Champagne Canard-Duchene Brut, Vintage 2014

2014 is fresher and gives slightly more buttery and brioche tones than 2012. Reflecting on 2012, the 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, and biscuity finish. In the finish, there are certain complexities, leanness, and minerality departed from this high-quality 2014 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. DD93. 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 making their champagne. However, it would seem that the 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.