HENRIOT Cuvee Hemera, Champagne Produced from only Grand Cru vineyards with Pinot Noir from the Montagne de Reims and Chardonnay from the Côte des Blancs in equal parts, then aged for a minimum of 12 years on the lees, this empyreal wine is delightfully delectable. A medium golden straw in colour, the Henriot Cuvee Hemera is elegant, very dry, light and lively. Expressing white peach and green fruits accented by a citrus lift, the Champagne has an enchanting creamy texture with generous layers of biscuity notes throughout, with a sleek, well-knit acidity and a long-lengthy finish across the palate.

Louis Roederer is a highly respected Champagne producer located in the historic city of Reims. The renowned Champagne house, founded in the late 1700s, is still owned and operated by the Roederer family. Their signature style consists of an equal blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, with a touch of Pinot Meunier, which comprises approximately one-fifth of the blend. Louis Roederer's most famous wine is Cristal, a prestigious Champagne that has captured the hearts of wine enthusiasts worldwide. The house was founded in 1833 and aimed to capture foreign markets, particularly Russia. Roederer became the wine of choice for the Russian royal family, and Cristal was created for Tsar Alexander II. Louis Roederer acquired grand cru vineyards in Champagne in 1845, which was unusual for the time as most houses were buying grapes from growers. Today, the Roederer vineyards encompass around 240 hectares of land, with around 25% managed biodynamically. This commitment to sustainable farming practices is a testament to the house's dedication to producing high-quality wines that are both delicious and environmentally responsible. Collection 244 NV is based from the 2019 vintage. It was a year of record-breaking temperatures brought by particularly intense heat waves. Dry and continental and of magnificent maturity, this year gave us wines that were dense and fresh, with a masterful balance, conducive to bringing out the powerful and luscious Collection character in the blend. This 244th Blend includes: - Perpetual Reserve - 36% (2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016,2017,2018) - Reserve Wines Aged in Oak - 10% (2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016,2017,2018) - 2019 Vintage - 54% The Louis Roederer Collection 244 NV is a remarkable champagne that captivates the senses from the moment it is poured. Its bright, golden hue with shimmering highlights is visually enticing, while the fine, lively mousse creates a delightful effervescence. The bouquet is both open and rich, exuding a wonderful freshness. It offers an explosion of ripe delicate fruit with intense notes of yellow fruit such as mirabelle plum from the Pinot Noir, complemented by the sweetness of citrus fruits like lemon meringue pie and delicate hints of white flowers specifically jasmine from the Chardonnay. As the wine opens up autolytic characters emerge evolving towards smoky roasted notes and the enticing aroma of freshly baked pastries. On the palate, the Louis Roederer Collection 244 NV reveals its depth and density, supported by a well-structured backbone. The texture is simply mesmerizing with a fleshy mouthfeel that coats the palate courtesy of the Pinot Noir. This then gives way to an incredible saline freshness accompanied by a pleasant hint of bitterness. The wine beautifully combines the strength, intensity and power of the delectably ripe Pinot Noir grapes, which are perfectly balanced by the chalky freshness and density from the majority Chardonnay blend. It is a harmonious symphony of flavors and textures that lingers on the palate, leaving a lasting impression.

In 1989, Jean-Luc Thunevin and Murielle Andraud acquired a small plot of 0.6 hectares in the valley of Saint-Emilion between Pavie-Macquin and La Clotte. In 1991, they produced their first vintage bottled by themselves. Since then, they have acquired other plots and properties, in Saint-Christophe-Des-Bardes, Saint Sulpice de Faleyrens and Saint-Etienne de Lisse. While the first critics called it "garage wine", Château Valandraud, although still unclassified, is nevertheless considered by almost all wine professionals, including Robert Parker, as one of the very first wines of Bordeaux. Château Valandraud was promoted to 1er Grand Cru Classé de Saint Emilion in 2012. Member of the Union of Grands Crus of Bordeaux since 2017. The 2009 Valandraud is a blend of 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc matured in 100% new oak for 22 months.

The wine unfurls on the palate to reveal fruity notes, highlighted by a creaminess reminiscent of honey made from fir trees. Smoky accents of coffee beans and toast balance out the wine’s minerality.