Wine Review: Lanson Le Black Creation 257 Brut NV Champagne (Black Label)

Wine Review: Lanson Le Black Creation 257 Brut NV Champagne (Black Label)

Lanson's Le Black Creation 257, commonly known as Lanson Black Label, is a non-vintage champagne that has garnered significant appreciation in the wine community. This brand has a rich history, founded in 1760 and previously owned by the Lanson family until 1980. Since then, it has changed hands multiple times, with prominent owners including Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy and the Gardiner family. Despite these changes, Lanson has maintained its reputation as a respected champagne house.

Brand Evolution

From 1980 onwards, Lanson went through several ownership changes. In 1994, Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy sold the brand without its vineyards, marking a significant transformation. By 1996, Lanson was acquired by the Marne et Champagne group, which was renamed Lanson Group to reflect the importance of the brand. In 2006, Lanson's significance was further acknowledged when the group rebranded itself as Lanson-BCC Group.

Recent Developments

Significant changes at Lanson began around 2015, with the appointment of Hervé Dantan as the new cellar master. Under his guidance, Lanson has increased its investment in quality, particularly regarding Reserve wines. In 2013, Lanson created two Perpetual Reserves: one aged in stainless steel and the other in oak, adding a unique dimension to their wines.

The Creation 257

The Creation 257 is predominantly made from the 2017 vintage, but it also includes a substantial proportion of Reserve wines, totaling 45%. It comes from 95 different villages, half of which are Grand Cru. The blend consists of 51% Pinot Noir, 36% Chardonnay, and 13% Meunier. Specific details about the individual vintages of Reserve wines and the proportions used are available, highlighting transparency in the blend’s composition.

Tasting Notes

The wine boasts a medium to deep yellowish color with a fine bead rising gently in the glass. Aromas of dough and bread, combined with hints of wild strawberry and red apple, greet the nose. On the palate, it is fresh and tart, with a real lemony crispness and a sharp green acidity. The wine is of medium weight with a delicate fizz and a soft, complex texture that reveals richer notes of red apple and yeasty complexity.

Conclusion

Lanson’s Le Black Creation 257 shows remarkable potential with its impressive weight, richness, and complexity. It is a wine worth aging in the cellar to observe its further development. Lanson’s continued investment in quality makes it a brand to watch in the future.

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Keywords

• Lanson Black Label
• Non-vintage Champagne
• Reserve Wines
• Perpetual Reserves
• Pinot Noir
• Chardonnay
• Meunier
• Aging Potential
• Lemony Crispness
• Yeasty Complexity

FAQ

Q: What is Lanson Black Label?
A: Lanson Black Label is a well-known non-vintage champagne, recently branded as Lanson's Le Black Creation 257.

Q: When was Lanson founded?
A: Lanson was founded in 1760.

Q: What changes have occurred at Lanson since 2015?
A: Since 2015, Lanson has seen a new cellar master, increased investment in quality, and the introduction of Perpetual Reserves.

Q: What makes the Creation 257 unique?
A: The Creation 257 is unique due to its high proportion of Reserve wines, detailed blend composition, and the dual use of stainless steel and oak-aged Reserves.

Q: What are the primary grape varieties in the Creation 257?
A: The primary grape varieties are 51% Pinot Noir, 36% Chardonnay, and 13% Meunier.

Q: How long is the Creation 257 aged?
A: The Creation 257 is aged for four years on the lees, comparable to the aging time for many vintage champagnes.

Q: What are the taste characteristics of the Creation 257?
A: The wine is fresh, tart with lemony crispness, medium weight, delicate fizz, and complex notes of red apple and yeast.