LansonVintageCollection1988Magnum

Founded in 1760, Champagne Lanson is one of the oldest producers in the region, with a rich history embedded in the famous city of Reims. The red cross in the logo comes from, Nicolas-Louis Delamotte who in 1798 took over from his father and as a knight of the Order of Malta, decided to use the Maltese Cross as the House’s emblem. Developing steadily and winning numerous awards over the years, they gained real prominence in the 1900s, becoming official supplier to the British court. Lanson has changed ownership many times in the last 50 years, the most significant change in 1990 when it was bought by LVMH who re-sold a few months later in 1991, keeping 210 hectares of vineyards, at the time considered the best vineyard holdings of all the large Maison. In 2006 Lanson became part of what is now the Lanson BCC Group. Today Lanson sources grapes from over 500 hectares across 60 villages.rThe House of Lanson is one of a select few to possess a truly impressive collection of fine vintage champagnes. Each coveted bottle has been carefully crafted by the longstanding Chef des Caves whose passion and devotion complements the classical blending techniques of preceding generations. The marriage of the finest selection of grapes from a single year, each champagne in the Lanson Vintage Collection is the epitome of true craftsmanship and reflects the House’s perpetual quest for excellence. A small number of bottles that date back to 1976 are proposed to a restricted circle of connoisseurs each year.rr Weather: 1988 weather conditions in Champagne have always been compared to the more favourable 1989, nonetheless, given now it has had added ageing this vintage is coming into its own. The spring was mild with little rain and frost; therefore bud burst was good. The early summer months were slightly dull, however August saw lots of sun. September is always the saviour for most Champagne harvests, but in 1988 there was plenty of rain. The grapes however fared well and this patience is now being rewarded. Harvest took place between September 26th and October 6th.rrTechnical Information:rVineyards: Chardonny: Avize, Cramant, Oger, Les Mesnil sur Oger | Pinot Noir: Ay, Verzenay, Verzy, BouzyrGrape Varieties: 49% Chardonnay, 51% Pinot NoirrAgeing: 28 years on the leesrDisgorged: January 2017rDrink: Now to 2045+rrTasting Note: A copper golden hue, with initial flowery aromas. The fruits on the rpalate are complex and rich with loads of ripe fruit characteristics, a hallmark of the year. Great vivacity.