Resurrecting Damery | Alexandre Filaine | New High Scores!

"This is unreconstructed, artisanal winemaking, and the ensuing wines are intensely flavorful, replete with sapid nuance and delightfully old-fashioned in style." -William Kelley

It's no surprise that the wines of Alexandre Filaine evokes the Bollinger method of yesteryear, for this grower located in Damery is no other than Fabrice Gass. After many years working at Bollinger, Gass purchased a small parcel in Damery along the Marne and has since converted the viticulture to certified organic, along with regenerative efforts to restore vine vigor. In the cellar, Gass uses old barrels from Bollinger, some dating back to the 1920s, racking his wines only a few times; some 30% of each year being retained in wood to constitute reserve wines for the following year's tirage; all of which (except 'Sp') see tirage under cork rather than crown cap. Liqueur d'expedition consists of cane sugar and old wine.

Grab the last few in stock bottles before they're gone!

NV Champagne Alexandre Filaine Champagne Special Brut (Base 2023)
JD95
"With a 2023 base and 40% perpetual reserve wine, the NV Champagne Spéciale has greater intensity and salinity from the outset. White pepper, ripe red and black fruit, smoky incense, raw hazelnut, and citrus oils emerge from the glass, with the Pinot Noir showing particularly brightly. Medium to full-bodied, it is more angular and compact than the more supple 2022-based release tasted next to it, with greater mineral tension and length. This is going to benefit from a little more time, but it is a step above the 2022-based wine while both retain a clear sense of the estate. Dosage is 6 grams per liter. Drink 2026-2040."
-Audrey Frick

NV Alexandre Filaine Champagne Cuvee DMY Brut (Base 2021)
JD96
"The NV Champagne DMY is composed of 50% Pinot Noir, 40% Chardonnay, and the remainder Meunier, with 60% coming from the 2021 harvest and the rest from the perpetual reserve. Brilliant pale yellow-straw in color, it shows the Chardonnay first on the nose, with spearmint, cranberry, anise, and vanilla. Medium-bodied, it is focused, pure, and compact, with smoky incense and white grapefruit carrying onto the palate and a tighter mousse emphasizing the salinity. Toast, Cognac-like notes, darker red and black fruit, and dried fruit begin to emerge with air. There is excellent intensity here, but give it another year or more in bottle if you can. It spent five years in the cellar. Drink 2027-2042."
-Audrey Frick

IN STOCK:

NV Alexandre Filaine Champagne Speciale Brut (Base 2020)
WA93, JD93
"A blend of the 2020 and 2019 vintages, Gass's newly disgorged NV Brut Cuvée Spéciale is especially good, offering up aromas of pear, orange zest, praline, toasted nuts and spices, followed by a medium to full-bodied, fleshy palate with a deep core of sweet fruit and a long, spicy, complex finish."
-Wiliam Kelley

For all shipping inquiries - please contact shipping@thebottlelist.com

Orders which include wines marked PRE-ARRIVAL that are combined with in stock items will be available for shipping/collection once all items have arrived at our warehouse. Minimum purchase per order is 3 bottles.

If you place an order it may be held for more favorable shipping weather. If you would like to discuss expedited shipping options just contact us. Orders are automatically insured for $100, you can add additional insurance at checkout.

Automatically receive a discounted ground shipping rate when you order a full case of 12 bottles (mix and match - 750ml only). Shipping promotion not valid for combination with previous orders. Pricing for this offer only and not retroactive.

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-The Bottle List