Someone once made an unflattering comparison between Chardonnay and a part of one's anatomy best left unmentioned, saying "everyone's got one, no one wants to hear about yours." Sadly, Chardonnay is a victim of its own success and frequently a punch line, despite being one of the most highly esteemed wines in its guise of Grand Cru Chablis or Montrachet. We are not claiming that Novellum is like these auspicious wines, but we will argue that for its price you can hardly find better. The project is from the Roussillon, where husband and wife team of Domaine Lafage fame, Jean-Marc and Eliane Lafage, have some Chardonnay planted near the Mediterranean that makes a remarkably complex and mineral version of the variety. A small percentage is aged in barrel – usually less than 30%. The remainder of the wine is aged in tank on the lees of Viognier. It remains one of the best values in Chardonnay that you can find.
55cFrance » Cotes du Roussillon
Jeb Dunnuck 94 "A richer styled wine (I've compared this cuve to a Chardonnay from Mark Aubert), the 2020 Novellum has a medium gold hue as
Importer Notes "Jean-Marc and Eliane Lafage have some Chardonnay planted near the Mediterranean that makes a remarkably complex and mineral version of the variety. In
Jeb Dunnuck 91 Made from all Chardonnay aged on Viognier lees, the 2018 Chardonnay Novellum reveals a medium gold color as well a rich, textured style.
Jeb Dunnuck 92 "Coming from 100 Chardonnay that was aged on Viognier lees, the 2017 Vin de France Novellum boasts sensational notes of ripe citrus, white
Wine Advocate 92 “A sensational wine that will compete with wines five times the price, the 2016 Novellum Chardonnay is the real deal and actually reminded
Wine Advocate 90 " A custom cuvee by importer Eric Solomon and a blend of 100% Chardonnay that comes from two separate vineyards, this Cotes Catalanes
"Novellum is a custom cuvee of Chardonnay grown and made by Jean Marc and Eliane Lafage for Eric Solomon. Year after year, the Novellum Chardonnay
Wine Advocate 92 "More serious and layered, the 2013 VDP Cotes Catalanes Novellum is a crazy value that needs to be tasted to be believed. A
Wine Advocate 87 "The silken-textured Lafage 2012 Novellum Chardonnay is generously juicy if rather simply apply, its hints of spice, caramel and vanilla from barrel complimentary,
End of item list