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Description

The Stéphane Regnault Dorien N°14 is a breathtaking expression of Chardonnay from the iconic Grand Cru village of Le Mesnil-sur-Oger in the heart of the Côte des Blancs. Stéphane Regnault, an aerospace engineer turned sommelier and now a celebrated vigneron, brings a unique, analytical precision to his winemaking. The 'Dorien' cuvée is sourced from his Hautes-Mottes vineyard, characterized by its deep chalk soils and old vines planted in the 1950s. This wine represents a masterful intersection of traditional Champagne craft and modern, sustainable viticulture—Regnault is committed to organic and biodynamic farming, ensuring the terroir speaks with absolute clarity.

Named after musical modalities—a nod to Regnault's passion for jazz—the 'Dorien' is often described as the most linear and focused of his single-vineyard bottlings, likened by the producer to a tunnel: straight, deep, and unyielding. The No. 14 indicates the perpetual solera base and blending history, resulting in a wine of immense complexity. On the nose, expect an intensely mineral attack—crushed gravel, chalk, and flint—that gracefully opens to reveal vibrant citrus notes, lemon oil, hints of clover, and a subtle, toasted brioche character from its patient lees aging.

On the palate, it is explosive and precise. It is an Extra Brut Champagne with very low dosage, allowing the purity of the Chardonnay fruit and the crystalline acidity of the Le Mesnil terroir to shine without obstruction. It offers a creamy yet razor-sharp texture, with a saline, mouth-puckering finish that encourages another sip. This is not a wine to be rushed; it thrives with aeration, opening up beautifully over 15 to 30 minutes to reveal hidden layers of depth and concentration.

This wine is an exceptional partner for high-end gastronomy. Its intense salinity and bright acidity make it a perfect pairing for refined seafood dishes such as oysters, grilled lobster, or sea bass carpaccio. It also cuts beautifully through the richness of mild, soft-rind cheeses or lightly salted shellfish.

For the collector and the connoisseur alike, the Stéphane Regnault Dorien N°14 is a rare and profound experience. It is a testament to what is possible when deep respect for the land is paired with uncompromising technical skill. It is not merely a sparkling wine; it is a profound articulation of the chalky soils of the Côte des Blancs, offering a vibrancy and energy that lingers in the memory long after the bottle is empty. If you value purity, tension, and the authentic voice of a singular terroir, this bottle is an essential addition to your cellar.