Lanson Extra Age Brut

"The NV Extra Age Brut – a 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay blend based on 2002, 2004 and 2005 – has a lovely, clear and fresh, intense and vinous bouquet. Very elegant and intense on the palate, but neither heavy nor rich, it keeps the pure, fresh and linear Lanson style. This shows good finesse and is intense in the pretty persistent finish. Excellent. Disgorged in July 2015." Stephan Reinhardt.

Just as it says on the label, this is a nonvintage wine that has aged longer than usual in the Lanson cellars (in this case five years). That immediately gives it a toasty aroma and palate. The white stone fruit is still crisp although filled out and rounded with bottle age. Drink this impressive wine now.

Light gold. Refined, open nose intermixing brioche notes, dried fruits and mild spices. The palate reveals savoury fullness, softness and opulence, all of which are harnessed by a sensation of freshness. Long. A superlative Champagne.