A true clos on a steep, chalky slope in Dizy 1er Cru, one of the Marne's best addresses, farmed organically by Jean-Paul Hébrart, who took the reins from his father Marc in 1997. All Chardonnay, fermented and aged in barrel with no malo and six years on the lees, so you get that barrel-fed breadth pulled taut by chalk and racing acidity. At 3 grams of dosage there's nowhere to hide, and it doesn't need anywhere to hide.
Winemaker Notes
Practicing Organic 100% Chardonnay A steep single site in Dizy 1er Cru A true clos on very chalky terroir, a top site in the Marne No malo Fermented and aged in barrel Aged 72 months on the lees Dosage: 3g/L
Professional Ratings
94
Jeb Dunnuck"Bright yellow/green , the 2016 Champagne 1er Cru Clos de Leon Brut was aged and fermented in 300-liter used barrels and is entirely Chardonnay from Dizy. The nose opens to notes of fresh baguette, pear, lemon balm, and savory salinity. Medium to full-bodied, it™s potent and concentrated, with a coiled feel, good ripeness, and a clean finish. The mousse does not interfere and gently frames the wine on the palate. It™s long on the finish and quite impressive, with a rounded silky texture. Bravo. Drink over the coming 15 or so years."
93
Wine Spectator"Flavors of ripe green apple, poached quince, clementine and pickled ginger are chiseled by racy acidity and a swathe of chalky minerality in this sculpted Champagne. This softens its firm definition with a refined, satinlike mousse that carries the flavor profile. Offers hints of almond blossoms and pink grapefruit pith on the zesty finish. Disgorged January 2023. 25 cases imported. - AN"
92
Vinous"The 2016 Brut Clos Le Léon, 100% Chardonnay from Clos Le Léon in Dizy, is airy and gracious in feel. Lemon peel, tangerine oil, mint, crushed rocks and sage give the 2016 its effusive personality. This understated Champagne is impeccable in its balance. This was raised in oak barrique and saw no malolactic fermentation. Dosage is 3 grams per liter. Disgorged between April 2023 and October 2023."
About the Producer
Region: Vallée de la Marne
Premier Cru Sites: Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, Avenay, Val d’Or and Bisseuil
Grand Cru Sites: Aÿ, Avize, Chouilly, Oiry
Annual Production: 5,800 cases
Total Vineyard Holdings: 15 hectares
Vines: 70% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay
Jean-Paul Hébrart took over Marc Hébrart from his father in 1997. His father had been producing estate bottled wines since 1964 and joined the Club Trésors in 1985 Jean-Paul has slowly developed the estate in the last 20 years to one of the very finest grower estates in the Marne.
