Château d’Avize is one of only a few châteaux in Champagne, and the only one with a Grand Cru status. Using their biodynamic principles, the pope of Bio Dynamic and Organic Viticulture, Hervé Jestin and the Leclerc Briant team have created an extraordinary, age-worthy Champagne which demands cellaring to reach its potential. This Blanc de Blancs combines Leclerc Briant’s characterful, stimulating style; the tension of the 2013 vintage; and the power of the Avize terroir – the grandest of all the villages in the Côte des Blancs. Avize, already home to some of Champagne’s most iconic and collectable producers, has a new shining star of the champagne world. The Champagne develops a fruity, coated and juicy substance, supported by a lemony acidity. The salinity and dryness enhance a rich and suave finish.

Established in 1836, Madame Pommery is credited with creating the first vintage ‘brut’ style of Champagne in 1874, at a time when most champagnes were excessively sweetened with sugar. This revolutionary dry style set the benchmark for the rest of Champagne and it is in this spirit that the style of Pommery endures; with each cuvée displaying sublime elegance, finesse and freshness. Brut Royal NV has incredible balance and is a cheerful, lively and delicate wine.Pommery is one of the few Champagne houses that produce the large formats in their original bottles, to allow for optimal ageing. The Jeroboam comes individually packed in a timber case.

Champagne authority Peter Liem writes that “among all Champagne villages, Aӱ is the most historically esteemed… Today, its terroir is still just as storied, and its grapes are sought after by winemakers across the region.” It is perhaps no surprise that the poet Alfred de Vigny declared in 1853 that “the mousse of Aÿ radiates happiness”. From a Grand Cru where Pinot Noir reigns supreme, Bérêche’s cuvée is sourced from less than a hectare of 40+-year-old vines at 280 metres’ elevation in the cool parcels of Brise Pot and Froide-Terre, bordering Mutigny in Grande Vallée de la Marne, where thin topsoils (at a maximum of 30cm) rest over dense Campanian chalk. Pinot Noir (75%) and Chardonnay (25%) fermented slowly in barrels and aged on lees in bottle for 78 months. The dosage was under 3 g/L. It’s a striking, penetrating Champagne whose depth of crystalline white fruits and soft spices is matched by its sinewy, chalky length and cut-glass precision. A flat-out stunner.

Produced in the renowned Champagne region of France, the 2008 Clos Lanson Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut is a truly exceptional vintage. With a bright golden colour and fine, persistent bubbles, this 1500ml bottle is a feast for the eyes. The nose is immediately greeted with aromas of freshly baked brioche, lemon zest, and a hint of honey. On the palate, the wine is crisp and vibrant, with a perfect balance of delicate minerality and zesty citrus flavours. As it lingers on the tongue, notes of apricot and white flowers emerge, adding depth and complexity to this already exquisite Champagne. The finish is long and elegant, leaving a lingering impression of sophistication and refinement. This is a must-try for any Champagne lover, and a true testament to the quality of Lanson's winemaking.