Lanson "Black Label" Brut Champagne

50% Pinot Noir, 35% Chardonnay and 15% Meunier from 100 villages in all, and including 30% reserves from 10 vintages back to 1995; a small proportion now being produced with malolactic. Black Label remains the confident barometer of Lanson, and Hervé Dantan’s first blend is a class act, a resounding statement of his talent in preserving the style and integrity of the house while meticulously polishing the edges. It’s a very important cuvée in the grand scheme of Champagne: one of the best and most consistent of the bargain set. (TS) (8/2020)

The wine is drinking very nicely, offering up a complex nose of apple, a touch of peach, lovely soil tones, fresh-baked bread and incipient smokiness in the upper register. On the palate the wine is bright, full-bodied and focused, with a good core, pinpoint bubbles, fine acids and a long, complex and well-balanced finish. This has the cut and backend bounce of a non-malo bubbly, but with the acids beautifully buffered. A fine Brut NV. (8/2018)

The classic Lanson nonvintage label sums up the dry style of the house, with its emphasis on crisp fruit, a taut, almost mineral texture and an ability to age in the bottle. It can be drunk now although it will mature further. (RV) (12/2019)

A bright, accessible version, with well-cut, citrusy acidity and a lively, lightly creamy mousse carrying flavors of grainy green pear, ripe raspberry and grilled nut, showing a touch of chalky mineral. Disgorged January 2018. Drink now through 2021. 7,000 cases imported. (AN) (12/2019)

Disgorged in January 2018, the latest release of Lanson's NV Brut Black Label is showing well, offering up aromas of warm biscuits, crisp orchard fruit, dried citrus rind and toasted brioche. On the palate, it's medium to full-bodied and crisp but fleshy, with the house's non-malo style tempered by a generous core of fruit, concluding with a long, chalky finish. This is a very creditable non-vintage cuvée that has the cut and structure to evolve in the cellar. (WK) (8/2019)

With brisk flavors ranging from green apple to orange and red raspberry, this wine emphasizes fresh fruit and chalky limestone acidity. It’s clean and simply presented, ready to pour with briny oysters. (12/2019)

This house is making a big comeback. A big toasty nose leads to a convincing, rich palate impression and a clean, refreshing finish. The wine is made from 50% Pinot Noir, 35% Chardonnay and 15% Meunier, and vinified without malolactic fermentation. The fruit comes from all Grand and Premier Cru areas within Champagne and it tastes like it!