Lanson Le Vintage Collection Champagne 1983

Vintage Lanson is not necessarily pure grand cru, and yet this 1983 is the last to date to contain premier cru grapes, with 56% of Pinot Noir from Bouzy, Verzenay, Dizy and Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, blended with 44% Chardonnay from Avize and Cramant. Disgorged in February of 2020, it is ample and inviting, and while the aromas on the nose lean towards developed notes of honeycomb, dried fruit, toasted brioche and coconut oil, the fruit is surprisingly fresh and lively on the palate, with flavours of red and orchard fruits complicated by hints of toffee and caramel. It enlivened by a prominent spine of acidity that imparts tension and length on the finish. With its harmonious balance of youth and maturity, it feels at an ideal point of drinking, although there is no need to hurry to do so. Drinking window: 2021-2030. Score – 94. (Peter Liem, decanter.com, Sept. 30, 2021)