Brutiful Champagne 2012

But like it or not Champagne has style and if you taste enough, or simply pay attention to what comes your way over the years, you too will come to recognize that indeed the Pol Roger is different from the Veuve Clicquot.

The subtle nuances that contrast the light and the ethereal against the heavier, richer offerings or the toasted/biscuit-y style versus the fresh, citrus, fruity offerings are the basis of all comparisons that ultimately establish a champagne producer's "house" style.

Blending is at the heart of any champagne's style and it begins with the fruit. There are three major grapes used in champagne and it's the mix of the varieties that defines the house style. When pinot noir dominates the blend the wine is noticeably richer. The extra body and weight that stems from the power of pinot noir also lends the sparkler the ability to age longer in bottle further increasing the complexity and strength of the wine.

If chardonnay is the focus, the wines tend to have a leaner structure that often appears lighter and creamier in the mouth. Elegance and finesse are the hallmark of exceptional chardonnay and with few exceptions this style is often better appreciated when young, at least here in North America.

Pinot meunier is the region's swing the grape. In essence this is the fruit component that while it is never as prominent in champagne as it might be in sparkling wines from the United States or Australia, it does a play an important role in the final assemblage or blend.

The following reviews are restricted to the broad category of champagne known as non-vintage Brut. Interestingly the somewhat derogatory term non-vintage is an expression many champagne houses are moving away from preferring instead to describe these sparkling jewels for what they are: multi-vintage, multi-blended wines in effect containing different grapes, from scores of vineyards that more often than not contain one or more years of reserve wine.

It's the flexibility to add older wines and draw from a diverse range of vineyards that allows each Champagne house to reproduce a consistent taste and or house style year in and year out - not unlike a fine cognac or blended whiskey. What follows is a review of some of the more popular non-vintage blends available across the country with a brief comment about its style. Hopefully it will help you celebrate the holidays in a style tailored to your liking.

91/100 Charles Heidsieck Brut Reserve (Disgorgment 2007) N/V
Champagne, France
Pale yellow colour. Fine, continuous mousse. Very nutty, toasty, baked apple, citrus, ripe pear, honey aromas. Crisp, dry, round palate with good acidity and balance and fine mousse. Very nutty, oatmeal, honey, baked citrus, baked green apple, lemon drop, and toasty flavours. Good finesse, dry finish in a more mature style for current drinking. Solid value.
Tasted: 2009-09-26 by AG-ST
Prices: BC $59.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; MB $64.00 (750 ml); ON $60.00 (750 ml) Vintages; QC $58.00 (750 ml)
CSPC: 31286; UPC: 03037900002787
Producer: Champagne Charles Heidsieck
Distributor: Select Wine Merchants

90/100 Champagne Delamotte Brut N/V
Champagne, France
The fruit, chardonnay (50), pinot noir (35-40) and pinot meunier (10-15) is all Grand Cru status and aged a minimum of three years on the lees prior to release or more than twice 15 months the legal minimum for Brut Champagne. The nose is clean and fresh with hints of mineral and seawater. The palate is similarly styled with creamy citrus fruit flecked with chalky minerality. Delicious apéritif.
Tasted: 2007-05-20 by AG-ST
Prices: AB $50.00 (750 ml) fine wine shops; BC $54.99 (750 ml) speculative listing - Free House Wine & Spirits; ON $43.80 (750 ml) Vintages
CSPC: 362897
Producer: Champagne Delamotte
Distributor: Free House Wine & Spirits Ltd.; Le Maitre ce Chai; Tastevin Selections

90/100 G. H. Mumm Brut Cordon Rouge N/V
Champagne, France 
Brioche, spicy, baked pear, honey, toasty, baked apple, citrus, creamy aromas. Fresh, crisp, medium sweetness brut style with good acidity. Toasty, marzipan, brioche, honey, citrus, baked pear and apple flavours. A bit lighter style but has good flavours and balance with a juicy, brioche finish. Will appeal to almost everyone. 
Tasted: 2011-12-23 by AG-ST
Prices: AB $60.00 (750 ml) fine wine boutiques; BC $60.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; BC $35.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; MB $64.00 (750 ml); NB $60.00 (750 ml); NF $65.00 (750 ml); NS $64.00 (750 ml); ON $60.00 (750 ml) LCBO; QC $135.00 (1500 ml) fine wine boutiques; QC $60.00 (750 ml); QC $63.00 (750 ml); SK $50.00 (750 ml); YK $64.00 (750 ml)
CSPC: 308056; UPC: 633438103816
Producer: G. H. Mumm & Cie
Distributor: Corby Distilleries Limited 

90/100 Gosset Grand Reserve Brut N/V
Champagne, France
Fine, tiny mousse. Citrus, toasty, pear, floral, baked apple, cherry aromas. Round, crisp, elegant, fresh palate with good acidity balance. Good citrus, baked granny smith, pear, honey, toasty brioche flavours. Long, fresh finish with juicy textures. A bit tighter style.
Tasted: 2007-12-09 by AG-ST
Prices: AB $55.00 (750 ml) private wine shops; BC $70.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; ON $64.10 (750 ml)
CSPC: 213983; UPC: 3353210012217
Producer: Champagne Gosset
Distributor: Winspeer International Group Ltd.

96/100 Krug Grande Cuvee N/V
Champagne, France
The latest cuvee is marvellous. So fresh and so intense; so impressive on entry. Crisp elegant and dry but structured with high acidity and fine, creamy mousse. A high proportion of reserve wine gives it a nutty, toasty flavour flecked with citrus, honey, quince, lemon and earthy, mineral notes and a persistent dry, rich finish. More intense and concentrated than almost any other champagne but also austere and drier. Ready to drink now but will hold for many years. More like a table wine with its intensity yet impeccable balance and acidity. Top flight bubble.
Tasted: 2009-11-22 by AG-ST
Prices: AB $248.00 (750 ml); BC $255.00 (750 ml); BC $613.00 (1500 ml) speculative listing - Charton-Hobbs; BC $119.00 (375 ml) speculative listing - Charton-Hobbs; NS $218.00 (750 ml); ON $270.00 (750 ml); QC $273.00 (750 ml)
CSPC: 349688; UPC: 03258060111014
Producer: Champagne Krug
Distributor: Charton-Hobbs

95/100 Krug Rosé N/V
Champagne, France
Krug Rosé is deliciously pale with the requisite tiny bubbles to highlight its gold and salmon coloured tones. The nose is explosively fruity with bits of wild strawberries and white flowers. The palate is fresh and spicy with more screamingly dry red fruit flavours woven into its enticing creamy textures. The blend fluctuates between 20-30% chardonnay, 15-20% pinot meunier and 50-55% pinot noir. Krug first released its rosé in 1983, 140 years after they opened for business. It has been a tradition ever since.
Tasted: 2009-12-03 by AG-ST
Prices: AB $429.00 (750 ml) private wine stores; BC $455.00 (750 ml) speculative listing - Authentic Wine & Spirits; US $383.00 (750 ml) estimated retail
CSPC: 266585; UPC: 3258064008419
Producer: Champagne Krug
Distributor: Charton-Hobbs

89/100 Lanson Black Label Brut N/V
Champagne, France
Fine but light mousse with a pale yellow colour. Mature nose with toasty, brioche, honey, light garlic, baked pear, citrus, and apple aromas. Fresh, elegant, tight palate in a drier brut style with good acidity. Nutty, toasty, baked apple, lemon, earthy, pear and butter flavours. Finish is a bit austere but ready to go.
Tasted: 2011-12-21 by AG
Prices: AB $51.00 (750 ml) fine wine boutiques; BC $60.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; ON $50.00 (750 ml) Vintages Essentials
CSPC: 041889;   UPC: 692743002863
Producer: Champagne Lanson
Distributor: Mark Anthony Wine Merchants

90/100 Lanson Brut Rosé N/V
Champagne, France
Pale pink raspberry hue with fine mousse. Nutty, cherry, creamy, mineral, baked pear aromas with a touch of citrus and biscuit. Fresh, just off dry, crisp and round with toasty, cherry, citrus, honey, mineral and baked pear flavours. Continued good finesse and length with fruit and good acidity balance.
Tasted: 2008-12-20 by AG-ST
Prices: AB $65.00 (750 ml) fine wine boutiques; BC $70.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; MB $65.00 (750 ml); ON $50.00 (750 ml) Vintages; ON $30.00 (375 ml); QC $59.00 (750 ml)
CSPC: 172130; UPC: 692743004089
Producer: Champagne Lanson
Distributor: Mark Anthony Wine Merchants

89/100 Laurent Perrier Brut L-P N/V
Champagne, France
Fine tiny mousse. Lemon, green apple, toasty pear, strawberry, light toasty nose. Light, elegant, crisp palate with moderate mousse. Cherry, toasty, baked apple, citrus, quince and honey flavours. A bit short on the finish but nice fruit flavours that will appeal to all.
Tasted: 2007-12-09 by AG-ST
Prices: BC $60.99 (750 ml)
CSPC: 001834; UPC: 626990017059
Producer: Champagne Laurent-Perrier
Distributor: Philippe Dandurand Wines Ltd

91/100 Laurent Perrier Cuvée Rosé Brut N/V
Champagne, France
Light raspberry salmon colour. Fine continuous mousse with nutty, toasty, citrus, cherry, creamy raspberry aromas. Round, elegant and balanced with a slight fatness. Fine cherry, strawberry, toasty, nutty, creamy mineral flavours with a baked apple, light bitter cherry finish. Very good rose made from 100 per cent pinot noir.
Tasted: 2007-11-19 by AG-ST
Prices: BC $95.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; MB $99.00 (750 ml); ON $90.00 (750 ml) Vintages Essentials; QC $97.00 (750 ml)
CSPC: 158550; UPC: 3258438000001
Producer: Champagne Laurent-Perrier
Distributor: Philippe Dandurand Wines Ltd

92 Laurent Perrier Grand Siècle N/V Chardonnay - Pinot Noir
Champagne, France
BC $132 specialty listing, AB $111, QC $137
Very fine effervescence. Brioche, floral, strawberry, mineral, nutty, toasty baked apple and creamy citrus aromas. Rich, round, crisp and fresh wit very toasty, nutty, creamy, floral, citrus, mineral flavours and a very creamy, quince, citrus finish. Young with finesse but needs 2-5 years to really strut its stuff. A 50/50 blend of pinot and chardonnay all from 100 per cent rated grand cru vineyards.

90/100 Le Marquis de Marillac Brut NV N/V
Champagne, France
Good fine mousse. Toasty, nutty, spicy, floral, citrus, baked pear aromas. Fresh, round, crisp, juicy palate on the sweeter brut side. Pear, orange, citrus, apple, honey, nutty flavours. A juicy, fuller, creamy style for general consumers. Good value.
Tasted: 2009-10-21 by AG-ST
Prices: BC $45.00 (750 ml) speculative - The Seacove Group
Producer: Champagne de Venoge
Distributor: The Seacove Group Inc.

92/100 Louis Roederer Brut Premier Champagne N/V
Champagne, France
Fine continuous mousse. Toasty, brioche, creamy, baked apple, pear, honey, floral, citrus, strawberry aromas. Fresh, crisp, juicy palate with medium brut sweetness but a touch of austerity and good acidity. Green apple skin, baked pear, lemon, quince, honey, marzipan and brioche flavours. Elegant and structured with a slightly austere finish but good flavour concentration and length.
Tasted: 2011-12-23 by AG-ST
Prices: AB $64.00 (750 ml) fine wine boutiques; BC $68.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; BC $34.00 (750 ml) speculative listing - Authentic Wine and Spirits; MB $66.00 (750 ml); NF $70.00 (750 ml); NS $60.00 (750 ml); ON $68.00 (750 ml) Vintages Essentials; ON $319.00 (750 ml); QC $66.00 (750 ml)
CSPC: 268771;   UPC: 3114080016053
Producer: Champagne Louis Roederer
Distributor: Authentic Wine and Spirits Merchants

91/100 Moët & Chandon Brut Imperial Rosé N/V
Champagne, France
Pale raspberry colour with a good continuous bead. Earthy, cherry, spicy, toasty, almond, tobacco, citrus aromas. Fresh, crisp, elegant, slightly sweet style with creamy mousse. Strawberry, spicy, citrus, baked pear, earth and toasty flavours. Fuller style with good fruit but elegant and balanced - very attractive consumer style.
Tasted: 2008-12-21 by AG
Prices: BC $75.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; ON $71.00 (750 ml); QC $73.00 (750 ml)
CSPC: 482026; UPC: 03185370074831
Producer: Moet & Chandon
Distributor: Charton-Hobbs

90/100 Moët & Chandon Brut Impérial N/V
Champagne, France
Pale yellow colour with good fine mousse. Light toasty, nutty, baked apple, citrus, floral aromas. Fresh, crisp, fairly dry brut style with good body and mousse. Toasted brioche, honey, baked apple, pear skin, citrus and mineral flavours. Full bodied style with good intensity but just a hint of bitterness.
Tasted: 2008-12-20 by AG-ST
Prices: AB $50.00 (750 ml) private wine shops; BC $65.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; BC $134.00 (1500 ml); BC $37.00 (375 ml); BC $910.00 (6000 ml) speculative listing - Charton-Hobbs; BC $135.00 (750 ml); MB $56.00 (750 ml); NB $57.80 (750 ml); NS $64.95 (750 ml); ON $59.75 (750 ml); QC $63.00 (750 ml); SK $50.80 (750 ml)
CSPC: 453084; UPC: 3185370000335
Producer: Moet & Chandon
Distributor: Charton-Hobbs

89/100 Moët & Chandon Nectar Impérial N/V
Champagne, France
Good continuous mousse. Lemon, nutty, baked apple, croissant, floral, cherry and pear skin aromas. Fresh, round, lively style with lots of strawberry, baked pear, candied citrus, biscuit-y, nutty, honey flavours. Nice style and well balanced but quite sweet. Definitely a post-dinner style for a fruit dessert or with foie gras or try with Indian food.
Tasted: 2007-12-09 by AG-ST
Prices: BC $70.00 (750 ml) specialty listing
CSPC: 509695; UPC: 3185370000397
Producer: Moet & Chandon
Distributor: Charton-Hobbs

92/100 Nicolas Feuillatte Brut Rosé N/V
Champagne, France
Bright, fresh, red fruit scents on the nose with a strong, mineral undertone. A creamy persistent mousse makes for a smooth entry and very fruity mid-palate offering up bits of strawberry, raspberry, cherry, baked apple and nutty citrus flavours. A sparkler that looks as delicious as it tastes. Try it with Asian pork dishes and assorted other appetizers.
Tasted: 2009-11-28 by AG-ST
Prices: AB $58.00 (750 ml) private wine stores; BC $70.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; ON $58.00 (750 ml) LCBO; QC $65.00 (750 ml) private wine stores
CSPC: 080184; UPC: 03282946013192
Producer: Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte
Distributor: International Cellars Inc.

91/100 Nicolas Feuillatte Brut Premier Cru Réserve Particulière N/V
Champagne, France
The "Blue Label" is classic in style with bright acidity and fresh floral, citrus, nutty notes on the nose flecked with cherry and strawberry nuances. The palate is firm with more green apple skin, dried pear and hazelnut tones throughout. Good finesse in what is a balanced fizz that will accompany a wide range of food. The blend is 20/40/40 chardonnay/pinot noir/pinot meunier.
Tasted: 2009-11-28 by AG-ST
Prices: AB $55.00 (750 ml) private wine stores; BC $60.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; ON $50.00 (750 ml) LCBO; QC $52.00 (750 ml)
CSPC: 080283; UPC: 3282946006835
Producer: Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte
Distributor: International Cellars Inc.

91/100 Perrier - Jouët Grand Brut N/V
Champagne, France
Medium fine white mousse. Toasty, nutty, baked apple, spicy, citrus, pear skin and spice aromas. Fresh, crisper, medium weight palate with fine mousse and a juicy edge. Marzipan, toasty, baked pear, citrus peel, green apple flavours with a touch of honey. A bit more austere but full with good acidity structure. Will be best with appetizers.
Tasted: 2011-12-23 by AG-ST
Prices: AB $67.00 (750 ml) private wine shops; BC $67.00 (750 ml); ON $64.00 (750 ml)
CSPC: 050278;   UPC: 00633438300109
Producer: Perrier Jouët
Distributor: Corby Distilleries Limited

89/100 Piper-Heidsieck Brut N/V
Champagne, France
Fresh brioche, toasty, green apple, citrus nose with some baked pear and a floral note. Dry, crisp, fresh style with tighter acidity. Nutty, baked pear, green apple skin, citrus, baked quince flavours. Very crisp, dryer, lighter style with a slightly austere finish. The blend is 40 per cent pinot noir, 30 per cent pinot meunier and 30 per cent chardonnay
Tasted: 2009-09-26 by AG
Prices: AB $54.00 (750 ml) fine wine shops; BC $57.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; BC $33.00 (375 ml) specialty listing; MB $56.00 (750 ml); NS $52.00 (750 ml); QC $56.00 (750 ml)
CSPC: 462432; UPC: 3018334100003
Producer: Champagne Piper Heidsieck
Distributor: Select Wine Merchants

91/100 Piper-Heidsieck Brut Rosé Sauvage N/V
Champagne, France
Lots of pink-raspberry colour. Raspberry, cream, nutty, tobacco leaf, baked red apple, citrus and earth aromas. Crisp, round, moderately dry brut with good continuous mousse and flavour intensity. Nice citrus, creamy, nutty, raspberry, mineral, baked pear, tobacco flavours with a bit of almond on the finish. Very stylish with good fruit intensity and balance. Will go well with food like duck confit or pork tenderloin.
Tasted: 2009-02-08 by AG
Prices: AB $65.00 (750 ml); BC $95.95 (750 ml) specialty listing; MB $86.00 (750 ml); NS $69.00 (750 ml); QC $77.00 (750 ml)
CSPC: 186650; UPC: 03018336150013
Producer: Champagne Piper Heidsieck
Distributor: Select Wine Merchants

90/100 Pol Roger Brut Reserve N/V
Champagne, France
Continuous mousse with a fine bead. Baked apple, floral, toasty, pear, citrus, brioche aromas. Fresh, round, slightly sweet style brut. Citrus, creamy, baked green apple, nutty, toast flavours with a touch of honey and lemon on the finish. Continued solid style with 36 months en tirage - a rarity for non-vintage brut champagne.
Tasted: 2008-10-16 by AG-ST
Prices: AB $60.00 (750 ml) fine wine shops; BC $63.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; BC $37.00 (375 ml) specialty listing; MB $53.00 (750 ml); ON $52.90 (750 ml); QC $56.00 (750 ml)
CSPC: 051953; UPC: 089744142450
Producer: Champagne Pol Roger
Distributor: The Bacchus Group Inc.

90/100 Pommery Brut Royal N/V
Champagne, France
Pale yellow with light, fine mousse. Toasty, slightly nutty, baked apple, honey, brioche, floral, light cherry aromas. Crisp, moderately dry, slightly foamy palate with cherry, nutty, citrus, baked green apple, mineral, creamy, toasty flavours. Good acidity and finesse with a touch of sweetness on the finish. Attractive consumer style for current drinking.
Tasted: 2009-05-06 by AG-ST
Prices: AB $57.00 (750 ml) fine wine shops; BC $64.50 (750 ml) specialty listing; MB $59.00 (750 ml); QC $61.00 (750 ml)
CSPC: 346106; UPC: 694190003059
Producer: Champagne Pommery
Distributor: Calibrium International

88/100 Pommery Champagne Pop Extra Dry N/V
Champagne, France
Very toasty, biscuit-y, buttery, strawberry, baked apple aromas. Fresh, round, light mousse on the palate with green apple, nutty, citrus, strawberry, pear flavours. Mature, crisp, fruity style in a fun quarter-bottle format complete with blue glass, POP is authentic non-vintage bubble that's ready to drink when you are. You can drink it through a straw or straight from the bottle club-style.
Tasted: 2009-05-06 by AG-ST
Prices: AB $17.20 (750 ml) private wine stores; BC $19.00 (200 ml) specialty listing; MB $21.00 (750 ml); QC $16.10 (750 ml)
CSPC: 574863; UPC: 694190006159
Producer: Champagne Pommery
Distributor: Calibrium International

92/100 Ruinart Blanc de Blancs N/V
Champagne, France
Ruinart Blanc de Blancs is an all chardonnay blend from several years offering an elegant style of bubble focusing on the delicate. Dried fruits, nectarine skin and mineral, floral notes persistent throughout the wine with lots of green apple and honey notes. Finish is very fine and creamy with brioche, pear and nuts. A delicious drinking ripe style of chardonnay in a spectacular clear bottle. Ruinart claims to be the oldest house in Champagne founded purely on the basis of its sparkling wine production.
Tasted: 2008-12-14 by AG-ST
Prices: BC $90.00 (750 ml) speculative listing - Charton-Hobbs; QC $95.00 (750 ml)
CSPC: 445445; UPC: 3185370303405
Producer: Ruinart Champagne
Distributor: Charton-Hobbs

90/100 Taittinger Brut Reserve N/V
Champagne, France
Fine continuous mousse. Citrus, honey, nutty, baked pear, apple aromas with a touch of quince. Crisp, round, elegant, fresh palate with baked red apple, toasty, spicy, citrus, peach skin flavours. Good finesse and acidity with just a hint of sweetness showing up on the juicy citrus finish. Very consistent and classy.
Tasted: 2007-12-09 by AG-ST
Prices: AB $61.00 (750 ml) private wine shop; BC $58.05 (750 ml) specialty listing; MB $53.00 (750 ml); ON $59.95 (750 ml) Vintages
CSPC: 457713; UPC: 3016570001030
Producer: Champagne Taittinger
Distributor: Pacific Wine Partners; Pacific Wines & Spirits (1995) Ltd.

92/100 Taittinger Prélude Grands Crus N/V
Champagne, France
Very fine continuous mousse. Made entirely from grand cru vineyards. Very toasty, garlic, nutty lees, floral, baked pear, baked apple, biscuit, lemon and earth aromas. Rich, elegant, creamy palate with good concentration. Lemon, nutty, leesy, garlic, toasty, baked pear, apple, green apple, mineral flavours. Long, flavourful, delicate and balanced. A true food champagne.
Tasted: 2008-12-19 by AG-ST
Prices: BC $70.00 (750 ml) specialty listing
CSPC: 385062; UPC: 3016570050380
Producer: Champagne Taittinger
Distributor: Pacific Wine Partners; Pacific Wines & Spirits (1995) Ltd.

90/100 Taittinger Nocturne Sec N/V
Champagne, France
From the sweet side at 20g/l of sugar at dosage look for a fragrant, toasted, baked apple nose with a commensurate amount of minerality. Full bodied with good acidity balance and more complex notes of spice, brioche, citrus and cherry flavours. East to drink with a little less austerity on the palate. Think foie gras or desserts.
Tasted: 2011-05-20 by AG-ST
Prices: BC $82.00 (750 ml) Everything Wine; QC $77.00 (750 ml)
CSPC: 385088;   UPC: 3016570000668
Producer: Champagne Taittinger
Distributor: Pacific Wine & Spirits Inc.; Pacific Wine Partners

91/100 Taittinger Prestige Rosé N/V
Champagne, France
Taittinger hits mark with its pale/salmon-raspberry colour rosé and spicy, nutty, baked pear and earthy, strawberry, citrus aromas. The attack is creamy upfront with more nutty strawberry citrus, dried herbs and red apple flavours. Just a hint of sweet fruit alongside and earthy character make it a terrific choice with appetizers and light meals.
Tasted: 2011-05-20 by AG-ST
Prices: BC $79.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; NS $75.00 (750 ml); QC $75.00 (750 ml)
CSPC: 372367;   UPC: 003016570006844
Producer: Champagne Taittinger
Distributor: Pacific Wine & Spirits Inc.; Pacific Wine Partners

91/100 de Venoge Cordon Bleu Brut Sélect N/V
Champagne, France 
Very fine persistent mousse. Green apple, honey, toasty, citrus, baked pear, mineral, buttery aromas. Medium brut sweetness style and crisp palate with creamy mousse and persistence. Toasty, citrus, chery, baked granny smith, honey, spicy anise flavours with a touc of seashore. Good finesse and flavour concentration with structure and length. 
Tasted: 2011-12-23 by AG
Prices: BC $63.00 (750 ml) specialty listing
CSPC: 207134; UPC: 03291690500018
Producer: Champagne de Venoge
Distributor: Icon Fine Wine and Spirits 

90 de Venoge Vin du Paradis Cuvee Dry N/V Chardonnay - Pinot Meunier
Champagne, France
BC $57 specialty listing
With the reproduction of the original label dating back to 1864 (the first colour label in champagne and, probably in all of France), the Dry de Venoge has rejuvenated a blend of pinot noir, balanced by a touch of chardonnay and pinot meunier to which a 20 gram dosage of sugar is added. There is plenty of fine continuous mousse and a bright pear, honey, citrus, leesy, green apple nose. The entry is fresh and lively with some sweetness but nice acidity. Ripe apple, honey, citrus, toasty flavours. Elegant, balanced, sweeter style that will appeal to many new to champagne.

91/100 Veuve Clicquot Brut N/V
Champagne, France
The Veuve house style is to use a majority of pinot noir for fuller body and structure. This one has about 50% pinot noir and aged 3 years before disgorging. Continued fine style with baked apple, pear, honey, toasty, nutty, cherry, floral aromas. The mouth is fine and round if a touch foamy with a crisp edge and a touch on the sweet brut side. Citrusy, nutty, toasty, green apple, baked pear flavours with a touch of honey on the finish. Good overall intensity and balance.
Tasted: 2009-11-23 by AG-ST
Prices: AB $55.00 (750 ml) private wine shops; BC $39.50 (375 ml) general listing; BC $69.00 (750 ml) general listing; BC $146.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; BC $502.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; BC $20.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; MB $65.00 (750 ml); NS $66.00 (750 ml); QC $67.00 (750 ml)
CSPC: 563338; UPC: 3049610004104
Producer: Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin
Distributor: Charton-Hobbs

90/100 Veuve Clicquot Rosé N/V
Champagne, France
Made with pinot noir and pinot meunier wine added to give the rose its pale salmon colour and style. Floral, toasty, cherry, tobacco, nutty, citrus, strawberry, baked apple aromas. Fresh, crisp, moderately dry, juicy palate with fine mousse. Cherry, strawberry, spicy, green apple, rhubarb, toasty, nutty, tobacco and citrus flavours. Finish is juicy and a tad on the sweet brut side but has good finesse and length with slightly softer acidity. Good match with lighter foods or salads.
Tasted: 2009-11-23 by AG-ST
Prices: BC $87.50 (750 ml)
CSPC: 945261; UPC: 3049614003417