This is such a marvelously happiness-inducing, exuberant cuvée, that it feels almost incongruous that it was created out of such catastrophic growing conditions, first in 2012, and then in 2016.

When David Léclapart first started making his own champagnes, he was determined to showcase the connection between the wine and the plots from which they came. This is why his cuvées are typically always single-variety, single vintage and zero dosage. Biodynamic farming would, of course, be the foundation of his work — and he has long been one of the movement’s strongest proponents. This would be followed by as little manipulation as possible in the cellar.

His father, also a vigneron, used to ask him why he would insist on separating the cuvées instead of combining them together, given that his annual production was so tiny anyway. But David wanted to forge his own path, dedicated to his vision of singular, terroir-driven champagnes, and so he continued to stick to his guns.

In his village, Trépail — a prized premier cru village in the Montagne de Reims — the inherent humidity and unusually cold climate regularly create conditions that are conducive to mildew growth. But the 2012 growing season presented him with an extreme situation, and it got Léclapart thinking about a different approach to bottling his wines.

The fruits that year were exceptionally beautiful, but David was left with only 30-40% of his regular yield due to mildew attack. He looked at the 2012 harvest baskets and was reminded of what his father had said. His heart felt a tug and he decided to put all of his grapes into a single, unified blend. After all, with this tiny yield, it would have been an impossible task to spread a few hundred bottles per cuvée across all of his various markets.

Thus, Léclapart’s first blended cuvée, L’Aphrodisiaque, was born.

L’Aphrodisiaque, a rarity amongst rarities

In 2016, David was again faced with the same mildew devastation that had struck his vineyards in 2012. A trouble-free harvest chez Léclapart usually results in an annual production of around 15,000 bottles. The 2016 harvest, however, yielded only enough fruit for a mere 7,000 bottles. This time though, David already knew what he was going to do: he decided to reprise his decision to blend his predominantly Chardonnay fruit with his Pinot Noir — and so we have been blessed with a second iteration of the acclaimed L’Aphrodisiaque.

David’s sleek bone-dry creations are almost ‘spiritual’ champagnes, ethereal juice with distinctive personalities and unfathomable levels of energy. We became instant converts when we first discovered Champagne David Léclapart over a decade ago, and we’ve been fans of its highly unique expression ever since. Once considered avant-garde, it has become the archetype of a new style of Champagne. It has inspired a multitude of young vignerons who with confidence now place the primacy of nature and terroir above excessive intervention, commercial ambition, and ephemeral trends.

Earnest tasters very quickly realise that these champagnes are not just about flavours. There is texture, energy, inner mouth perfume and a unique spiritual presence. They are impossibly alive. They are ever changing in the glass. Their intrigue lures you to keep sipping. The sensation is indescribable yet palpable. There is truth in every bottle of Léclapart.

David Léclapart crafts Champagnes of personality and distinction from his tiny cellar in Trépail. These are rich, vinous Champagnes that benefit from considerable aeration and enough time to follow their gradual evolution in the glass. — Antonio Galloni David is certainly a believer in the biodynamic creed, but more importantly he is an excellent winemaker with a “feeling” for fine wine that raises his craft to a higher level. — Michael Edwards, “The Finest Wines of Champagne”

We continue to be thrilled by each new release from Champagne David Léclapart. Indeed, they never disappoint. We adore the man — one of the kindest and most jovial souls we know — and are enamoured by his champagnes. We are so grateful that David always reserves precious bottles for this part of the world whenever he works out an allocation of his tiny production. And it’s a particularly difficult task for vintages like 2016 when he lost over 50% of his annual yield. Given the situation, we’re thankful that he’s kindly allowed us a top-up to our original parcel of this one-of-a-kind cuvée, which we are gratified to offer to you today. If you missed out the first time around, don’t forgo the chance to get your hands on one of the most iconic and ravishing Champagne cuvées from one of the region’s modern masters.

The Champagne is now available in-stock. Prices in this offer are valid only for orders taken up to 26 February 2021. Orders will be processed subject to availability and written confirmation. Full payment is required no later than 7 days after confirmation invoice has been sent to confirm the order. No reservations allowed and no further discount.