The best non-vintage of our whole Champagne summit was the Drappier "Carte d'Or" Brut Champagne. That is saying a lot, since we tasted so many greats! This combination of 75% Pinot Noir, 15% Meunier and 10% Chardonnay is made with the lowest sulfur counts of any grand marque Champagne. The fruit for this is all from the Aube and Kimmeridgian clay rather than the chalk of the Marne. It is also mostly estate grown. This gives Champagne not only with the lovely red fruit expression one would expect from so much Pinot, but also layers of nearly Chablis like minerality. If you like dry, yet full flavored Champagne, you it to yourself to try the Drappier!

I recently got to revisit this lovely Champagne, and I'm sorry to say it had been a couple of years since I tasted it last. It is more stunning than I remember. A champagne on the richer side, with great depth of nutty, lees-y character, complementing the fresh red berry fruit and bright crisp acidity. If you are a fan of classic, balanced brut Champagne that tends towards the nuttier, richer style, this is the wine for you.

Drappier's Carte d'Or is a Champagne for any occasion. Pinot Noir makes up a majority of the blend which lends a lovely red fruit character on the palate. Stone fruit and brioche notes are also expressed with minerality throughout. It's beautifully balanced and makes a great aperitif. It's a bargain for the quality and not to be missed!