“Happy little sparks

Dancing across my taste buds

Life is good I say”

Oh indeed! This beauty has us in a haiku type of mood. Amazing how the creativity flows and happiness blossoms when you have an invigorating glass of bubbles at 8 am. A glimmering 90-pointer for under $20. Yeah, you read that right.

Lanson, for those in the know, is one of the oldest Champagne houses. It was founded in 1760 by Francois Delamotte. They make incredibly heady, dead serious, and supremely intellectual wines. Ripe and lush in style, or “emphatically fruity” as the Vinous review says, but reined in by zippy acidity, it unleashes a cascading torrent of white peaches, lemon curd, crystallized ginger and freshly toasted brioche onto your happy tongue. The sneaky 375ml size makes it ideal for stuffing stockings, smuggling into movie theatres, carrying on hikes, picnics, little league games, or simply enjoying some bubbly on a Tuesday night. The possibilities are endless. Speaking of…isn’t it Ad Hoc fried chicken day??

Trust us, you just won’t have enough of these around, no matter how much you pile up.

We sure don’t often come across splits of a world-class Champagne like this very often. Of course, we exercised restraint and only kept a case or ten for ourselves, but what’s left won’t last long. Now excuse us while we get that Ad Hoc order in!

90 Points – Antonio Galloni’s Vinous

“Pale gold. Spicy pear, melon and white peach scents and flavors are lifted by a note of tangerine. Emphatically fruity, showing good depth and energy for its sweetness. Closes smooth and long, with a touch of ginger adding bite. Spicy Asian dishes or strong cheeses would be fantastic with this plush Champagne.”