NV Drappier Carte d'Or Brut, Champagne, France (750ml)

WINEMAKER'S NOTES: 

The Carte d'Or cuvée is the very expression of the Drappier style. With its very high proportion of Pinot Noir, one is almost tasting a Blanc de Noirs. Champagne with a fine aromatic richness, it opens with aromas of stoned fruits such as white vineyard peach. A spicy hint announces a powerful complex palate. A vinous Champagne of lovely complexity with a characteristic note of quince jelly.

TASTING NOTES: 

Attractive aromas of white peach, dried orange, blanched almond and brioche with subtle hints of dried raspberries and crushed stones. Medium- to full-bodied palate with a creamy texture and delicate mousse. Long and even. A blend of 80% pinot noir, 15% chardonnay and 5% pinot meunier. Dosage 6.5g/L.

- James Suckling, 92 pts. 

The NV Champagne Carte d’Or Brut is 75% Pinot Noir, 15% Pinot Meunier, and the remainder Chardonnay, with 6.5 grams per liter dosage. There is 80% base wine from the 2019 vintage and the remainder reserve wine. This is their historical style, with the nose offering up aromas of ripe apricot, yellow flowers, and cherry liqueur. The palate is round and a bit more structured, with more stone fruit and kirsch.

- Jeb Dunnuck, 91 pts. 

As always, the NV Brut Carte d'Or is a classic, well-executed and perfumed Champagne. It evokes aromas of white peach, ripe orchard fruits, pastry and spices. Medium-bodied, round and enrobing, it's delicately vinous and framed by an elegant mousse, with a lovely, mouthwatering, ripe orchard fruits-inflected finish. This blend of 80% Pinot Noir, 15% Chardonnay and 5% Pinot Meunier was disgorged with 6.5 grams per liter dosage.

- Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 91 pts. 

Described by Drappier as 'almost a blanc de noirs', this Pinot Noir-dominant wine sourced from the Côte des Bar is the house's calling card. 5% of the cuvée is matured in barrels for a year for added complexity and texture, and it's bottled unfiltered with a fairly low dosage of 7g/l. There are some melon and apple scents on the nose along with a splash of red fruits, while the palate is intense, with notes of apple, quince and grape wrapped in a red-fruit veil. It's full-bodied and long, with a lovely texture from the red wine tannins and oak-matured portion.

- Decanter, 90 pts. 

The nonvintage cuvée from this producer is a ripe wine. A small proportion was matured in oak before bottling and reserve wines add richness and a softening character

- Wine Enthusiast, 90 pts. 

A bright Champagne in an aperitif style, with a pleasing range of ripe currant and raspberry, lime blossoms and orange peel set on a zesty bead. Creamy finish.

- Wine Spectator, 90 pts.