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Winemaker: Michel Chauvet

Surrounded by 100% grand cru vineyards, the tiny Champagne village of Cramant is a hidden gem—which is exactly why we are devoted fans to the petite family estate of Lancelot-Royer.

Domaine Lancelot-Royer nurtures its great vineyards in the heart of this chalky, terroir-driven town, and since the 1960s has been crafting vinous Champagne from 100% Chardonnay grapes.  We've been working with family winemaker Michel Chauvet since the early 1990s, who too shares our uncompromising vision for quality Champagne.

Our selection, the non-vintage “Cuvée des Chevaliers,” is a 100% Chardonnay wine that is aged much longer on its lees (on average 3 1/2 years) than the family's regular blend. This process gives the wine added complexity, texture and breathtaking depth—with just a few opalescent strands of tiny bubbles.

Our selection too is always disgorged just before shipment—practically to order—to ensure that you enjoy the freshest, most vibrant bottle of Champagne possible.

Lancelot-Royer Blanc De Blancs Brut Cuvee des Chevaliers France / Champagne A special Champagne that is an instant favorite from the first sip. Aromas of just-baked apple pie and honeyed green tea show in its very complex, enchanting perfumes. $49.50

NV Lancelot-Royer Blanc de Blancs Les Oublies de Crayere (1988) France / Champagne A cellar treasure. Former winemaker Pierre Lancelot hid a small quantity of this perfectly aged wine and “forgot” about it, to release it in microscopic quantities years later. A label on the bottle gives the bottling year (1988) and the date of disgorgement (July 2008)--since it originally wasn't declared a vintage wine, the vintage year doesn't appear on the label. Call 1-800-266-6585 to inquire.

Lancelot-Royer Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs Millésime 2004 France / Champagne A cool vintage that showcases the limpid beauty and poise of blanc de blancs Champagne, 2004 is a must-have and a bottle that will evolve elegantly in a cool cellar for years. Chalky minerals, lime and lemongrass blends with a hint of acacia honey and toast on the nose; the mouth is chiseled and vibrant, with green apple, white pepper and lots of minerals. Flavorful, persistent and very pure! $69.95

Lancelot-Royer Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs Millésime 2002 France / Champagne From an extraordinary vintage for Chardonnay, this beautiful wine displays great vigor and depth simultaneously. Definitely one to purchase by the case to watch it evolve. Call 1-800-266-6585 to inquire.

Lancelot-Royer Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs Millésime 2000 France / Champagne A limited, noble vintage release that has aged for the past six and one-half years on its yeast in bottle. Complex doesn't even come close to capturing the bottomless depth exhibited by this extraordinary year. Call 1-800-266-6585 to inquire.