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Wine Description
The Story
Lanson Gold Label Brut Vintage marks more than a century of great Lanson vintages since the first was made over a hundred years ago. Produced only from Pinot Noir and Chardonnay Grands Crus, each bottle is aged for at least five years to develop the aromas and flavours that typify the chosen year – and the unique house style. Powerful, complex and harmonious. Ideal with white meat and fish dishes.
Grape Variety:
53% Pinot Noir, 47% Chardonnay
Crus:
Pinot Noir Grand Cru : Verzenay, Verzy, Bouzy, Aÿ
Chardonnay Grand Cru: Avize, Cramant, Chouilly, Oger and Le Mesnil-sur-Oger
One of the oldest champagne house, Lanson was founded in 1760 by Francois Delamotte, a magistrate from the Reims. The values and expertise that created the unique and enduring style of Champagne Lanson have been handed down from generation to generation. Since 1760, this has been the guiding philosophy of the successive generations that have promoted Lanson throughout the world.
Centuries in the dedicated pursuit of perfection have established the House of Lanson as one of the premier champagne makers. Today, the marriage of a contemporary dynamism with age-old tradition brings pleasure to millions the world over.
Champagne Lanson is one of the few houses in the Champagne region that chooses not to use malolactic fermentation. This decision guarantees the freshness and optimal development of the wines' flavours, allowing vintages to mature fully and evolve their complete array of aromas.
1904, 1928, 1955, 1971, 1990, 1995 or 1996, are among the most illustrious vintages that have distinguished Lanson as a great Champagne House reputed particularly for its Vintage champagnes.
Wine Information
To make its 2004 Vintage, Lanson selected the most expressive wines from Grand Cru Chardonnay and Pinot Noir vineyards.
The pale gold colour of the wine is enlivened by very fine bubbles. The aromatic palette of dried and candied fruits, grilled almonds, apricot, fig and mandarin is generously expressed in the bouquet.
On the palate, the attack is meaty and complex, with the candied mandarin finish developing long-lasting tangy notes.
Vintage 2004
A great example of how large yields do not necessarily mean poor quality in Champagne. As a reaction to the previous year's low yields, the vines produced one of the largest crops on record. The growing season proceeded without major difficulties but the bumper crop called for bud thinning. August brought about cooler weather and some rains, increasing the risk of rot. The massive crop, averaging 13,990 kg/ha, was picked from September 18th onwards. The quality was a pleasant surprise; vibrant wines with appropriate intensity, refined charm and refreshing lightness. This vintage impresses me more and more, and I feel tempted to give it the full five stars. It comes with a rare balance of freshness, lightness, yet fine aromatic intensity. Post-release, this vintage has proven to be slow to age, and elegant wines are likely to keep on ageing gracefully. Dom Pérignon and Louis Roederer Cristal both excelled.