The arrival of the late great Daniel Thibault transformed Piper-Heidsieck beyond recognition. The style is now fuller and rounder with elegance and charm. The cepage is an equal blend of all 3 varieties and shows good balance and length. The wine is a fresh aperitif style which is much finer than is often given credit for. Marilyn Monroe famously declared that she went to bed every night with Chanel No5 behind her ears and woke up every morning with a glass of Piper-Heidsieck.

Taittinger Brut Reserve contains a blend of 40% Chardonnay and 60% Pinot Meunier. A golden-yellow beauty with an expressive aroma of fruits, flowers and vanilla pod. The palate is delicate and equally fruity with hints of honey for a touch of sweetness.

Tsarine is made by Chanoine Frères, which was founded in 1730; only the house of Ruinart is older. The Tsarine Cuvee Champagne was originally created in honour of the Russian tsars, since Russia was a major export market for champagne in the nineteenth century. The cepage is approximately 33% pinot noir, 33% pinot meuniere and 34% chardonnay. Golden hues highlight the aspect of this cuvée, imparting brightness and elegance. Delicate effervescence is enhanced by a chorus of fine bubbles. Aromas are expressed gradually on notes of mirabelle plum and freshly picked grape blossoms. Yellow fruit flavours peach, apricot and nectarine gradually blend with those of bitter orange, producing a well-balanced wine with remarkable breadth that finishes on lemony notes.

The house of Besserat de Bellefon was founded in 1843 near Ay in Champagne, and is now based in Epernay. The hallmark of the house is the lower than normal pressure that the wine is kept at under cork. This lower than normal pressure does not reduce the effervescence, but softens it, allowing the wine to partner better with food. Aspect: Coppery and bright, nuances of yellow straw Bouquet: Open and indulgent, wisps of linden blossom, honeysuckle, hazelnuts, mirabelle plum Palate: Harmonious, balanced, vinous Assemblage : Chardonnay I Pinot Noir I Pinot Meunier

Mumm 4 is a striking, modern reinterpretation of the champagne maturation process breaking all the traditional codes associated with champagne. This mature wine is clearly labelled to show the number of years spent on the lees rather than any specific vintage year. The look: Exuberant bubbles with reflections of gold, showing discrete maturity. The aromas: Complex ripe aromas of yellow and white fruit, peach marmalade and buttercream alight entice. The taste: Fresh, lively and rounded, yet with a tension that plays right through to the finish. Mumm 4 can be savoured slowly to enjoy the deep complexity or enjoyed matched with poultry with chanterelles and apricot compote, or truffled Brie.

Fresh and flavoursome, Moët & Chandon Ice Impérial is perfect for spritzing up a sunny afternoon or adding an elegant tone to any dinner party. Flavours of fresh citrus and stone fruits with ravishing acidity and length.

Champagne Philipponnat is a relatively expressive house style, balancing lively citrus and peach characters with some yeasty savoury characters, the palate has great length and finesse, a class act!

Paul Louis Martin Grand Cru Cuvée vintage Champagne comes from the heart of Montagne de Reims and is blessed with an outstanding Grand Cru vineyard site that faces due South on chalky soil and is protected by North winds from the mountains adjoining the region. The vintage Grand Cru Champagne is 100% Chardonnay and delivers a creamy, rich and rounded boutique Champagne with delicate notes of exotic fruit and toasted brioche. Only made in the best years, the sparkling wine is perfectly balanced.

The Taittinger Prestige Rose is a unique and complex blend. The signature Taittinger high proportion of Chardonnay (30%) brings elegance and delicacy to the blend, while a quantity of still red wine (15%) produced from the best Pinot Noirs from Montagne de Reims and Les Riceys is added to the final blend. It is this still red wine that gives the cuvee its unmistakable colour and vibrant intensity on the palate. The Prestige Rose can be described as lively, fruity, fresh and elegant.