Outstanding Value in Toasty Champagne

After 20 years of buying the Champagne here at K&L, I have to say that I have never seen a year like this one. The threat of tariffs had many importers backing up the containers, and then the pandemic came… All ocean transport has been late, and it seems like everything has been turned on its head. The good news is, some very good deals have come out of this bizarre situation, and one of the best deals is the small lot of Canard-Duchêne "Charles VII - Grande Cuvée le Victorieux" Brut Champagne that just arrived. The last time we had this, many years ago, we sold it for $49.99, which was a good value. It is now selling for $60 elsewhere, but we were able to grab the last of it and offer it at $39.99.

This Champagne is a blend of entirely grand and 1er cru fruit, 40% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay, and 30% Meunier. It has been aged for over four years on the lees and certainly at least two years on the cork. This time has given the Champagne a wonderful, natural brioche character that fans of the toasty style will love. It also benefits from 30% reserve wines and finishes nicely dry at just 8 grams per liter of dosage.

Cinnamon and I enjoyed this as an aperitif, and also paired it with a little tuna mousse that I whipped up. The Champagne has a very brioche bouquet, which is backed up by savory Pinot Noir red cherry and is framed by the hazelnut quality that I associate with the north slope of the Mountain of Reims. In the mouth it has tête de cuvée creaminess and a tiny bead to match—certainly an A+ for texture! While wines that are this toasty and creamy often finish a little soft for my taste, this still has great snap on the back end. 

If you are looking for a little affordable luxury for the end of the year, look no further!

A toast to you,

- Gary Westby