Champagne Charles Orban Carte Noire Vintage 2014

Understated Champagne from Troissy(Valle de la Marne) mainly consists of mild north-facing slopes, with Pinot Meunier as the dominating grape variety- so the taste is lively with good acidities and easy. However, this Cuvee forms from 40% CHARDONNAY, 30% PINOT MEUNIER, and 30% PINOT NOIR with a ten g/L dosage- fruity start and dru finish. Also, this bottle is super valuable if you consider the cost of making and keeing this Champagne with 30-month lee and the 30% Reserve wines. So, considering all these, the style is a riper, textured, and fruitier style, with a certain earthiness. And we would recommend chilling down slightly below the right temperature to start the serving.

The nose reflects the palate with fresh and candied citrus fruits, and right put by WS, toward the orangy tones of KImquat leading to the creamy mid-palate. Brioche elements(bread, almonds, flint, honey, tobacco) are evident with a textured, liquorice finish. Quite Prolific bubbles(but not too delicate) from the bottle we tasted.

This 2014 is generous in build and forward in fruit, feeling relatively approachable and inviting in their youth. This isn’t to say that this bottle doesn’t have the structure to age, but it is already showing well now. It can probably Age well for 3 to 4 years.

The score is an appropriate 90WS, “A note of woodsy smoke underscores flavours of tangy plum, candied kumquat, white peach and fresh ginger in this mouthwatering Champagne, backed by firm, citrusy acidity. Drink now through 2019. Five thousand cases made.” — 90 points, AN, Wine Spectator(Edited)