461983 Mon Nov 19 05:55:30 -0800 2007 5 34 Wine 0 3137867 n.v. Champagne Canard-Duchêne Grand Cuvée Charles VII Brut Rosé (Champagne, France): Initially produced from approximately 50 percent Pinot Noir, 10 percent Pinot Meunier, and 40 percent Chardonnay -- to which is then added 15 percent Pinot Noir as a vin rouge (and I'm too tired to re-calculate the percentages), this is a much deeper rosé than my traditional favorite, Billecart-Salmon -- still, no doubting its rosé nature (that is, it no way looks red); a fine mousse and tiny bead; the bouquet is quite forward, with floral notes coupled with cherries, apples, mineral notes and some light brioche; on the palate, it's a true Brut, with very layered flavors and complexity, yet quite elegant and stylish; the finish is crisp and lingering. Very fine indeed, and a nice surprise to see this again after -- I think -- some 20 years since I had the last bottle. Cheers, Jason Mon Nov 19 05:55:31 -0800 2007 28122 zin1953 1 3144763 nice note. who is the importer and what is the approximate price point? thx Wed Nov 21 05:34:42 -0800 2007 3137867 31795 ibstatguy 2 3145070 I don't recall the importer, but the Canard-Duchêne Charles VII is around $40-45 retail. Wed Nov 21 07:36:27 -0800 2007 3144763 28122 zin1953 3 3153854 I believe Henry Wine Group is distributing Canard-Duchene and may even be importing it as well. They are giving it a huge push and the regular NV Brut is being blown out at Costco among other places for $28 a bottle or so. Sun Nov 25 16:55:32 -0800 2007 3145070 113663 domaine547 4 3153920 Yes, the Henry Wine Group IS the distributor in California, but I'm not sure they're the importer. While they distribute Canard-Duchêne in California and also in Oregon, they do NOT represent this Champagne house in Maryland, Virginia or the District. Sun Nov 25 17:24:40 -0800 2007 3153854 28122 zin1953 5 3160720 I only mentioned they might be the importer because they tried to sell to me with D.I. pricing. But it's possible they were mis-using the term. Tue Nov 27 23:00:48 -0800 2007 3153920 113663 domaine547