Champagne Lanson has unveiled two new expressions of its prestige Noble Cuvée from 2002, one of the best vintages of the last decade.
Normally Lanson Champagnes have a higher proportion of Pinot Noir but their Noble Cuvée vintage has a focus on the more delicate Chardonnay grape.
Unlike their last offering, from 2000, which was made exclusively from Chardonnay, the Noble Cuvée Brut 2002 blends 70% grand cru Chardonnay from Avize, Mesnil-sur-Oger, Cramant and Oger; with 30% grand cru Pinot Noir from Verzenay, with a dosage of 6g/l.
Boasting lime and grapefruit citrus notes, with some floral aromas and a clean mineral streak, it offers fruity notes of ripe apricot and pear, with a persistent honeyed flavour on the finish.
The Noble Cuvée Blanc de Blancs 2002 blends grand cru Chardonnay from Avize, Chouilly, Mesnil-sur-Oger, Cramant and Oger, with a dosage of 6g/l.
Described as having aromas of citrus, apricot, nougat, with ripe toastiness and a nice honeyed note, the flavour is layered with pear, zingy ripe grapefruit citrus, roasted nuts, and spice. A salty minerality on the finish offers plenty of potential for food-matching.
Lanson owns 120 hectares of vines in Champagne and also works with around 400 growers in 100 different villages