Lacourte‑Godbillon Chaillots Hautes Vignes Premier Cru 2018 is a pure‑Chardonnay Champagne from mid‑slope vines in Écueil, crafted in a dry, tightly wound and highly mineral style. It’s typically fermented in oak, then aged around three years on lees, giving subtle pastry and hazelnut complexity over a chiselled core of citrus and chalk. Expect a bone‑dry, structured Extra Brut/low‑dosage profile with loads of tension and length.

In the glass, you can look for lemon pith, grapefruit, green apple and white flowers, layered with sourdough, hazelnut and a distinct saline, chalky edge. The palate is racy and linear, with streamlined acidity, fine mousse and a long, salty, mouth‑watering finish. It’s very much a terroir‑driven cuvée, more about precision and energy than overt richness, and will reward a few more years in the cellar if you like your Champagne more developed and nutty.

Food‑wise, this Chaillots Hautes Vignes 2018 is brilliant with oysters, sashimi, scallop crudo, gougères, Comté, or any refined poultry or seafood dish where you want cut, minerality and subtle oak complexity. It can also handle richer, slightly spicy dishes (like gong bao chicken) thanks to its structure and savoury depth.