Larmandier Bernier’s 2006 Extra Brut Grand Cru Cramant Vieilles Vignes emerges from a parcel of 48-70 year-old vines in Cramant. It is the only wine here vinified and aged exclusively in oak. 60% neutral barrels and 40% neutral foudres. Dried pears, hazelnuts, spices and dried flowers are given an additional measure of weight and volume by the old vines and aging in oak. The 2006 is a serious, weighty Champagne best suited to the dinner table, where its power and pure structure will be appreciated most. Dosage was just 2 grams per liter, but this fruit is so rich, it needs very little else. Disgorged March 2012. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2018. This is another set of exceptional wines from Pierre and Sophie Larmandier. A total commitment to biodynamic farming and minimalist winemaking informs Champagnes of notable pedigree and pure class. The wines are made with ambient yeasts and bottled without fining or filtration. Most of the wines are partly or wholly vinified in oak, while dosage remains on the lower side.Importers: Polaner Selections, Mt. Kisco, NY; tel. (914) 244-0404, Farm Wine Imports, CA; tel. (415) 999-8944