News & Media

This past Tuesday the Mosaic team was joined by champagne connoisseur and good friend of Restaurant Mosaic, Robert Spruijt. Just back from a gastronomical tour of the famed Champagne Region in France, Robert surprised the team with a champagne blind tasting – with breakfast! 

Everyone agreed that this was definitely an older vintage champagne and although no-one was able to venture a guess; we were all enchanted by the intense aromas and flavors exuding from the glass.

Robert finally relinquished and showed us the label – a classic bottle of the 1989 Lanson Brut Vintage “Gold Label”. Truly an incredible example of a perfectly aged champagne.

Founded in 1760, Lanson has always had a reputation of greatness for vivid, balanced Champagnes from their non-vintage bruts all the way up to their Noble Cuvée line. They declared only three vintages in the 1980’s, and this 1989 is certainly representative of the Lanson style. In 1900 Queen Victoria awarded Lanson the famous Royal Warrant as an official supplier to the Court of England, a distinction which Lanson has retained ever since. Winemaker Jean-Paul Gandon joined Lanson in 1972. With over 25 years’ experience as wine maker, he is the memory and guarantor of the Lanson style.

The fairly contrasting weather conditions of 1989 led to the production of smaller berries and in the true Lanson style, the vinification was done without malolactic fermentation: a historic decision at Lanson to guarantee a fresh and fruity wine. Lanson Vintage 1989 is a wine full of character. Wine Spectator gave a rating of 89 out of 100 to the 1989 Lanson Brut Champagne “Gold Label”.

Cultivar: Chardonnay (44%), Pinot Noir (56%)

Winemaker: Jean-Paul Gandon

Ullage: No ullage visible.

Cork: Perfect condition.

Color: A deep and rich golden hue, with a wonderful bead. The color is not from oxidation, but rather from bottle maturation.

Bouquet: Good mature aromas, almond nuts, sweet pecan pie, coffee beans, toasted brioche, biscotti and hints of honey. After a while in the glass the almond notes become more pronounced with delicate hints of nougat.

Palate: Good weight and good flavor, the creamy richness sits very well with a fine, gentle mousse. The palate has a slight saltiness with an excellent combination of acidity and a creamy, yeasty richness, leading to a lingering finish. A great Champagne indeed!

Food Pairing: We recommend drinking this champagne now on its own after dessert to experience the full flavor profile.

Score: 89/100

Santé!
Germain