Roland Boulard 'La Passion de Laurine' Extra Brut, Champagne, France NV

Founded in the 1970s by Roland Boulard and now led by his daughter Nathalie Barizet and her husband Benoît, Champagne Roland Boulard & Filles is an independent, family-run récoltant-manipulant based in Cormicy, north of Reims. The estate's nearly 10 hectares span two distinct terroirs: the Massif de Saint-Thierry, where the domaine is centered, and parcels in the Marne Valley, Château-Thierry, and Mailly-Champagne. The third generation joined in 2019 when Laurine — the eldest of Nathalie and Benoît's three daughters — returned after studies in viticulture and international trade. 'La Passion de Laurine' is named for her, the first cuvée to bear a daughter's name and one that reflects her temperament: structured, driven, and layered. The house specializes in Meunier-driven blends and places emphasis on precision in assemblage.

• WINEMAKER: Nathalie and Benoît Barizet, with Laurine Barizet
• FARMING: Certified High Environmental Value Level 3 (HVE-3); adherent to the Sustainable Viticulture in Champagne charter. Natural organic fertilizers used; pesticide use limited; cover cropping practiced to support biodiversity. Member of Vignerons Indépendants de Champagne.
• VARIETY: 40% Pinot Meunier, 40% Chardonnay, 20% Pinot Noir
• TERROIR: Vineyards centered on the Massif de Saint-Thierry, a sub-region north of Reims characterized by sandy clay soils over limestone — a notably different profile from the chalk-dominant Côte des Blancs and Montagne de Reims. The house also draws from plots in Cormicy, Hermonville, and Neuville-aux-Larris, as well as Mailly-Champagne Grand Cru. Base vintage: 2019.
• VINIFICATION: Only the cuvée (first-press juice) is used. Fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks; alcoholic fermentation with selected yeasts; malolactic fermentation completed. Reserve wines represent 15% of the blend, with those reserves having been aged in oak barrels. Pre-bottling élevage of a minimum of 7 months. Dosage: 5.50 g/L (Extra Brut). 
• AGING: Minimum 4 years on the lees prior to disgorgement.
• TASTING NOTES: Deep gold with a fine, persistent bead. The nose is expressive, with tropical fruit, toasted brioche, and a thread of spice from the oak-aged reserves. The palate is ample and textured — creamy mousse framing notes of ripe orchard fruit and evolved complexity — with firm underlying acidity providing structure and length.
• FOOD PAIRINGS: Aperitif; coq au vin and other braised poultry dishes; aged semi-firm cheeses.
• SCORES: Decanter: 94 pts