Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (90)

Fairly pale color. Complex, soil-inflected, smoky nose combines pineapple, peach, apricot, rose petal, cinnamon and mace; reminded me of Condrieu. Fresh and ripe in the mouth, with impressively intense flavors of fruits and spices. Finishes strong and spicy, with a late note of pink peppercorn.

James Suckling (99)

Incredible aromas of apple skin, pie crust, praline and flowers. So young in the nose. Full-bodied with super-fine tannins. It’s tight and refined, yet structured and intense. Really long and beautiful. Still shy. Wonderful finish. 12 years on its lees before disgorging. Three vintages in the blend – 2008 (65%), 2007 (25%) and 2006 (10%). 60% chardonnay and 40% pinot noir. It’s the highest percentage of chardonnay ever.

James Suckling (99)

Dried lemons, salted almonds, oyster shells, croissants, iodine, baked apples, spices and some ginger notes. White pepper, too. Vibrant and fresh, with a distinct saline edge. I like the subtle spice character. So much subtle power and tension. 58% chardonnay and 42% pinot noir, from 2006, 2004 and 2002. 14 years on the lees, three or four more than the normal bottle release. Only available in magnum. Drink or hold.

James Suckling (100)

This is really something. Electric on the palate. The aromas are so complex with sliced fresh and dried ginger, subtle pie crust, tarte tatin and hints of nutmeg with some salted caramel. Toasted bread, too. Always subtle. The palate is full- to medium-bodied yet hemmed-in with a freshness and balance that draws you back. Savory and vibrant. It's full of energy. Spectacular. Fascinating. Symphonic blend of 2012, 2008 and 2007. 65% of the 2012, 25% of the 2008 and 10% of the 2007. Eight grand cru. Chardonnay 58% and 42% pinot noir. Disgorged February 2023. 10 years on the lees. 7g/L dosage. Drink or hold.

James Suckling (100)

This is really something. Electric on the palate. The aromas are so complex with sliced fresh and dried ginger, subtle pie crust, tarte tatin and hints of nutmeg with some salted caramel. Toasted bread, too. Always subtle. The palate is full- to medium-bodied yet hemmed-in with a freshness and balance that draws you back. Savory and vibrant. It's full of energy. Spectacular. Fascinating. Symphonic blend of 2012, 2008 and 2007. 65% of the 2012, 25% of the 2008 and 10% of the 2007. Eight grand cru. Chardonnay 58% and 42% pinot noir. Disgorged February 2023. 10 years on the lees. 7g/L dosage. Drink or hold.

Jancis Robinson (19.5)

Deep gold. Woo hoo! Really explosive cordite. Tight and fresh but with many nuances and extremely long. Creamy Chardonnay and some savoury notes. Lovely tight filigree texture. Masses of acidity – but lots of fruit too before a dry finish. Sort of like a really fine mature white burgundy but much fresher and more like a ballerina!

Vinous (92)

(100% saignée Pinot Noir): Vivid orange-pink. An expressive, spice-accented bouquet evokes fresh raspberry, orange pith, white flowers and ginger, with a hint of rhubarb adding an earthy flourish. Sappy and broad in the mouth, offering intense red fruit and bitter citrus flavors underscored by chalky mineral and white pepper notes. Rich yet lively rosé with excellent closing thrust and floral persistence.

A gem within the fine wine collection is the Le Mesnil Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru 2013. Hailing from Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, a prime Champagne region, this well-crafted wine bears the signature of Champagne Le Mesnil, a revered cooperative with unmatched commitment to quality. The vintage 2013 is 100% Chardonnay, meticulously hand-picked and vinified to produce a Blanc de Blancs of unparalleled strength and finesse.

Matured on lees for a noteworthy period, the wine showcases the unique terroir of Côte des Blancs, offering a mesmerising dance of creamy mousse, lush ripe fruit with hints of toasted almonds and brioche. The taste evolves on the palate, culminating in a long and magnificent finish.

If seeking a companion for a delicate entrée or a delightful standalone drink, the Le Mesnil Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru 2013 exemplifies the best of Champagne. It's a sublime testimony to the producer's mastery over the grape and terrain.

Jancis Robinson (17)

Very vibrant, a bit of a brisk wake-up call. A cold shower of a wine! But very good zestiness. Very, very clean. Lovely aperitif, lots of character. Not that long though.

Jeb Dunnuck (96)

Coming from three terroirs with chalky soils, the 2017 Champagne Millésime Abyss Brut Zero is always equal parts Pinot Noir, Meunier, and Chardonnay, and following disgorgement, this wine was rested in the ocean off the coast of Brittany for 10 months at 60 meters below the surface. It opens to beautiful aromas of saline layers and fresh croissant, as well as notes of honeydew melon and fresh flowers. Medium-bodied, it has a delicate mousse, a balanced feel, and a chalky finish, with long persistence and a profound texture. Drink 2024-2044. 2 grams per liter of dosage.

Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (97)

One of a handful of single vineyard châteaux in Champagne, now being made by Leclerc-Briant (although they are not owners). Crisp, clean, touches of green apple on the nose but there is weight behind this and it opens to show plenty of quince, hazlenut, biscuit and flaky pastry character, not quite as far as brioche at this point although it will develop over the next few years. The first wine to be released under the new regime, with Hervé Jestin chef de cave, as for Leclerc-Briant (he was in fact already making wine here under the previous owners). Ageing in neutral oak casks, biodynamic viticulture. 2.5ha of vines, 12%abv. Tasted twice, loved it both times, powerful depth of flavour. Brut zero (2g/l dosage), Blanc de Blancs, 100% Grand Cru.

Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (97)

One of a handful of single vineyard châteaux in Champagne, now being made by Leclerc-Briant (although they are not owners). Crisp, clean, touches of green apple on the nose but there is weight behind this and it opens to show plenty of quince, hazlenut, biscuit and flaky pastry character, not quite as far as brioche at this point although it will develop over the next few years. The first wine to be released under the new regime, with Hervé Jestin chef de cave, as for Leclerc-Briant (he was in fact already making wine here under the previous owners). Ageing in neutral oak casks, biodynamic viticulture. 2.5ha of vines, 12%abv. Tasted twice, loved it both times, powerful depth of flavour. Brut zero (2g/l dosage), Blanc de Blancs, 100% Grand Cru.

Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (94)

The mousse is so soft and plentiful that the entire thing almost melts away in your mouth. Just an excellent Champagne that has real character, more minerality than fruit, moving towards saffran and quince. A more challenging vintage in Champagne than the 2012, but this has the charm that comes with bottle age, with a grilled almond edge, still with citrus and white flower undertones. Beautiful. Hervé Jestin winemaker. Soft 2.3/l dosage, making this Brut Zero. No need to wait longer.

Indulge in the exquisite experience embodied in Leclere-Minard, La Regle D'Or NV, a spellbinding expression of fine French winemaking. This prestigious cuvee derives its character from the iconic Champagne region, an area synonymous with an unrivalled pedigree in vinification. The winery, Leclere-Minard, guarantees vigour and complexity, harnessing generations of expertise to produce wines of impeccable quality. The La Regle D'Or NV, a non-vintage sparkling wine, stands as a testament to their commitment to excellence.

Employing a majestic blend of classic Champagne grapes - Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier - aged in the label’s distinguished cellars, this offering is a glorious celebration of balance and refinement. Expect a symphony of delicate bubbles, nuanced aromas, and a harmonious finish, epitomising the artistry honed by this dedicated producer. Any discerning oenophile will appreciate the dynamic palate and timeless elegance offered by Leclere-Minard, La Regle D'Or NV.

Exceptional in its class, the 'Les Freres Mignon L'Aventure Blanc de Blancs 1er Cru NV' is a testament to the winemaking prowess of this artisanal French estate. Nestled in the prestigious Champagne region, Les Freres Mignon is a family-run domain renowned for its sophisticated and meticulously produced wines. The L'Aventure Blanc de Blancs 1er Cru NV is a blend of 100% Chardonnay. Matured in the finest oak barrels, this indulgent tipple boasts a radiant golden hue, offering an exquisite balance of minerality, fruit and nuanced oak influences.

The meticulous attention to detail in the production process bestows this wine with a superb complexity. It presents an aroma of citrus fruits, a whisper of brioche and a vibrant, lively finish. An embodiment of the Les Freres Mignon winemaking ethos, the L'Aventure Blanc de Blancs 1er Cru NV is a choice embodiment of luxury in a bottle, making it a perfect companion for discerning enthusiasts of fine wine.

Exceptional in its class, the 'Les Freres Mignon L'Aventure Blanc de Blancs 1er Cru NV' is a testament to the winemaking prowess of this artisanal French estate. Nestled in the prestigious Champagne region, Les Freres Mignon is a family-run domain renowned for its sophisticated and meticulously produced wines. The L'Aventure Blanc de Blancs 1er Cru NV is a blend of 100% Chardonnay. Matured in the finest oak barrels, this indulgent tipple boasts a radiant golden hue, offering an exquisite balance of minerality, fruit and nuanced oak influences.

The meticulous attention to detail in the production process bestows this wine with a superb complexity. It presents an aroma of citrus fruits, a whisper of brioche and a vibrant, lively finish. An embodiment of the Les Freres Mignon winemaking ethos, the L'Aventure Blanc de Blancs 1er Cru NV is a choice embodiment of luxury in a bottle, making it a perfect companion for discerning enthusiasts of fine wine.