Jean-Paul Hébrart took over the operations of Marc Hébrart Champagne in the Vallée de la Marne from his father Marc in 1997. This estate is not exactly new: Jean-Paul’s father has been producing champagne under the Marc Hébrart name since 1964 and has been a member of the Special Club since 1985. Hébrart farms 14 hectares of vines on 65 different sites in 6 villages: the 1er cru vineyards of Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, Avenay, Val d’Or and Bisseuil and the grand crus villages of Aÿ as well as Chouilly and Oiry in the Côte des Blancs. Each parcel is always vinified separately in glass lined stainless steel and ceramic tanks. He is slowly phasing out the ceramic as it is more difficult to control the temperature. Hébrart is also experimenting barrel fermentation and indigenous yeast fermentation for some of his older vine parcels.

Using these new techniques Jean-Paul has made an alternative Téte de Cuvee (2004 vintage dated) called Rive Gauche-Rive Droite, named for the sites on both sides of the Marne that comprise of the blend. These old vine parcels are fermented and aged in 205 liter four year old barrique (without battonage) before being bottled sur latté. Jean-Paul hand selects grapes, uses a Bucher press, and is experimenting with fermentation in petite cuvee. Hébrart doesn’t block malolactic fermentation and does all remuage by hand.

Peter Liem writes of Champagne Hébrart on Champgneguide.net: “Hébrart’s wines have a broad appeal: if you like to think about your wines, they’re intellectually engaging enough to satisfy you; on the other hand, if you’re just looking to drink, they’re simply delicious. The wines are full and generous without being weighty, complex and soil-driven without being demanding. Overall, the entire range is of consistently high quality, and represents excellent value for the money.”

Blend: 100% Chardonnay
Villages: 15% Grand Cru from Oiry Grand Cru and Chouilly Grand Cru, 85% Mareuil-sur-Aÿ 1er Cru
Malolactic fermentation: yes
Elevage: Stainless steel
Aging: 36 months

The style is rich, broad and ample, especially for Blanc de Blancs. Red berries, flowers, mint, licorice and spices are some of the many notes that resonate on the finish. The intense, creamy finish is hugely appealing.

Robert Parker Wine Advocate – 92 points

Disgorged in April 2018, the latest iteration of Hébrart’s NV Brut Blanc de Blancs Premier Cru is lovely, bursting with aromas of Meyer lemon, green apple, brioche and subtle hints of blanched almond. On the palate, the wine is medium to full-bodied, fleshy and seductive, with ripe acids, a youthfully frothy but incipiently fine mousse and a sapid, vinous finish that belies this bottling’s easy charm. Not only is this a terrific wine, it’s a terrific value.

Wine Enthusiast – 89 points

A rich, fruity white, soft, with creamy apple flavors. The softness suggests sweetness, but this is certainly balanced with a crisp aftertaste, and the whole wine balances well.