2002 Lanson " Gold Label" Le Vintage Brut, Champagne, France. 

Established in 1760, it is one of the oldest Champagne houses in the region, 4th oldest to be precise. It might not be one of the popular champagne brands at a restaurant but it pretty much is considered a great champagne by connoisseurs worldwide.

The Lanson Vintage Collection series is from the Rare and Exceptional section of their selection that ages for 9 years in cellars on lees before release and believe me it was surely an exceptional Champagne. 

The blend is heavy on Pinot Noir than Chardonnay and are picked from Grand Cru villages. They avoid malolactic fermentation in their wines, giving them fantastic fresh acidity and a long ageing potential. 

Tasting Notes

Sight: A deep gold wine with a clear appearance. Minimum visible bubbles.

Nose: A beautiful balance of citrus like orange marmalade, apples, with autolytic aromas of walnut nutiness, lees, bread and honey. 

Palate: Dry wine, with fantastic fresh acidity for a wine this old. The body is fleshy and full with an exceptional fine mousse; the balance of the wine is beautiful. Presents itself with a long lingering finish. 

Lanson Vintage wines are sought after for its deep complexity, finesse and longevity. There are not many vintage champagnes that age better than this. This one for example is drinking fantastic at 20 years of age.