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$195.00
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WE 94
France
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Champagne
In stock,
8
available
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List $222.00
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94 points Wine Enthusiast: "[$222 list] This is a beautifully balanced, elegant and mature sparkler. There is fruit--ripe strawberry--but the main character is its fine balance and richness. It can age, though it is at its best now. (Dec 2012)"
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$114.95
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W&S 95
RJ 93–95
WS 94
France
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Champagne
In stock, 12+ available
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List $157.00
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95 points Wine & Spirits: "[$157 list] Digging deep into its limestone soils, this 2002 comes at you with scents of jasmine, lilac, Asian pear and a continuous pale chalk power. The oak aging of its base wines darkens the fruit and increases its muscular tone, a tannic austerity gentled by the floral notes. The wine smells beautiful: For all its mineral backbone and ten years of maturity, the impression it leaves is that of a sunny meadow -- a scent tied to the freshness of fruit in the vintage. (Dec 2012)"
93-95 points Richard Juhlin (Apr 2012).
94 points and 'Highly Recommended,' Wine Spectator: "Ripe, appealing flavors of peach, Gala apple, toast and blood orange mix with a streak of minerality and notes of spice, all set on the fine-grained texture. Fresh and focused, with racy acidity and a long, mouthwatering, nut-tinged finish. Drink now through 2025. (11/30/11)"
94 points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "[$150 list] The 2002 Brut La Grande Annee is marvelous. The 2002 is an understated Grande Annee that caresses the palate with layers of effortless, weightless fruit. The mousse is exceptionally fine, which adds to the impression of total elegance. This is a relatively bright, floral Grande Annee with plenty of aromatic lift, inner perfume and no sense of heaviness at all. A rich, creamy finish adds the final note of complexity and pedigree. The 2002 is 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay, 71% from Grand Cru villages and 29% from Premier Crus. Disgorged February 2011. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2022. (Nov 2011)"
94 points Josh Raynolds (International Wine Cellar): "(60% pint noir and 40% chardonnay; 71% of the fruit is from grand cru sites and rest from premier crus; disgorged February, 2011): Light gold. Ripe pear and honey on the explosively perfumed nose, with sexy floral and marzipan nuances expanding with air. Fat, full and palate-coating, boasting impressive power and thrust. Shows an intriguing blend of richness and energy and finishes long, with smoky and spicy nuances. (Oct/Nov 2011)"
93 points Allen Meadows (Burghound): "(60% pinot noir, 40% chardonnay, 100% grand and premier crus; $150 list). In contrast to the heightened expressiveness of the 2004 Grande Année Rosé this is actually quite restrained with discreet notes of green apple, pear and citrus peel. The delicious, intense and voluminous flavors enjoy a prominent effervescence that is almost foamy yet the bead is strikingly fine, all wrapped in a distinctly yeasty, dry and admirably complex finish that goes on and on. This too could be enjoyed now or held for a number of years to come depending on how much yeast character you like. Drink: now+. (Oct 2012)"
2 stars, Peter Liem (ChampagneGuide.net): "Made of 60% pinot noir and 40% chardonnay, this is spicy and bold, showing the ripeness of the vintage. It's exuberant and youthful at the moment, its rich red-fruit flavors feeling sleekly voluptuous, although it's all held in place by its underlying chalkiness. The aromas persist with fragrance and length on the finish, and overall, this promises to develop well--in fact, it should be much more interesting when the primary fruit calms down, allowing a more mature complexity to develop. (Last tasted: 11/11)"
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$76.95
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IWC 93
TP 93
WS 92
France
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Champagne
In stock, 12+ available
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List $95.00
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93 points Josh Raynolds (International Wine Cellar): "Light yellow-gold. Lively orange, Meyer lemon, ginger and floral aromas show impressive power and purity. Taut, sharply focused citrus and orchard fruit flavors are underscored by a chalky mineral quality and given spine by tangy acidity. Closes bright and long, with resonating spiciness and floral character. This Champagne has barely budged since this time last year. (Nov/Dec 2012)"
93 points Anthony Dias Blue (The Tasting Panel): "[$95 list] Bright and juicy, crisp and elegant style; fresh and brilliant with refined texture and a long finish. (Jan 2013)"
92 points Wine Spectator: "[$95 list] Tightly knit, with racy acidity enlivening rich base notes of creamy brioche and hazelnut, while flavors of glazed apple, lemon meringue, apricot jam and ground ginger play on the lightly grained texture, with a dry, spicy finish. Drink now through 2022. (12/15/11)"
Richard Juhlin: "The neighbouring domain to Salon at Le Mesnil was established as long ago as 1760. It was previously closely linked with Lanson and in 1949 it was taken over by the Nonancourt family. Since Laurent-Perrier bought Salon in 1989, Delamotte has functioned as Salon's second label. Delamotte owns five hectares at Le Mesnil and has access to Salon's vineyards during the years when no Salon is produced. Didier Dupond runs both firms with great sensitivity and enthusiasm. Delamotte purchases 75 per cent of its grapes, mostly from Premier cru villages."
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$139.95
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RJ 90–94
France
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Champagne
In stock, 12+ available
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90-94 points Richard Juhlin: (70% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay) no tasting note given. (Apr 2012)
Importer notes: "70% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay from 45-year-old vines. Vinified in barrels, 25% of which were new. Egly’s vintage wine is one of the most sought-after grower Champagnes in the world -- and for good reason. Ambonnay’s utterly unique terroir -- the source of all the fruit -- reveals itself in the rich, meaty depths of this Champagne. Malolactic fermentation was blocked to preserve freshness and acidity. Pale straw in the glass, the wine reveals aromas of white peaches and vanilla, with plenty of peppery spice. The mouth is awash with green apples, pears and peaches, honeyed brioche and oyster shells. The finish drives home classic Egly pepper and chalk, with incredible energy and liveliness. Fresh yet very sensual and a youthful gem that has many years ahead of it."
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$109.95
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WS 93
WA 93
France
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Champagne
In stock,
4
available
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93 points Wine Spectator: "Aromatic, with a minerally nose and well-cut by vibrant acidity, this offers flavors of fresh apple, lemon zest, grated ginger, piecrust and white peach all set on a lively bead. Features a long, mouthwatering finish. Disgorged September 15, 2011. Drink now through 2025. 78 cases imported. (11/30/12)"
93 points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "The 2002 Brut Special Club de Collection presents a fairly rich, deep expression of fruit but with more than enough structure and energy to provide balance. The 2002 is notable for its rich, creamy textured, remarkable depth and super-finessed texture. It is another terrific wine from Gimmonet. The 2002 is 54% Cramant and 31% Chouilly (both Grand Crus), along with 15% Cuis (Premier Cru), all old vines. As always, the Special Club is made from older vineyards, with a heavy percentage of Grand Cru fruit. This bottle was disgorged March 30, 2011. Dosage is 6 grams per liter. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2021. (Nov 2011)"
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$74.95
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WS 93
JG 93
IWC 93
France
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Champagne
In stock, 12+ available
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List $85.00
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93 points Wine Spectator: "A smoke-tinged powerhouse, with a minerally undertow and firm acidity, offering refined texture and a subtle range of ground spice, ripe plum, whole-grain toast, crystallized honey and candied lemon zest notes. The creamy finish shows a hint of savory fleur de sel. Drink now through 2027. (12/31/12)"
93 points John Gilman (View From the Cellar): "The 2002 Lanson Gold Label is comprised of a fifty-fifty blend of chardonnay and pinot noir, sourced from some of the very best villages for each grape on the Montagne de Reims and the Côte des Blancs. It is aged a minimum of five years on the lees prior to disgorgement. The 2002 Gold Label is stunning, as the ripeness of the vintage beautifully dovetails with the non-malo style of Lanson and the wine offers up a deep and very pure bouquet of apple, tangerine, lovely minerality, brioche, smoke and a floral topnote. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied, complex and beautifully balanced, with superb focus and grip, very elegant, pinpoint bubbles, fine cut and outstanding length on the classy finish. This is really a superb bottle in the making. 2012-2040+. (Jul/Aug 2012)"
93 points Josh Raynolds (International Wine Cellar): "($85 list; 51% pinot noir and 49% chardonnay): Light, bright yellow-gold. Aromas of Meyer lemon, pear, chalky minerals and chamomile, with subtle anise and sweet butter nuances in the background. At once fleshy and focused, offering intense candied citrus and orchard fruit flavors and a touch of sweet butter. Finishes spicy and very long, with lingering floral and citrus notes and excellent clarity. This Champagne is approachable now but I'll bet that it will be even better in three to five years. Lanson's wines age extremely well, by the way. (Nov/Dec 2012)"
93 points The Tasting Panel: "Toasty and vibrant with racy fruit and juicy acidity; vivid and balanced with elegance and style; refined and deep. (Jan 2013)"
92 points (potential) Richard Juhlin (Sep 2011).
The Finest Wines of Champagne: "Lanson is one of the oldest Champagne houses. Founded in 1730, this proud family firm had a deserved reputation until the early 1990s for its distinctive, uncompromising, but unquestionably fine style of Champagne--full-bodied, bracingly dry, and with enough richness and vinosity in its Vintage wines to match fine cuisine... the house has been lucky to retain the Lanson family's chef de cave, Jean-Paul Gandon, who has been with them since the 1970s... At Lanson, he has done a remarkable job since 1991, and there has been a real renaissance in the wines... Lanson's best wine, I believe, is its vintaged Gold Label--not, as it happens, the most expensive Champagne in the range. A classic 50/50 blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay... it has a pleasing austerity on the nose but superb depth, minerality, and presence on the palate."
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$64.95
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IWC 92
France
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Champagne
In stock,
4
available
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92 points Josh Raynolds (International Wine Cellar): "(from the grand cru Chouilly) Light, bright yellow. Intense, mineral-driven bouquet of lime, orange pith, green apple and chalk, with a sexy floral quality gaining power with air. The minerality repeats on the palate, which offers vivid citrus and orchard fruit flavors and a subtle smoky quality that builds on the back end. Impressively complex blanc de blancs with excellent finishing cut and thrust. (Nov/Dec 2008)"
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$229.95
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TP 97
RJ 95
CG 95
France
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Champagne
In stock,
4
available
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List $349.00
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97 points The Tasting Panel: "Pale and bright; fruity nose; crisp, tangy and supremely elegant; pure, juicy and classic with hints of raspberry and citrus; fine bubbles; smooth, very long and graceful; wonderful. (Jan/Feb 2011)"
95 points (potential) Richard Juhlin: "(46% Pinot Noir, 50% Chardonnay, 4% Pinot Meunier) Light and shimmeringly lovely with pearl necklace mousse. A stingy aroma initially that slowly opens up in a creamy style that is reminiscent of the finest homemade vanilla ice cream. The core of the flavour is replete with red fruits bathed in floral, creamy Chardonnay from Cramant. A shy spiciness from whence originates the biscuit aroma that in time becomes the roasting of coffee, can be detected in the empty glass. (Mar 2009)"
95 points Connoisseurs' Guide: "Although so rich and yeasty that images of fresh-baked brioche leap to mind, this lovely, wonderfully refined wine comes with a marked boost in fruitiness compared to its stylistic peers. There is something akin to California fruit deep down at its heart, and while it has real Rosé richness and weight, it is low in astringency and is just about as polished as they come. (Dec 2010)"
93 points Wine & Spirits: "[$349 list] This rosé's brisk mousse suspends tart cherry flavors over a delicate web of structure. The mousse is part of that web, as is the edgy acidity and light, tight tannin, all merging together into a firm, evanescent pinot noir. This has the clarity and purity that pinot can attain in Champagne, a pristine limestone beauty to pour as guests arrive for dinner. (Dec 2010)"
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