Our new RM Champagne, #38 on WS top 100
This is a small, quietly meticulous house, producing RM Champagne in limited quantities with an almost old-world sense of care. Nothing about Ployez-Jacquemart is industrial or formulaic. Each bottling is made with intention, and that focus shows clearly in the glass.
The “Extra Quality” Brut is slightly Chardonnay-driven but includes Pinot Noir and Meunier which gives the wine its core of precision, energy, and finesse. Chardonnay brings lift and clarity fresh citrus, white flowers, and a fine chalky tension while subtle supporting elements add depth without distracting from the wine’s elegant spine. The result is Champagne that feels vibrant and refined, with a natural sense of balance rather than overt richness.
What elevates this wine even further is its origin. The fruit comes primarily from the Grand Cru village and some Premier Cru villages in Ludes and Vertus, some of Champagne’s most celebrated terroirs. Vertus is known for producing wines with both power and polish, and here that character shows through in the wine’s structure and length. There is real depth beneath the freshness, giving the Champagne both immediate appeal and serious presence.
Despite its quiet profile, the quality has been unmistakably recognized. In 2025, this Champagne was ranked #38 on Wine Spectator’s Top 100 Wines of the Year, a remarkable achievement for a small-production house that prioritizes vineyard expression over marketing flash. That placement alone speaks volumes about what’s in the bottle.
In the glass, expect fine, persistent bubbles and aromas of lemon zest, green apple, and subtle stone fruit, followed by hints of brioche and almond from extended aging. The palate is clean, focused, and elegant, finishing with a refreshing mineral snap that makes it dangerously easy to pour another glass.
This is Champagne for those who appreciate terroir and authenticity. With its Chardonnay-driven profile, Grand Cru roots in Vertus and 1er Cru in Ludes, limited production, and top-tier critical recognition, this offering from Ployez-Jacquemart offers a level of class and character that far exceeds its price.
#38, Wine Spectator top 100, 2025, 93 Points, Wine Spectator
A graceful Champagne, with a fine, raw silk–like mousse carrying well-meshed flavors of poached quince and pear, Marcona almond, oyster shell and white blossoms. Fresh and focused, with savory hints of mineral and herbs on the finish. Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. Disgorged October 2024. Drink now through 2035. 3,000 cases made, 2,083 cases imported.