“Labelled as a non-vintage MCC, this is dominated by base wine from the 2021 harvest. Marrying Pinot Noir from Franschhoek and Stellenbosch with 25% Chardonnay from Barrydale, Elgin and Franschhoek again, this benefited from the inclusion of 15% reserve material. Fresh, light and easy drinking with creamy bubbles and citrus and raspberry fruit.” – Tim Atkin MW
Composition 75% Pinot Noir, 25% Chardonnay Drink Date: 2023-26 Alcohol: 12.0% Barrel: 15% of the base wine is barrel fermented Body: Medium Which Glass? Zalto White Wine Decant it? No
Champagne Pol Roger Pure Extra Brut Non-Vintage, "The new release of Pol Roger's NV Extra-Brut Pure is showing nicely, unwinding in the glass with notes of pear, orange, pink grapefruit, smoke and rye toast. Medium to full-bodied, chiseled and incisive, it's taut and tightly wound, with fine depth at the core, brisk acids and a pinpoint mousse, concluding with a dry finish." - William Kelley, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
"Based on the 2014 vintage (and Pinot Noir to the tune of 50%), complemented by 45% reserve wines, Lanson's NV Brut Le Black Réserve was disgorged in July 2019 with seven grams per liter dosage. Mingling aromas of honeycomb and crisp yellow orchard fruit with hints of warm biscuits and orange oil, it's medium to full-bodied, fleshy and charming, with tangy underlying acids, a generous core of fruit and impressive complexity derived from the large percentage of reserve wines. Indeed, readers who—like me—lamented the demise of Lanson's Extra-Age Brut bottling will rediscover some of that cuvée's signature here." - William Kelley, The Wine Advocate
"Lanson's recently released 2004 Brut Vintage Noble is drinking well, offering up attractive aromas of buttery pastry, macadamia nuts, citrus zest, dried white flowers and bee pollen, followed by a medium to full-bodied, fleshy and incisive palate that's charming but chiseled, with the open-knit profile of the vintage tempering the taut, even somewhat austere house style at this address." - William Kelley, The Wine Advocate