Champagne Paul Launois
With 11 acres of Grand Cru vineyard in the coveted village of Mesnil-sur-Oger, Launois has the most valuable and sought after terroir in all of Champagne. The domaine goes back several generations, but the grapes were historically always sold to the Le Mesnil cooperative. That came to an end in 2015 when Julien Launois and his wife Sarah took over the estate from his father, and they shocked the village by immediately canceling the contract with the co-op. They named the domaine Paul Launois after their young son, and burst onto the world scene with the revolutionary concept of producing single-barrel Champagne.
We were first in the world to find out what was up at Launois, and we promptly went to visit Julien and Sarah and stick our noses into what was going on. What an amazing discovery it was! Not only were the single-barrel Champagnes spectacular and unique, everything in the Launois cellar blew my socks off. We first introduced these wines back in 2017, and they’ve been a smash hit ever since. They’ve come to visit and stay with us in Oregon, and I often stay in their home when I’m making my rounds in Champagne. They are wonderful people, wonderfully talented, and dedicated to excellence at a level few dare to reach for. They also have a delightful 3-room guest house on the estate, perfect for your next visit.
Also, we’re proud to collaborate with Launois on our Caveau Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs, of which we make a barrel or two every year.