Champagne
Champagne, the epitome of elegance and celebration, is widely regarded as the pinnacle of sparkling wines. As one of the most prestigious wine regions in the world, Champagne has captured the hearts of wine enthusiasts and connoisseurs with its exceptional quality, refined craftsmanship, and iconic vineyards.
Historically, Champagne has been dominated by some world-acclaimed Champagne House, which source grapes and harvest from Champagne growers. These famous Grandes Marques include Louis Roederer (Cristal), Dom Pérignon, Krug, Moët & Chandon, Veuve Clicquot, and Bollinger, all of them are revered for their notable names that display unrivalled winemaking prestige and pedigree.
In the recent decade, the emerging Grower Champagne trend in Champagne is shaking up the industry by challenging the dominance of the big Champagne houses. These small-scale producers, also known as "Récoltant-Manipulant" or RM, grow their own grapes and produce their own Champagne, showcasing the unique terroir and character of their vineyards. Jacques Selosse, Ulysse Collin, and Champagne Vilmart & Cie are among the most prominent names in this trend, producing some truly artisanal and terroir-driven Champagnes.
Champagne is primarily made from three main grape varieties: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier. These grapes are carefully selected and blended to create a harmonious and complex flavour profile. Chardonnay contributes elegance, freshness, and finesse, while Pinot Noir adds structure, depth, and fruitiness. Pinot Meunier brings a touch of roundness and vibrancy to the blend.
The region of Champagne is divided into several distinct sub-regions, including Montagne de Reims, Côte des Blancs, and Vallée de la Marne. Each sub-region has its unique terroir, characterized by variations in soil composition and microclimates, which influence the style and character of the wines produced.
Champagne offers various styles, from non-vintage blends to vintage cuvées and prestigious prestige cuvées. While Non-vintage Champagnes typically epitomise the house style, the vintage Champagnes are made from grapes harvested in one particular year (top vintages such as 1996, 2002, 2008 etc), in which these wines showcase the unique characteristics of the specific vintage.
The prestige cuvées, often the flagship wines of the renowned Champagne houses, are the pinnacle of excellence. These exceptional Champagnes are created using the finest grapes, the most meticulous winemaking techniques and often benefit from extended ageing to achieve unparalleled complexity and finesse.
Champagne is synonymous with celebration, elegance, and luxury. Its effervescent charm and timeless appeal have made it the drink of choice for countless special occasions and memorable moments. With its rich history, iconic vineyards, and unrivalled quality, Champagne continues to captivate wine enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike.
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Champagne
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Wine Advocate (97)
Disgorged in May 2020 with two grams per liter dosage, the 2012 Extra-Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru is fabulous, bursting from the glass with notes of smoky pear, white flowers, walnuts and baking spices. Derived predominantly from holdings in Avize, it's full-bodied, layered and immensely concentrated, with a tightly wound, structured core and racy acid spine that mark it out as emphatically built for the long haul. Deep and vinous, I suspect that it will surpass the 2008 rendition at maturity.Inc. TAX€1,246.38 -
Wine Advocate (96+)
Disgorged in January 2021 with two grams per liter dosage, the 2015 Extra-Brut Premier Cru Clos de l'Abbaye has turned out brilliantly. Wafting from the glass with aromas of citrus oil, warm bread and honeycomb that are still a little reserved after its recent disgorgement, this is a full-bodied, layered and concentrated Champagne that's vinous and textural, displaying notable depth and mid-palate amplitude that's framed by lively acids and an enlivening pinpoint mousse, concluding with a long resonant finish. As I've written before, this cuvée derives from a walled 0.4-hectare plot of 60-year-old cordon-pruned vines just behind the winery in Vertus, and only the first and second "serres" of the press are used.Inc. TAX€1,072.38 -
Wine Advocate (98)
Disgorged over a year ago with 0.8 grams per liter dosage, the 2008 Extra-Brut Grand Cru Les Lumières is a striking Champagne, unwinding in the glass with scents of pear, citrus oil, freshly baked bread, mandarin orange, almonds and buttery pastry. Full-bodied, deep and multidimensional, it's layered and muscular, with an immensely concentrated core of fruit, racy acids and a long, resonant finish. As I've written before, this cuvée is a blend of first-press juice: two-thirds Chardonnay from Mesnil-sur-Oger and one-third Pinot Noir from prime holdings in Aÿ.Inc. TAX€438.13 -
Wine Advocate (98)
Disgorged over a year ago with 0.8 grams per liter dosage, the 2008 Extra-Brut Grand Cru Les Lumières is a striking Champagne, unwinding in the glass with scents of pear, citrus oil, freshly baked bread, mandarin orange, almonds and buttery pastry. Full-bodied, deep and multidimensional, it's layered and muscular, with an immensely concentrated core of fruit, racy acids and a long, resonant finish. As I've written before, this cuvée is a blend of first-press juice: two-thirds Chardonnay from Mesnil-sur-Oger and one-third Pinot Noir from prime holdings in Aÿ.Inc. TAX€2,542.38 -
Jancis Robinson (17)
A bit of apple peel. Very ‘natural’. Very pure and unadorned. All top Montagne de Reims villages. Extreme champagne. Very dry finish. Lots of potential.Inc. TAX€871.98 -
Vinous (94)
The NV Vieilles Vignes de Vrigny (Meunier) is one of the best vintages of this cuvée I can remember tasting. Bright and finely cut, the Vieilles Vignes sizzles with tension from start to finish. Dried pear, spice, crushed rocks, mint and white pepper all race out of the glass. Meunier has rarely been so refined, so nuanced. Give this a year or two to unwind. Dosage is 2 grams per liter. Disgorged: September, 2022.Inc. TAX€535.98 -
Proudly presenting the formidable Franck Pascal Harmonie Blanc de Noirs Extra Brut 2011, a pinnacle of elegance and technique from the renowned Champagne region of France. This sophisticated vintage was expertly crafted by vintner Franck Pascal himself, a fervent bio-dynamic practitioner. Being an extra brut, it's intensely dry, yet maintains a compelling energy and vibrancy.
Originating from a blend of Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, the low-yielding vines on chalky soils impart intense fruit and mineral complexity. The careful handling of the grapes lends a purity and transparency to this wine. Pascal's exceptional skills, combined with meticulous attention to detail, result in richly nuanced flavours with a delicate, silky mousse.
With the Franck Pascal Harmonie Blanc de Noirs Extra Brut 2011, savour the perfect balance of depth and lightness, assured to captivate even the most discerning of palates. Truly a sip reflective of Franck Pascal's unwavering commitment to crafting exceptional biodynamic wines.
Inc. TAX€2,080.19 -
Vinous (94)
The 2007 Extra-Brut Vintage Celebris is a great example of the house style. Powerful and rich, the 2007 possesses tremendous vinous intensity, buffered by low dosage that gives the wine ts sense if classic austerity. Orchard fruit, apricot, tangerine oil and white flowers develop with a bit of coaxing. The Celebris is a big, broad-shouldered Champagne for the dinner table.Inc. TAX€969.18 -
Decanter (93)
Gosset is the oldest house in Champagne, and is a favourite among wine trade insiders. This non-vintage cuvée is redolent with the aromas of mellow red apple fruit. It has beautifully subtle autolysis on the palate, with creamy apple and plum flavours, and a great precision at the same time.Inc. TAX€285.18 -
Vinous (93)
The NV Blanc de Craie, 100% Chardonnay from vineyards in Aÿ and Louvois, is bright and finely sculpted, with terrific aromatic intensity, tons of nuance and all the vibrancy from the chalk-rich soils that give this cuvée its name. Citrus peel, white flowers, white pepper, mint and anise lead into the vivid, persistent finish. The Blanc is done entirely in oak, but it is neutral, so there is virtually no oak imprint at all in the flavors, only in the textural feel. One of the unique aspects of the Blanc de Craie is that the base vintage (2017 in this case) accounts for only 30% of the blend. Dosage is 6 grams per liter. Disgorged: June 3, 2019. (Originally published in May 2021)Inc. TAX€711.18 -
Vinous (93)
The NV Rosé Rose Dame-Jane is light and airy in the glass. Crushed flowers, sweet crushed berries, white pepper and mint are all beautifully lifted. Translucent and gracious, the Dame-Jane is quite a departure for a house that was previously known for rich, opulent Champagnes. The Dame-Jane is done with an "Oeil de Perdrix" base in which Pinot is given a short time on the skins for added color and structure. Right before bottling, touches of Chardonnay and still Pinot are added to fine-tune the blend. The Dame-Jane is aged entirely in sandstone terracotta, an approach that works beautifully. This release is based on 2017, with 40% reserve wines. Dosage is 6 grams per liter. Disgorged: March 21, 2019. (Originally published in May 2021)Inc. TAX€628.38 -
Vinous (92)
The NV Esprit Nature is a fabulous introduction to this range. Creamy, open-knit and so expressive, the Esprit Nature captures all of the textural intensity that is such a Giraud signature, but in an approachable style. The Esprit Nature is 80% Pinot Noir and 20% Chardonnay done mostly in oak, with a bit of sandstone amphora. This release is based on 2017, 50% reserve wines. Readers should note that the "Nature" is used here as part of the wine name, rather than an indication of dosage, which is 6 grams per liter. Disgorged: October 21, 2020.Inc. TAX€375.18 -
Decanter (96)
An undramatic, cloud-filled season came right in a late harvest in October. A textbook cool vintage of great ageing potential. The perfect 50/50 balance of mineral-stamped Chardonnay and powerful, masculine Pinot makes this a champagne for patient drinkers, as it will take time to reach its peak. Vibrant acidity is joined by notes of white flowers and that magnificent mineral structure.Inc. TAX€749.58 -
Vinous (90)
(60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay; 8 g/l dosage; L1234411212): Light gold. Lees-accented orchard and citrus fruit aromas are complicated by sweet butter, iodine and smoky minerals. Dry and expansive on the palate, offering lively pear and melon flavors and a refreshingly bitter touch of orange pith. Ample but lithe brut, with very good finishing punch and repeating smoke and pear qualities.Inc. TAX€72.13 -
Vinous (96)
The Non-Vintage Cuve 38 from Henriot is another exceptionally rare champagne. Released only in magnum, it was tricky trying to check the disgorgement date, but the cork was branded “0616” inferring June 2016. This réserve perpetuelle, which is to say that it is constantly topped up like a solera, comes from fruit originating from Avize, Le Mesnil-Sur-Oger, Oger and Chouilly. It is named, perhaps a tad unimaginatively, after the tank in which it ages and limited to 1,000 magnums. Very fresh and energetic on the nose, there are hints of citrus lemon and petrichor - vibrant and penetrating. The palate is likewise surfeit with energy and tension, perfect acidity with a very harmonious and slightly minty, spicy finish. Surprisingly youthful, you would not guess that it is a blend of mature reserves.Inc. TAX€805.45 -
Decanter (97)
Aromas of smoke and raspberry cede to a delightful mousse on the palate, with brisk acidity propelling complex notes of pear, melon and brioche. Well-judged, elegant and impressively long, this never wavers in its elegance. Platinum Medal.Inc. TAX€691.67 -
James Suckling (97)
Selosse has delivered maximum impact with this 'Version Originale', which is an assemblage of Avize, Cramant and Oger. it has an intense grapefruit nose with hints of grilled nuts and dried honey as well as dried wild flowers and strong chalky minerals. The flavors are concentrated, the acidity vibrant, and Selosse has layered this to build nicely through lemons, grapefruit and peaches before heading to more savory toasted hazelnuts. The final moment shows mineral spark. Complex and balanced, powerful and compelling. Drink now.Inc. TAX€738.13 -
James Suckling (97)
Selosse has delivered maximum impact with this 'Version Originale', which is an assemblage of Avize, Cramant and Oger. it has an intense grapefruit nose with hints of grilled nuts and dried honey as well as dried wild flowers and strong chalky minerals. The flavors are concentrated, the acidity vibrant, and Selosse has layered this to build nicely through lemons, grapefruit and peaches before heading to more savory toasted hazelnuts. The final moment shows mineral spark. Complex and balanced, powerful and compelling. Drink now.Inc. TAX€3,232.38 -
Inc. TAX€5,590.38 -
Inc. TAX€2,265.73
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Wine Advocate (97)
Whereas Selosse's vintage bottling was formerly derived exclusively from Avize, the 2007 Extra-Brut Millésime is the first that draws on all the estate's holdings, with the vins clairs chosen in a blind tasting. Wafting from the glass with aromas of yellow apple, toasted almonds, nougat, shortbread, warm spices, honeycomb and white flowers, it's full-bodied, layered and multidimensional, with incisive acids, chalky structure and a tensile profile. A bottle drunk in Burgundy several weeks after my visit to the domaine was just as striking.Inc. TAX€15,586.38 -
Wine Advocate (97)
Disgorged in January 2020, the 2009 Extra-Brut Premier Cru Millésime represents a new direction for Selosse's vintage bottling, as Guillaume Selosse wanted to produce this cuvée from all of the six villages in which the domaine's holdings are located. The resulting wine is spectacular, soaring from the glass with a deep and complex bouquet of mandarin orange, honeycomb, ripe peaches, freshly baked bread, almond paste and dried apricots. Full-bodied, deep and complete, it's elegantly muscular and multidimensional, with extraordinary mid-palate amplitude, ripe but lively acids and a long, intensely sapid finish.Inc. TAX€2,223.73 -
Wine Advocate (97)
Disgorged in January 2020, the 2009 Extra-Brut Premier Cru Millésime represents a new direction for Selosse's vintage bottling, as Guillaume Selosse wanted to produce this cuvée from all of the six villages in which the domaine's holdings are located. The resulting wine is spectacular, soaring from the glass with a deep and complex bouquet of mandarin orange, honeycomb, ripe peaches, freshly baked bread, almond paste and dried apricots. Full-bodied, deep and complete, it's elegantly muscular and multidimensional, with extraordinary mid-palate amplitude, ripe but lively acids and a long, intensely sapid finish.Inc. TAX€14,509.98 -
Vinous (96)
The NV (2014) Rosé is another standout in this range. In this release, the Rosé is a bit richer, deeper and more intense than it has been over the last few years. The resonance of the flavors is just remarkable. Red Pinot fruit, blood orange, white pepper and flowers infuse the Rosé with striking depth to play off its vibrancy. This is a stunning edition of the Rosé. Disgorged: September 11, 2019.Inc. TAX€967.36 -
Vinous (96)
The NV (2014) Rosé is another standout in this range. In this release, the Rosé is a bit richer, deeper and more intense than it has been over the last few years. The resonance of the flavors is just remarkable. Red Pinot fruit, blood orange, white pepper and flowers infuse the Rosé with striking depth to play off its vibrancy. This is a stunning edition of the Rosé. Disgorged: September 11, 2019.Inc. TAX€4,648.54 -
Vinous (94)
The Extra-Brut Cuvée No. 742, based on the 2014 vintage, is a gorgeous wine. In this release, the Cuvée seems especially marked by Pinot in both its flavor profile and texture. Dried pear, hazelnut, mint, chamomile and dried flowers all grace this rich, beautifully resonant Champagne from Jacquesson. Best of all, the 742 will drink well with minimal cellaring. The 700-series Champagnes are often superb; the 742 is an especially fine edition. The blend is 59% Pinot Noir (from Aÿ, Dizy and Hautvillers) and 41% Chardonnay (from Avize and Oiry). Dosage is 1.5 grams per liter.Inc. TAX€667.98 -
Vinous (93)
The 2018 Extra-Brut Les Beguines is a gorgeous Champagne from Jérôme Prévost. In this release, the Beguines is a bit more ethereal than it can be. There is plenty of Meunier character, with dried orchard fruit, spice and hazelnut flavors that are nicely lifted. This edition is 90% 2018 plus 10% reserve wines, all done in the 600-liter casks that Prévost favors. What the 2018 lacks in depth it more than makes up for with its charm and accessibility. Dosage is 2.5 grams per liter. (Originally published in May 2021)Inc. TAX€2,950.19 -
Wine Advocate (97)
The NV Extra Brut Les Béguines LC 19 showed brilliantly once again, bursting with aromas of orange rind, orchard fruit, red berries and peach, mingled with notions of walnuts and marzipan, as well as telltale hints of warm spices and fenugreek. Full-bodied, layered and concentrated, it's deep and complete, with huge reserves of fruit and structure, enlivened by a pillowy mousse. Concluding with a long, sapid finish, I continue to think this is one of Prévost's finest releases of the decade. In style, it's reminiscent of a somewhat riper version of the 2012.Inc. TAX€2,516.99 -
Wine Advocate (90)
A blend of roughly equal parts Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, the 2008 Brut Cuvée Josephine was disgorged after ten years sur lattes. Offering up a reserved bouquet of warm biscuits, dried citrus rind and yellow apple, it's medium to full-bodied, with a somewhat firm and compact profile, missing the plenitude that characterizes some of the house's more recent offerings. This is a creditable but somewhat conservative effort that seems to have more to do with the house's past than its future.Inc. TAX€656.82 -
Wine Advocate (90)
A blend of roughly equal parts Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, the 2008 Brut Cuvée Josephine was disgorged after ten years sur lattes. Offering up a reserved bouquet of warm biscuits, dried citrus rind and yellow apple, it's medium to full-bodied, with a somewhat firm and compact profile, missing the plenitude that characterizes some of the house's more recent offerings. This is a creditable but somewhat conservative effort that seems to have more to do with the house's past than its future.Inc. TAX€1,372.19
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Wine Advocate (97)
Disgorged in May 2020 with two grams per liter dosage, the 2012 Extra-Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru is fabulous, bursting from the glass with notes of smoky pear, white flowers, walnuts and baking spices. Derived predominantly from holdings in Avize, it's full-bodied, layered and immensely concentrated, with a tightly wound, structured core and racy acid spine that mark it out as emphatically built for the long haul. Deep and vinous, I suspect that it will surpass the 2008 rendition at maturity.In Bond€1,020.00 -
Wine Advocate (96+)
Disgorged in January 2021 with two grams per liter dosage, the 2015 Extra-Brut Premier Cru Clos de l'Abbaye has turned out brilliantly. Wafting from the glass with aromas of citrus oil, warm bread and honeycomb that are still a little reserved after its recent disgorgement, this is a full-bodied, layered and concentrated Champagne that's vinous and textural, displaying notable depth and mid-palate amplitude that's framed by lively acids and an enlivening pinpoint mousse, concluding with a long resonant finish. As I've written before, this cuvée derives from a walled 0.4-hectare plot of 60-year-old cordon-pruned vines just behind the winery in Vertus, and only the first and second "serres" of the press are used.In Bond€875.00 -
Wine Advocate (98)
Disgorged over a year ago with 0.8 grams per liter dosage, the 2008 Extra-Brut Grand Cru Les Lumières is a striking Champagne, unwinding in the glass with scents of pear, citrus oil, freshly baked bread, mandarin orange, almonds and buttery pastry. Full-bodied, deep and multidimensional, it's layered and muscular, with an immensely concentrated core of fruit, racy acids and a long, resonant finish. As I've written before, this cuvée is a blend of first-press juice: two-thirds Chardonnay from Mesnil-sur-Oger and one-third Pinot Noir from prime holdings in Aÿ.In Bond€362.00 -
Wine Advocate (98)
Disgorged over a year ago with 0.8 grams per liter dosage, the 2008 Extra-Brut Grand Cru Les Lumières is a striking Champagne, unwinding in the glass with scents of pear, citrus oil, freshly baked bread, mandarin orange, almonds and buttery pastry. Full-bodied, deep and multidimensional, it's layered and muscular, with an immensely concentrated core of fruit, racy acids and a long, resonant finish. As I've written before, this cuvée is a blend of first-press juice: two-thirds Chardonnay from Mesnil-sur-Oger and one-third Pinot Noir from prime holdings in Aÿ.In Bond€2,100.00 -
Jancis Robinson (17)
A bit of apple peel. Very ‘natural’. Very pure and unadorned. All top Montagne de Reims villages. Extreme champagne. Very dry finish. Lots of potential.In Bond€708.00 -
Vinous (94)
The NV Vieilles Vignes de Vrigny (Meunier) is one of the best vintages of this cuvée I can remember tasting. Bright and finely cut, the Vieilles Vignes sizzles with tension from start to finish. Dried pear, spice, crushed rocks, mint and white pepper all race out of the glass. Meunier has rarely been so refined, so nuanced. Give this a year or two to unwind. Dosage is 2 grams per liter. Disgorged: September, 2022.In Bond€428.00 -
Proudly presenting the formidable Franck Pascal Harmonie Blanc de Noirs Extra Brut 2011, a pinnacle of elegance and technique from the renowned Champagne region of France. This sophisticated vintage was expertly crafted by vintner Franck Pascal himself, a fervent bio-dynamic practitioner. Being an extra brut, it's intensely dry, yet maintains a compelling energy and vibrancy.
Originating from a blend of Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, the low-yielding vines on chalky soils impart intense fruit and mineral complexity. The careful handling of the grapes lends a purity and transparency to this wine. Pascal's exceptional skills, combined with meticulous attention to detail, result in richly nuanced flavours with a delicate, silky mousse.
With the Franck Pascal Harmonie Blanc de Noirs Extra Brut 2011, savour the perfect balance of depth and lightness, assured to captivate even the most discerning of palates. Truly a sip reflective of Franck Pascal's unwavering commitment to crafting exceptional biodynamic wines.
In Bond€1,715.00 -
Vinous (94)
The 2007 Extra-Brut Vintage Celebris is a great example of the house style. Powerful and rich, the 2007 possesses tremendous vinous intensity, buffered by low dosage that gives the wine ts sense if classic austerity. Orchard fruit, apricot, tangerine oil and white flowers develop with a bit of coaxing. The Celebris is a big, broad-shouldered Champagne for the dinner table.In Bond€789.00 -
Decanter (93)
Gosset is the oldest house in Champagne, and is a favourite among wine trade insiders. This non-vintage cuvée is redolent with the aromas of mellow red apple fruit. It has beautifully subtle autolysis on the palate, with creamy apple and plum flavours, and a great precision at the same time.In Bond€219.00 -
Vinous (93)
The NV Blanc de Craie, 100% Chardonnay from vineyards in Aÿ and Louvois, is bright and finely sculpted, with terrific aromatic intensity, tons of nuance and all the vibrancy from the chalk-rich soils that give this cuvée its name. Citrus peel, white flowers, white pepper, mint and anise lead into the vivid, persistent finish. The Blanc is done entirely in oak, but it is neutral, so there is virtually no oak imprint at all in the flavors, only in the textural feel. One of the unique aspects of the Blanc de Craie is that the base vintage (2017 in this case) accounts for only 30% of the blend. Dosage is 6 grams per liter. Disgorged: June 3, 2019. (Originally published in May 2021)In Bond€574.00 -
Vinous (93)
The NV Rosé Rose Dame-Jane is light and airy in the glass. Crushed flowers, sweet crushed berries, white pepper and mint are all beautifully lifted. Translucent and gracious, the Dame-Jane is quite a departure for a house that was previously known for rich, opulent Champagnes. The Dame-Jane is done with an "Oeil de Perdrix" base in which Pinot is given a short time on the skins for added color and structure. Right before bottling, touches of Chardonnay and still Pinot are added to fine-tune the blend. The Dame-Jane is aged entirely in sandstone terracotta, an approach that works beautifully. This release is based on 2017, with 40% reserve wines. Dosage is 6 grams per liter. Disgorged: March 21, 2019. (Originally published in May 2021)In Bond€505.00 -
Vinous (92)
The NV Esprit Nature is a fabulous introduction to this range. Creamy, open-knit and so expressive, the Esprit Nature captures all of the textural intensity that is such a Giraud signature, but in an approachable style. The Esprit Nature is 80% Pinot Noir and 20% Chardonnay done mostly in oak, with a bit of sandstone amphora. This release is based on 2017, 50% reserve wines. Readers should note that the "Nature" is used here as part of the wine name, rather than an indication of dosage, which is 6 grams per liter. Disgorged: October 21, 2020.In Bond€294.00 -
Decanter (96)
An undramatic, cloud-filled season came right in a late harvest in October. A textbook cool vintage of great ageing potential. The perfect 50/50 balance of mineral-stamped Chardonnay and powerful, masculine Pinot makes this a champagne for patient drinkers, as it will take time to reach its peak. Vibrant acidity is joined by notes of white flowers and that magnificent mineral structure.In Bond€606.00 -
Vinous (90)
(60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay; 8 g/l dosage; L1234411212): Light gold. Lees-accented orchard and citrus fruit aromas are complicated by sweet butter, iodine and smoky minerals. Dry and expansive on the palate, offering lively pear and melon flavors and a refreshingly bitter touch of orange pith. Ample but lithe brut, with very good finishing punch and repeating smoke and pear qualities.In Bond€57.00 -
Vinous (96)
The Non-Vintage Cuve 38 from Henriot is another exceptionally rare champagne. Released only in magnum, it was tricky trying to check the disgorgement date, but the cork was branded “0616” inferring June 2016. This réserve perpetuelle, which is to say that it is constantly topped up like a solera, comes from fruit originating from Avize, Le Mesnil-Sur-Oger, Oger and Chouilly. It is named, perhaps a tad unimaginatively, after the tank in which it ages and limited to 1,000 magnums. Very fresh and energetic on the nose, there are hints of citrus lemon and petrichor - vibrant and penetrating. The palate is likewise surfeit with energy and tension, perfect acidity with a very harmonious and slightly minty, spicy finish. Surprisingly youthful, you would not guess that it is a blend of mature reserves.In Bond€665.00 -
Decanter (97)
Aromas of smoke and raspberry cede to a delightful mousse on the palate, with brisk acidity propelling complex notes of pear, melon and brioche. Well-judged, elegant and impressively long, this never wavers in its elegance. Platinum Medal.In Bond€554.00 -
James Suckling (97)
Selosse has delivered maximum impact with this 'Version Originale', which is an assemblage of Avize, Cramant and Oger. it has an intense grapefruit nose with hints of grilled nuts and dried honey as well as dried wild flowers and strong chalky minerals. The flavors are concentrated, the acidity vibrant, and Selosse has layered this to build nicely through lemons, grapefruit and peaches before heading to more savory toasted hazelnuts. The final moment shows mineral spark. Complex and balanced, powerful and compelling. Drink now.In Bond€612.00 -
James Suckling (97)
Selosse has delivered maximum impact with this 'Version Originale', which is an assemblage of Avize, Cramant and Oger. it has an intense grapefruit nose with hints of grilled nuts and dried honey as well as dried wild flowers and strong chalky minerals. The flavors are concentrated, the acidity vibrant, and Selosse has layered this to build nicely through lemons, grapefruit and peaches before heading to more savory toasted hazelnuts. The final moment shows mineral spark. Complex and balanced, powerful and compelling. Drink now.In Bond€2,675.00 -
In Bond€4,640.00
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In Bond€1,885.00
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Wine Advocate (97)
Whereas Selosse's vintage bottling was formerly derived exclusively from Avize, the 2007 Extra-Brut Millésime is the first that draws on all the estate's holdings, with the vins clairs chosen in a blind tasting. Wafting from the glass with aromas of yellow apple, toasted almonds, nougat, shortbread, warm spices, honeycomb and white flowers, it's full-bodied, layered and multidimensional, with incisive acids, chalky structure and a tensile profile. A bottle drunk in Burgundy several weeks after my visit to the domaine was just as striking.In Bond€12,970.00 -
Wine Advocate (97)
Disgorged in January 2020, the 2009 Extra-Brut Premier Cru Millésime represents a new direction for Selosse's vintage bottling, as Guillaume Selosse wanted to produce this cuvée from all of the six villages in which the domaine's holdings are located. The resulting wine is spectacular, soaring from the glass with a deep and complex bouquet of mandarin orange, honeycomb, ripe peaches, freshly baked bread, almond paste and dried apricots. Full-bodied, deep and complete, it's elegantly muscular and multidimensional, with extraordinary mid-palate amplitude, ripe but lively acids and a long, intensely sapid finish.In Bond€1,850.00 -
Wine Advocate (97)
Disgorged in January 2020, the 2009 Extra-Brut Premier Cru Millésime represents a new direction for Selosse's vintage bottling, as Guillaume Selosse wanted to produce this cuvée from all of the six villages in which the domaine's holdings are located. The resulting wine is spectacular, soaring from the glass with a deep and complex bouquet of mandarin orange, honeycomb, ripe peaches, freshly baked bread, almond paste and dried apricots. Full-bodied, deep and complete, it's elegantly muscular and multidimensional, with extraordinary mid-palate amplitude, ripe but lively acids and a long, intensely sapid finish.In Bond€12,073.00 -
Vinous (96)
The NV (2014) Rosé is another standout in this range. In this release, the Rosé is a bit richer, deeper and more intense than it has been over the last few years. The resonance of the flavors is just remarkable. Red Pinot fruit, blood orange, white pepper and flowers infuse the Rosé with striking depth to play off its vibrancy. This is a stunning edition of the Rosé. Disgorged: September 11, 2019.In Bond€803.00 -
Vinous (96)
The NV (2014) Rosé is another standout in this range. In this release, the Rosé is a bit richer, deeper and more intense than it has been over the last few years. The resonance of the flavors is just remarkable. Red Pinot fruit, blood orange, white pepper and flowers infuse the Rosé with striking depth to play off its vibrancy. This is a stunning edition of the Rosé. Disgorged: September 11, 2019.In Bond€3,855.00 -
Vinous (94)
The Extra-Brut Cuvée No. 742, based on the 2014 vintage, is a gorgeous wine. In this release, the Cuvée seems especially marked by Pinot in both its flavor profile and texture. Dried pear, hazelnut, mint, chamomile and dried flowers all grace this rich, beautifully resonant Champagne from Jacquesson. Best of all, the 742 will drink well with minimal cellaring. The 700-series Champagnes are often superb; the 742 is an especially fine edition. The blend is 59% Pinot Noir (from Aÿ, Dizy and Hautvillers) and 41% Chardonnay (from Avize and Oiry). Dosage is 1.5 grams per liter.In Bond€538.00 -
Vinous (93)
The 2018 Extra-Brut Les Beguines is a gorgeous Champagne from Jérôme Prévost. In this release, the Beguines is a bit more ethereal than it can be. There is plenty of Meunier character, with dried orchard fruit, spice and hazelnut flavors that are nicely lifted. This edition is 90% 2018 plus 10% reserve wines, all done in the 600-liter casks that Prévost favors. What the 2018 lacks in depth it more than makes up for with its charm and accessibility. Dosage is 2.5 grams per liter. (Originally published in May 2021)In Bond€2,440.00 -
Wine Advocate (97)
The NV Extra Brut Les Béguines LC 19 showed brilliantly once again, bursting with aromas of orange rind, orchard fruit, red berries and peach, mingled with notions of walnuts and marzipan, as well as telltale hints of warm spices and fenugreek. Full-bodied, layered and concentrated, it's deep and complete, with huge reserves of fruit and structure, enlivened by a pillowy mousse. Concluding with a long, sapid finish, I continue to think this is one of Prévost's finest releases of the decade. In style, it's reminiscent of a somewhat riper version of the 2012.In Bond€2,079.00 -
Wine Advocate (90)
A blend of roughly equal parts Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, the 2008 Brut Cuvée Josephine was disgorged after ten years sur lattes. Offering up a reserved bouquet of warm biscuits, dried citrus rind and yellow apple, it's medium to full-bodied, with a somewhat firm and compact profile, missing the plenitude that characterizes some of the house's more recent offerings. This is a creditable but somewhat conservative effort that seems to have more to do with the house's past than its future.In Bond€538.00 -
Wine Advocate (90)
A blend of roughly equal parts Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, the 2008 Brut Cuvée Josephine was disgorged after ten years sur lattes. Offering up a reserved bouquet of warm biscuits, dried citrus rind and yellow apple, it's medium to full-bodied, with a somewhat firm and compact profile, missing the plenitude that characterizes some of the house's more recent offerings. This is a creditable but somewhat conservative effort that seems to have more to do with the house's past than its future.In Bond€1,125.00
