Named in honor of Victor Canard, Champagne V embodies the savoir-faire of Maison Canard-Duchêne, highlighting Pinot Noir and the emblematic crus of the Montagne de Reims.
V 2012 bears witness to an exceptional harvest, interpreted by Laurent Fédou, the Maison's Chef de Caves for over 20 years. The blend of Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier is sublimated by a Brut Nature dosage, which preserves the remarkable quality of the fruit.
A captivating pale gold. On the nose, the initial notes evoke brioche and toasted scents, setting the stage for ripe fruit reminiscent of mirabelle plum. As it opens up, elegant raspberry aromas gently emerge. On the palate, the balance of this Champagne centers on notes of cedar wood and minerality, accented by a touch of salinity that enhances its structure. An intense freshness delivers a long, graceful finish with a subtle hint of grapefruit zest.
Blend: 75% Pinot Noir & 25% Pinot Meunier
94 Decanter Golden yellow in colour, the nose exudes ripe stone fruit, honey and a mixture of candied and dried fruit, like golden raisins and dried cranberry. The emphasis really is on the Pinot Noir here, making up 75%, as well as 25% of Pinot Meunier, and the fruit is sourced from grands and premiers crus including Aÿ, Bouzy, Chigny-les-Roses, Mailly and Ludes. A vintage Champagne with a sunny disposition, rich in toasted bread and roasted nuts, confit pear and caramelised hazelnuts. The finish is long and pleasingly dry, not cloying, thanks to zero dosage, with a deep warmth and complexity. Yes it's showy and voluminous, with rich doughy notes, but it's structured and holds everything together with grace. Disgorged in Sept 2023. Drinking Window: 2025 - 2032
93 Wine Enthusiast This mature Champagne shows some great toastiness as well as the white fruits that give it richness. It is a full wine, the bone-dry intensity now softened by age.
92 Jeb Dunnuck A tiny production release based on 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Pinot Meunier that saw zero dosage, the 2012 Champagne Brut Nature Cuvée V comes from a mix of 19 different terroirs (the majority of which are Grand Cru). It has a classy bouquet of ripe stone and orchard fruits as well as spice, chalky minerality, and subtle brioche. Wonderfully textured on the palate, this medium-bodied Champagne builds nicely with time in the glass and has rock solid richness as well as outstanding length. It's beautifully done and should evolve nicely for 10-15 years.
