The NV A. Margaine Champagne Le Caractère Margaine 1er Cru is a notable offering from the Champagne region of France, specifically from Montagne de Reims. This Champagne blend, primarily composed of Chardonnay with a small percentage of Pinot Noir, has garnered significant praise from several wine critics.
The Wine Independent rates this Blanc de Blanc with a striking 94 points, describing it as "exuberant and youthful" with "enticing aromas of lemon confit, hints of chalk and white flowers." The review highlights its "vibrant, racy line of acid" and "refreshing minerality," making it a standout in its category.
Jeb Dunnuck also commends this Champagne, giving it a score of 93. He notes its "fantastic and detailed offering," with harmonious notes of "preserved lemon, shortbread, ripe pear, and fresh floral perfume." Dunnuck appreciates its "refined mousse" and "silky mouthfeel," suggesting it has a "wide drinking window over the next decade."
Decanter echoes these sentiments with a 93-point score, emphasizing its "gently creamy, satin-textured and complex" nature. The wine is described as having flavors of "grilled apricot, quince, and pear," supported by "ratafia biscuit and white butter richness." Despite its age, this Champagne is "focused, with a snappy citrus flesh finish."
Vinous offers a slightly lower but still impressive score of 91, highlighting the wine's "generosity and softer contours" due to its blend of vintages from 2015 to 2002. Antonio Galloni notes its compelling array of flavors, including "lemon confit, marzipan, and dried flowers."
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate also rates it 93, appreciating its "delicate aromas of white flowers, walnuts, and crisp green apple," and describing it as "medium to full-bodied, pillowy and incisive."
Overall, the NV A. Margaine Champagne Le Caractère Margaine 1er Cru is a celebrated Champagne, praised for its complexity, balance, and potential for aging.