Champagne Canard-Duchene Brut, Vintage 2012

Classic tones on the first nose: floral, green apples and citrusy. The core is of orchard fruit, scents of lifted red berries; textured on the palate with honeycomb, caramel, biscuity finish. In the finish, there are certain complexities, leanness, and minerality departed from this cooler 2012 vintage. Overall, it is lightish, fruit-driven and well balanced flowing from the 13% Pinot Meunier influence, with the remaining 46% Pinot Noir and 41% Chardonnay from Grand Cru and Premier Cru vineyards in Montagne de Reims, forming the wine's structure and body.

Specs say it has a dosage of 9%, but we don't feel that extent. It cellared for four years and is beyond the specification requirements.

The name Canard-Duchene sounds interesting to us, and indeed, it reflects familial connections and their strengths in the making of their champagne. However, it would seem that Millesimes version like this one is not so famed as its other Cuvees such as the Authentic Brut, Rose and Leonie. An NM, this bottle has a lightish bottle packaged for frugal drinking. And at this cost performance, we cannot complain.