Drappier : Carte d'Or

One in a millennium. Beautifully balanced, extremely flavourful yet lively, this elegant, mature Champagne has plenty of life left. It combines toasty, earthy nuances with rich fruit flavours and a lingering finish. Drink now through 2010. 55 cases made.

Described by Drappier as 'almost a blanc de noirs', this Pinot Noir-dominant wine sourced from the Côte des Bar is the house's calling card. 5% of the cuvée is matured in barrels for a year for added complexity and texture, and it's bottled unfiltered with a fairly low dosage of 7g/l. There are some melon and apple scents on the nose along with a splash of red fruits, while the palate is intense, with notes of apple, quince and grape wrapped in a red-fruit veil. It's full-bodied and long, with a lovely texture from the red wine tannins and oak-matured portion.

Attractive aromas of white peach, dried orange, blanched almond and brioche with subtle hints of dried raspberries and crushed stones. Medium- to full-bodied palate with a creamy texture and delicate mousse. Long and even. A blend of 80% pinot noir, 15% chardonnay and 5% pinot meunier. Dosage 6.5g/L. Drink now or hold.

(85% Pinot Noir, 15% Chardonnay and 5% Pinot Meunier; 7 g/l dosage; LZ57266DG09/13): Light yellow-gold. Pungent aromas of orange pith, dried apple and toasty lees, with a hint of chamomile in the background. Fleshy and broad on entry, then tighter in the middle, offering bitter pear skin and quinine flavors and a touch of blood orange. Finishes with good grip and cut, leaving a subtle smoky note behind.

Light yellow gold with silver reflections. Ripe yellow pear fruit, some mango and blossom honey, white nougat and a hint of candied orange zest on the nose. The palate is juicy, with a sweet fruit core of pineapple and mango backed by the fine acidity. It's fresh and lemony on the finish, with a mineral aftertaste, a versatile bottle. (PM).

From Urville in the Côte des Bars, the NV Champagne Carte D'Or Brut is 80% Pinot Noir, 15% Chardonnay, and a splash of Meunier. A bright straw/golden color, it’s ripe and fruity in the glass and beautifully expresses its pure and generous profile with aromas of black cherries, ripe peaches, fresh flowers, and shortbread. Medium-bodied, it has a compact feel, with concentrated ripeness and a pillowy mousse that rounds out the wine through the finish. A very appealing wine, it’s perfect for the autumn and winter months and ready for drinking now or over the coming 4-6 years.

Generous, indulgent, fruity, well-structured, it’s a good Champagne for all occasions.

The standard nonvintage cuvée from this producer is satisfyingly mature. While it has a crisp side, the blend of mainly Pinot Noir is fruity, with bright apple flavors and a touch of toastiness. It is ready to drink.

The NV Brut Carte d’Or, 80% Pinot Noir, 15% Chardonnay and 5% Meunier, is a delicious entry-level wine with excellent depth and definition. The broad shoulders of the Pinot come through in the wine’s rich, expansive core of red fruits and long, creamy finish. Disgorged: October 2009.