Lanson Launches Private Cellar and Concierge Service

Lanson has launched a first opportunity for collectors to have their own private cellar and concierge service, stored within the perfect conditions of the Maison’s historic premises in Reims.

At a special preview dinner held on the 16th April, chef de caves, Hervé Dantan, and President, Francois Van Aal, provided guests with an exclusive look into the new ‘Lanson Private Collection’ program which will allow discerning collectors a rare opportunity to access Lanson’s cellar. As one of the oldest Maisons founded in 1760, Lanson has some of the deepest inventories of champagnes dating back to 1904.

Lanson’s Legacy Built on Age-Defying Vintage Champagnes

For champagne collectors and investors, there are few Houses with the electric charge and extraordinary finesse of Lanson, which performs best with age. Known for blocking malolactic fermentation and extended lees aging, Lanson will provide an unincumbered opportunity to own and access some of the best ageing champagnes into the future.

Hervé Dantan says that the program is an unprecedented way to experience Lanson’s legacy.

“Our traditional vinification method gives our wines exceptional longevity. Each year, only a few selected vintages will be available for purchase,” he said about the program which will provide access to old and current vintages in addition to vintages in primeur.

Though many may know Lanson for its relatively accessible and value-for-money Black Creation NV, the Maison has built its reputation on vintage release champagnes which then led to the creation of its prestige line, Noble Cuvée (later re-branded as Noble Champagne). The House’s access to fruit from some of the finest grand cru sites and notable blocking of malolactic fermentation has been the main contribution to the incomparable longevity of their wines.

Private Collection Details

Under the new program, investors will be allocated a private cellar with storage for up to 300 bottles which will be personally monitored by Dantan. A 10 percent discount will apply to the current year’s retail price and a buyback option ensures liquidity of investments at any time. The program also comes with a concierge service inclusive of private visits, assistance with reservations and travel experiences as well as access to pre-releases and more.

When asked about the commercial motivation around the initiative, company President, Francois Van Aal, said that it was less about financial objectives and more about long-term engagement with customers to build on the brand.

“We want to share Lanson’s history and expertise with wine lovers and the art of declaring vintages in only the best years,” said Van Aal.

Collectors will need to invest in a minimum of 150 bottles upfront, equivalent to €15,419.19 or more, in addition to a joining fee of €1,000. Ongoing annual management and storage fees start at €2,062 in year one and €1,062.58 in year two, excluding purchase of wine.

Tasting Lanson Private Collection Cuvées

Talking to a parade of Lanson iconic vintage champagnes throughout the night, Dantan and Van Aal demonstrated the Maison’s age-defying style from 1996, 1985, 1971, 1964, 1952, 1942 and 1921; irrespective of good, bad or otherwise growing conditions.

1996 is a classical example of a vintage conundrum that somehow is overcome by the Lanson touch. Once the promise of the 90s decade, many 1996s have experienced fast maturing and oxidative aromatics, yet with razor blade-like sharpness on the palate, remaining disjointed even to this day. However, Lanson’s elaboration surpassed everyone’s expectations at the dinner and was one of the highlights from the night.

“It’s the type of vintage you buy in magnum because you want the nose and the mouth to come together,” says Dantan. “Lanson’s 1996 vintage is a very good champagne, maybe also because it’s the original disgorgement so it hasn’t gone through the recent shock of oxidation.”

Lanson’s Vintage Collection champagnes are available mostly in magnum, adding to the exceptional performance and longevity of the wines, though bottles can also be accessed. The blends are by-and-large an even split between chardonnay and pinot noir, however, the latter takes a slightly bigger lead, drawing its character from grand cru Verzenay in most cases. Verzenay represents an important historical cru for the Maison adding tension and freshness that contributes significantly to ageing potential.

Original and recent disgorgements are another point of fascination with these champagnes. Both expressions were tasted but the best performers were remarkably from the original, demonstrating the mind-blowing propensity for Lanson champagnes to age slowly and gracefully whilst showing no signs of their higher dosage, for the times.

Lanson Vintage Collection 1996

53% pinot noir, 47% chardonnay. Sourced from: Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Verzenay, Ay, Verzy, Mailly, Avize, Cramant, Chouilly and Oger. No malolactic fermentation. Original disgorgement, January 2007.

Lanson likened this vintage to the year’s headline event when the British Airways Concorde recorded the fastest transatlantic flight plane speed. The 1996 champagne carries forward much of this feeling; possessing a real sense of electricity with its prevailing high acidity. This is a magnificent champagne, born of original disgorgement, which is just beginning to show its coming of age. There are hints of coffee grind amongst sweet spice and stewed fruits. This is a relatively full-bodied champagne with an excellent vertical construct that is already sapid with umami as well as sweet and sour flavours. It is wonderfully integrated, pure and elegant, finishing long and refined. 98/100

Lanson Vintage Collection 1985

52% pinot noir, 48% chardonnay. Sourced from: Verzenay, Cramant and Oger. No malolactic fermentation. Original disgorgement, May 1995.

Despite the year beginning with turbulent weather conditions, the sun prevailed at the commencement of summer, resulting in exceptionally high-quality grapes. In 1985, an icon was born. For this cuvée, pinot noir came exclusively from Verzenay which you can detect on its complex aromatic profile where there are clues of old disgorgement. The village also dominates the palate where you feel the full weight of pinot noir and flavours of orange oil and the kick of Verzenay spice. Its broad structure delivers a deep and creamy palate that is utterly delicious and has plenty of years to come. 96/100

Lanson Vintage Collection 1964

57% pinot noir, 43% chardonnay. Sourced from: Verzenay, Mailly, Bouzy, Dizy, Mareuil-sur-Ay, Avize, Oger, Chouilly and Trepail. No malolactic fermentation. Late disgorgement, March 2020.

1964 began with mild weather, followed by drought and heat which encouraged early flowering. Temperatures remained high until the end of summer, delivering fruit with good concentration.

The 60s were a great decade for Champagne and 1964 was an iconic year. This ‘old ballerina’ possesses the full-bodied maturity you might expect but carries it forward with balance and grace. 1964 has a pronounced nose of vibrant dark fruits and pear tarte tatin. The palate leads with a sense of perfect balance between fruit and freshness, appearing pure, delicious and salivating ending with lovely length and line. 98/100

Lanson Vintage Collection 1952

54% pinot noir, 46% chardonnay. Limited records available on fruit source, although Verzenay is noted. No malolactic fermentation. Original disgorgement, 1962.

1952 is an iconic vintage from the region’s ‘golden era’ and embodies tireless elegance at a time of champagne craftsmanship. Despite considerable rain until the end of August, the year produced a beautiful, albeit limited, vintage of just 2,000kg/ha. At 73 years young, it’s remarkable to see a wine like this biding its time at medium-plus weight and with a good whack of acidity – still! Very pure of the palate it commands attention with balanced tension and just a hint of tertiary burnt butter and dark honey character. The finish is long and complemented by a slightly bitter edge. An extraordinary moment with a legendary vintage. 98/100

Lanson Vintage Collection 1942

52% pinot noir, 48% chardonnay. Sourced from: Verzenay and Avize only. No malolactic fermentation. Original disgorgement, 1952.

In the face of World War II adversity, an iconic vintage emerged representing art, emotion and endurance. With few bottles available, 1942 is a legacy champagne considered to be a ‘classic’ year after a particularly harsh winter, but a hot and dry summer, with harvest commencing on the 21st September. More petillant than effervescent, 1942 is a proper wine showcasing the hallmarks of maturity with its sherried aromatics and sour cherry flavours. The higher dosage is diminished by the weight of the wine’s girth, appearing super-dry and fresh. Over dinner we experienced two bottles, with the second appearing noticeably lighter and fresher. 95/100

Lanson Vintage Collection 1921

55% pinot noir, 45% chardonnay. Sourced from: Verzenay, Bouzy, Avize, Cramant and Oger. No malolactic fermentation. Original disgorgement, 1931.

1921 was an exceptional year in Champagne. Low yields from turbulent weather and frost, averaging just 2,000kg/ha, resulted in wines of exceptional quality. Aromatically this is a complex and mature wine, akin to a dry martini, with a palate that draws a counterbalance of freshness and vitality from citrus peel, pithy bitterness and prevailing tension. 1921 is a charming champagne with exceptional length that shows no sign of its 22g/L dosage. 96/100