A stunning display of refined winemaking from the house that strives for finesse, balance and elegance above all else. No overt stamps of winemaking interference here, only effortless harmony. The incredibly fine bead draws your attention. Tight and persistent classically formed bubbles. The overall rating of the wine is greater than the sum of the parts with each element aware of and working in tune with each other. Well worth including in your basket.

The Taittinger Champagne house in Rheims was founded in 1734, and this recent, fine-bubbled descendant echoes that distinguished history. The brilliant body is golden yellow in colour. The bubbles are fine, while the foam is discreet yet lingering. The nose, very open and expressive, delivers aromas of fruit and brioche. It also gives off the fragrance of peach, white flowers (hawthorn, acacia) and vanilla pod. The entry onto the palate is lively, fresh and in total harmony. This is a delicate wine with flavours of fresh fruit and honey. Taittinger Brut Réserve, which acquires its maturity during three and four years ageing in the cellar, offers excellent aromatic potential.

Made only in exceptional years, Brut vintage reflects both the Louis Roederer house style and the characteristic of the year. Aged for 5 years, the vintage is created from 66 per-cent Pinot Noir and 34 per-cent Chardonnay. The elegant straw gold colour is home to a fine necklace of bubbles. Gentle mousse typical of the vintage with great maturity. The complexity gives a wide spectrum of rich aromas : pears, prunes, white peaches and nectarine Convinced yet?

Founded in 1818 by Nicolas Francois Billecart and his spouse Elizabeth Salmon in Mareuil-sur-Ay, this is one of the few houses that have remained in the same family. Seven generations on, the house is led by the very talented Francois Roland-Billecart. They espouse three principal aims are finesse, balance and elegance and the Brut rose is testament to this. Pale salmon pink in colour, the nose shows lifted red fruits and fresh pear. The Pinot has given structure to the blend while the Chardonnay has given a wonderful elegance and delicacy. A blend of 40% chardonnay, 20% Pinot Meunier, and 40% Pinot Noir. Of the Pinot component 8% is still wine from the family vineyards in Mareuil.

Bollinger Special Cuvee is the result of the delicate blending between harvest grapes and a majority of reserve wines, including some, ages in magnums for more than 15 years in Bollingers cellars. To the eye: A golden colour, distinctive of black grape varieties. Very fine bubbles. To the nose: A beautiful aromatic complexity. Ripe fruit and spice aromas. Hints of roasted apples, apple compote and peaches. To the palate: A subtle combinations of structure, length and vivacity. Bubbles like velvet. Pear, brioche and spicy aromas, notes of fresh walnut.

Candied fruit, straw and bready cracked-yeast characters are full and appetising to sniff. In the mouth, it's full and rich and loaded with toasty lees-age and pilot flavours, finishing nicely dry, with balanced soft acidity and plenty of verve with a sustained and satisfying finish. 'A refined, sophisticated sparkler with layered complexity and a zesty citrus element. An absolute gem!' - Bob Paulinski | Vintage Cellars Master of Wine.

This delightful Champagne rose oozes charm and elegance. Displays vibrant aromas that are awakened by notes of red berries, red currants, fresh pomegranates and kiwifruit. Flavours of almond cakes are discovered on the palate, alongside lovely fruit characters which work in harmony with the presence of a delicious purity and freshness.

'THIS is another of the French and famous brands that deliver crystal-clear, finely-honed aperitif styles. The vintage pinkie delivers a whole set of characters that serious Champagne lovers fully appreciate including aldehyde, flint and anise spice. - Herald Sun, Melbourne, 12 Feb 2013

The Arras EJ Carr Late Disgorged is the ultimate expression of the House of Arras journey and the man behind the vision. Made from the noble grape varieties of prestige sparkling wine, sourced from exceptional cold climate Tasmanian vineyards, this wine exhibits all the elegance, power and vibrancy that are the hallmarks of world class premium sparkling wine. After ten years on lees, it is the patience to allow the wine to mature at its own pace and the experience to know when it is at its best that has allowed this wine to achieve rich new heights in complexity and intensity. Arras EJ Carr Late Disgorged pays tribute to the patience, dedication and inspiration of its maker Ed Carr.

If you're after a wine fit for a casual weekend afternoon with friends, you might want to try Dean and Munroe King Valley Prosecco. A refreshing, green-gold wine wrapped in fragrances of melon and white peach, it is great on its own or with snacks.