and long. A food champagne, which could even accompany ribs of beef."

Rosé Zero (marked 2 stars) "Its nose with hints of cocoa and coconut, as well as its powerful taste with scents of blackcurrant and bilberry earn this wine 2 stars as well."

Zero (mention): "We are mentioning this wine for its broad mouth, full of the scents of ripe fruit."

" One of the most dynamic family estates of Champagne "

Guide La Revue du Vin de France - FRANCE

"  One of the most dynamic Champagne family estates, who ennoble the heart of the left bank of the Marne Valley. The wines: sharp edged without hardness, the non dosed Zero have true length, which complemented the spicy chewy mouth of the rosé version of the wine (Rosé Zero). More autumnal, the Rosé Prestige 1998 gives some oxidative suggestions, which the white Prestige Vintage of the same year rounds out with notes of liquorice and roots in a powerful finish. The ungrafted chardonnay of "La Vigne d'Antan" combine flair and density. A very convincing terroir wine. " (guide 2010)

"Producing wines that are ever more natural"

Guide Bettane et Desseauve 2010 - FRANCE

" Always experimenting, and producing wines that are ever more natural, born of a welcome change in their philosophy towards viticulture, under the beneficial influence of organic methods. The Zero is highly recommended."

Rosé Zero : "An attractive mousse. A wine that is perfectly classical and pure in its proportions, and exemplary in its dosing."

"Very interesting portfolio of wines that are improving from year to year"

Richard Juhlin's Champagne Guide - SWEDEN

"Rare, sumptuous, too little known"

Les 500 meilleurs effervescents du monde entier - CANADA

Author of the top 500 of the best sparkling wines in the world, Guénaël Revel devotes a paragraph to Champagne Tarlant, describing the style of the range as "generous, lots of personality, authentic". The journalist comments in particular on the Rosé Zero, La Vigne d'Antan, La Vigne d'Or and the Cuvee Louis Tarlant described as "outstanding, unforgettable". (2008)

Portrait of the Tarlant Family

Champagne - BELGIUM

Gido Van Imschoot, Stefaan Van Laere, the authors and Bart Deseyn, the photographer, recommend Champagne Tarlant as one of the 14 champagne houses selected for the high quality of their wines. Texts and photos are beautiful, and the authors have also had the great idea of suggesting food pairings with Zero and Cuvee Louis Tarlant. They invite the readers to go to The Restaurant Marquize, Westende, to discover it. (2008)

The best from Champagne

Revue du Vin de France - FRANCE

Under that headline, Cuvee Louis Tarlant and Prestige Vintage 1996 catch the eye of the well-known french magazine Revue du Vin de France and score an excellent 16/20 for both of them. (December 2007)

"Saga Tarlant 1994 : Outstanding"

Magazine Régal - FRANCE

In the December edition of the french magazine Régal, Dominique Hutin includes Saga Tarlant 1994 in his selection of old vintage champagnes. The tasting notes describe the wine as " Praline, resin, gingerbread, pear brandy ... Powerful but tamed, demonstrative but attractive, this intense and complex wine needs to be decanted" (December 2007)

"Champagnes are powerful and concentrated"

Alles über Champagner - GERMANY

Gerhard Eichelmann, in his tasting notes for Champagne Tarlant, appreciates the "powerful and concentrated" range of wines. Cuvee Louis Tarlant is awarded 91 by the author, which describes it in the following terms: Plenty of ripe fruits on the nose, yellow fruits, good concentration ; ample on the palate, smooth, nice fruit ripeness, very good length and colour and "very pleasant palate, not in the least marked by the excessive tannins that were the trap of the vintage". (2008)

"Zero Dosage"

Magazine Régal - Hors-série Spécial Vins - FRANCE

The Hors-Serie issue of the magazine Regal appreciates our Rosé Zero, describing in the following terms: "It is rich, oriental, well balanced, red fruits embedded in spices and tobacco." (September 2007)

Cuvee Louis in Shangai

Reluxe - CHINA

Tasting notes for Cuvee Louis Tarlant and Rosé Zero in the Chinese magazine Reluxe draw particular attention to the wines's complex and fruity flavours. (August 2007)

Tarlant in the global blogger guide to Champagne

Wine Blogging Wednesday #25 - BLOG

The Cork Dork over in The East Bay, tried a Tarlant Cuvee Louis, which he describes as perfectly balanced austere wine of magical complexity... Read the post.

The Laughing Gastronome, in New Zealand featured Tarlant Tradition Brut after staff at her favourite wine store exclaimed "If you want boring old Veuve or pricey Bolly that's cool, however if you haven't tried our Tarlant wines then I recommend you give them a go"... Read the post.

Catherine Granger has created Purple Liquid, a wine and food diary of the Bay Area. As a unusual wine, she tried Tarlant La Vigne d'Or and enjoyed it with a grilled tuna a la basquaise... Read the post.

(13 september 2006)

"Brut Zero, a fine piece of wine making: 16/20"

Cuisine et Vins de France, Hors Série Vin - FRANCE

" Zero starts with white flowers notes and finishes with attractive hints of bitterness." (September 2006)

Food and Champagne

Cuisine Kingdom - JAPON

Tomoko Inouie, journalist for Cuisine Kingdom, reveals some receipts with Champagne cooked by Micheline Tarlant, and suggests many food pairing notes with the Tarlant range. (August 2006)

Cuvee Louis recommended by Decanter

Decanter - UK

The Decanter Buying Guide awards three stars to the Cuvee Louis Tarlant emphasizing the "maturing green fruits" flavours and the "full, yet balanced Champagne palate". (July 2006)

"Intense and race red wine with incomparable characteristics"

Champagne Revue - FRANCE

The Champagne Revue selects the Champagne Tarlant to be one of the rare and good addresses to find a Coteaux Champenois. "The pinot noir and the pinot meunier, harvested exclusively on the plots Notre-Dame and Longue Attente, produce a intense and racy red wine with incomparable characteristics. The bouquet is fruity, with intense flavours of red fruit, cherry and plum. The mouth reveals maturing red fruits and vanilla, accompanied by core and leather notes. Warm, mature and good length." (June 2006)

La Vigne d'Antan : Matchless

Style Magazine, Corriere Della Sera - ITALY

" Luxury? It is called La Vigne d'Antan of the Tarlant house." The journalist Mauro Remondino describes the cuvee 100% chardonnay pre phylloxera as "the champagne of luxury and time travel ", "with notes of white flowers and rennet apples". He advises to marry this wine of champagne with shellfish and concludes by saying "a matchless champagne". (May 2006)

On the Front Page in Japan

Yomiuri Shinbum - JAPAN

Japan's largest newspaper, Yomiuri Shinbum, published three articles on the Tarlant Estate.

( 23 March, 30 March and 12 April 2006 )

"Best place for harvest holiday in Champagne"

Decanter - UK

"  Champagne Tarlant offers a chance to observe the harvest at close quarters, with their family chambres d'hôtes, practically in the winery at Oeuilly." Beverlay Blanning tried a taste of picking and concluded "I'll definitely be back." (April 2006)

"Tarlant: sensuality"

ViaMichelin - www.viamichelin.com

Zero: "Natural, with a pure bouquet, aromas of honey and lemon, and a lively taste of citrus fruit freshness, it is an 'everyday' champagne."

La Vigne d'Antan: "The elegance and purity of this Cuvee are wonderful."

La Vigne d'Or: "Generous and spicy, a champagne that is 100% Pinot Meunier, a grape variety that is emblematic of the Marne Valley."

Cuvee Louis: "Exceptional, powerful and complex champagne with a golden yellow colour and nose of almonds."

Tom Stevenson Notes

Champagne and Sparkling Wine Guide - UK

Brut Reserve : Fresh, crisp, and clean with excellent acidity. Drink now-2005 - 85 pts

Prestige Vintage 1995 : Frothy-fruity with finesse. Drink now-2006 - 87 pts

Rosé Prestige Vintage 1995 - 85 pts

Prestige Vintage 1996 : Lovely acids. Leave in a cool, dark place and forget about it for a few years! - 88 pts

La Vigne d'Or : An innovative barrique-fermented Meunier of excellent richness. Drink now-2005 - 86 pts

Cuvee Louis : This barrique-fermented Champagne is rich and tasty with noticeable oak, but it's not too blatant and the finish is dominated by freshness, not oak. Drink now-2005 - 85 pts

"Brilliant Winegrower"

Hugh Johnson Guide - UK

Jean-Mary Tarlant : "brilliant wine grower of the Marne valley, in Oeuilly. Excellent vintage wines (sp. 95) and remarkable Cuvee Louis, Krug style, barrel fermented."

TARLANT **** / *****

Parker Guide - USA

"A Terrific, Fresh, Pure Champagne" and "A Remarkable Champagne"

The Wine Advocate - USA

" The Non-Vintage Zero is an austerely-styled, bone dry, crisp Champagne that begs for food. It is too lean and tight to enjoy on its own merits. However, its purity and intensy are admirable. It should drink well for 2-3 years."

Cuvee Louis : "This awesome Champagne has been vinified completely in new oak casks. Made from a blend of 50% Chardonnay and 50% Pinot Noir, this is one of the richiest, most honeyed and complex Champagnes I have tasted. The fermentation in new oak has given the wine structure, added richness (did I detect strawberries?), and a creamy, honeyed texture, but none of the oak flavours. The wine is full and fresh, without heaviness. Quite a discovery, this is a remarkable Champagne." by Robert Parker

"Among the Most Innovative of Growers"

The Independent Traveller's Guide to Champagne - UK

" Champagne Tarlant is an outstanding winegrower with 13 ha of vineyards. Jean-Mary Tarlant and his son Benoit (excellent English) continue a family tradition that dates back to 1687. Today they are among the most innovative of growers, maturing most of their base wines in oak barrels and producing some fascinating light dosage champagnes including a Zero. The family has converted the accommodation that originally housed the pickers at harvest time into a well-equipped Chambre d'Hôte, serving breakfast in summer on a new terrace." by Philippe Boucheron

> See website: www.destinationchampagne.com...

"Top Winter Wines"

The Times - UK

Brut Reserve : "Tarlant exudes mature, nutty, buttered brioche finesse. A happy blend of one-third each pinots noir and meunier plus chardonnay, Tarlant's long winey style lingers in the mouth and will linger in the mind after the festivities are over."

"Full of Personality"

Wine Spectator - USA

" More travelers should consider a sojourn at Champagne Tarlant, a small family winery in the town of Oeuilly, just above the Marne river. You won't use the guest rooms for much-the rest of the time, you'll be watching everything that goes on in a working winery and talking with the engaging and knowledgable owners, Jean-Mary and Micheline Tarlant.

Cuvee Louis: A lot of wood character suggests barrel fermentation in this full-bodied, vanilla and walnut flavored champagne. Rich in texture and full of personality."

"Outstanding Cuvee Louis"

Champagne and Sparkling Wine - UK

Zero: One of the best bone-dry Champagnes on the market

Cuvee Louis: Krug-like Cuvee Louis, fermented in new oak, is outstanding." by Michael Edwards

Richard Juhlin notes TARLANT ***

4000 Champagnes - SWEDEN

Brut Zero Famous in Oslo

Norges Beste Vinkjop - NORWAY

The Guide recommends our Zero "mineral, with lemon and candied fruit notes". Skol !

"A Champagne of Connoisseurs, for Connoisseurs"

Vintage Magazine - UK

" Tarlant's Cuvee Louis received much appreciation and a note of 3 stars. This is a champagne of connoisseurs, for connoisseurs. With its notes of citrus on the nose, and a lovely evolution of honey, vanilla and mint, it is a true maverick. On the palate, it is both creamy, with very firm bubbles, and very structured, with much extraction. The finish is of pineapples and spices. A real phenomenon. It is a race apart. You could try it with a distinctive cheese, like the vacherin, but this might be tricky. Another idea would be to try it with nuts, figs, and other dry fruit on a winter evening

"Which Growers are Most Welcoming to visitors"

Financial Times - UK

" Benoît Tarlant of Oeuilly in the Marne valley, one of the easiest champagne growers to reach from Paris, offers both accommodation and educational visits from March to December, although they have to be booked in advance." by Jancis Robinson

"One of the Most Brilliantly Expressive Wines"

Harpers Magazine - UK

"  Despite relying on tradition, there is nothing backward about their viticulture or winemaking. The Tarlants are sensitive to their many different terroirs. One of the most brilliantly expressive wines, the aristocratic Zero, has no dosage at all, allowing the fruit and the terroir to shine through. Above the NV Brut Tradition (an excellent first wine, dense and rich), and the Brut Rosé, are the vintage Cuvee Prestige and Rosé Prestige. At the top of the range is the superb NV Cuvee Louis, a Chardonnay/Pinot Noir blend from 40-year-old vines in the family's oldest vineyard, Les Crayons 100% barrel fermented. The back labels are models, clearly stating the date of la mise en bouteille as well as the disgorgement for all wines. Of the 110,000-bottle production, 55% is exported."

"Pink champagne"

www.jancisrobinson.com - UK

" There are particularly distinctive styles of rosé champagne such as grower Tarlant, big-boned 1996."

"A Rich, Concentrated Fizz"

Observer Magazine - UK

"  Brut Tradition : Another excellent grower's Champagne, albeit in a very different style, dominated by the black grapes, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. This is a rich, concentrated fizz, which benefits from partial oak fermentation. A Bollinger-style wine at a very attractive price."

"Champagnes to Keep in your Cellar"

Bettane & Desseauve Guide - FRANCE

"High Quality of Champagnes"

Gault Millau Guide - FRANCE

Tarlant ***(*)

"Excellent Family Estate"

Revue du Vin de France Guide - FRANCE

Portrait of Benoit Tarlant

Winart - JAPAN

The Japanese magazine invites to discover the family estate in Oeuilly, - one hour from Paris -. With a beautiful portrait of Benoît, 12th generation of Tarlant winegrowers, the journalist introduces the famous style of the Tarlant Champagnes.

"A Champagne Profile"

Wands - JAPAN

-

"Outstanding Champagnes"

Champagne Guide - JAPAN

-

"Recommended Cuvee Louis"

The Wine Kingdom - JAPAN

-

"100% Pinot Meunier Champagne"

Vinotheque - JAPAN

-