Billecart-Salmon Cuvée 200
Family run since the 19th century, the Billecart Champagne house delivers large number of bottles which are always well made and of the highest quality. Champagne Billecart-Salmon was founded with the marriage of Nicolas-François Billecart and Elisabeth Salmon in 1818. Situated in the village of Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, near Epernay. Champagne Billecart-Salmon is still a family-run organisation with seventh generation Mathieu Roland-Billecart overseeing business. In 2016 Chef de Cave François Domi retired after 30 years with Billecart and handed over to his deputy Florent Nys who started with the business in 2005. The vineyards are overseen by Denis Blée and all of the team are members of the eight strong "tasting committee" along with 6th generation François Roland-Billecart and Antoine Roland-Billecart and fifth generation Jean Roland-Billecart. By 2020 production had expanded with grapes now coming from 300 hectares and 40 crus mostly within 20 kms of the winery. This unique release celebrates 200 years of Billecart-Salmon independence and family savoir-faire since 1818. Bicentenary Cuvée 200 is a multi-vintage blend of four exceptional harvests: 2000, 2003, 2008 and 2012. In tribute to the foundation year, just 1,818 magnums and 18 Jeroboams were produced. The blend constitutes wine heralded from eight Grand Crus in the Montagne de Reims and Côte des Blancs, 50% of which were vinified in oak barrel. The champagne is Pinot Noir dominant in order to reflect the ‘old rose’ fragrance that is typical of Billecart-Salmon's famous Clos St-Hilaire, as well as the founders’ cuvées Nicolas François and Elisabeth Salmon. Appearance: Pale gold colour intensity, draped with a bright luminosity with golden yellow tinges. A persistent and abundant finesse of bubbles evolving in a disciplined and energetic way Aroma: A noble and racy expression of a chiselled complexity towards floral notes, orchard fruits and slightly roasted dried fruits (carnation, Williams pear and just roasted hazelnuts). A natural and vibrant sparkle evolving towards scents of citrus zest (lemon caviar and kalamansi) Palate: An ample and dense tension where the texture slowly reveals itself under a controlled and exhilarating acidity. The mid-palate offers a distinguished balance, vinous, almost salty, under the gustatory impact of careful maturing (vine shoots and blond tobacco) Food Pairing: This exceptional cuvée will enchant your taste buds when paired with fine vegetable ravioli, creamy celery with Cévennes chestnuts Bicentenary Cuvée 200 is a powerful statement from Billecart- Salmon, representing a move away from their tradition of releasing wines that have been perfectly matured and are ready to drink, as this special bicentenary release will benefit from longer ageing.
Laurent-Perrier Grand Siecle Nº26 Champagne
Grand Siècle is a Prestige Cuvée that is a unique concept, different from the others. It is the only Cuvée de Prestige in Champagne based on the blend and not on the vintage. The vintage in Champagne is generally considered synonymous with excellence for Prestige Cuvées. Conversely, at Laurent-Perrier, their belief is that the art of blending can allow them to create what nature will never give us: the perfect year. The expression of the perfect year is that of a great Champagne wine that has developed a deep intensity and aromatic complexity, while managing to preserve its freshness and acidity over time. On this idea Grand Siècle was born in 1959. To create this wine, Laurent-Perrier will rely on the characteristics of the great vintage years of Champagne: freshness, structure, finesse. The 26th iteration of Grand Siècle was released to great critical acclaim – including a perfect 100-point rating from James Suckling. A white gold in color with delicate and persistent bubbles, it offers a very complex nose which mixes honeysuckle, lemon, clementine and fresh butter aromas, followed by notes of hazelnut and a touch of honey. The feel in the mouth is very delicate and fresh with candied lemon and fresh hazelnut aromas. The palate is silky and mineral with notes of honeysuckle, flaked almonds and clementine. Grand Siècle Nº26 will pair beautifully with high quality produce and refined dishes, such as truffle, caviar, shellfish, noble fish and white meats.
Veuve Clicquot Brut Yellow Label Champagne Non-Vintage Salmanazar
Yellow Label is the signature of Veuve Clicquot’s quality and style, recreated every year thanks to our priceless collection of reserve wines. Its label reflects the champagne’s bright personality and impeccable winemaking credentials. First, Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label looks beautiful: golden-yellow, with a foaming necklace of tiny bubbles. Next it is so pleasing to the nose: initially reminiscent of yellow and white fruits, then of vanilla and later of brioche. Note the fine balance between the fruity aromas coming from the grape varieties and the toasty aromas, result of the three years of bottle aging. The first sip delivers all the freshness and strength so typical of Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label with a symphony of fruit tastes following on (pear, lemon). Here is a true member of the Brut family, well structured, admirably vinous. The lingering aromas echo and re-echo, with each fruit or almond notes distinct. Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label manages to reconcile two opposing factors - strength and silkiness - and to hold them in perfect balance with aromatic intensity and a lot of freshness. This consistent power to please makes it ideal as an apéritif, and perfect as the champagne to enjoy with a meal.
Dom Pérignon Brut Vintage (Luminous Edition)
Dom Pérignon is vintage champagne only. Each vintage is a creation, singular and unique, that expresses both the character of the year, and the character of Dom Pérignon. After at least eight years of elaboration in the cellars, the wine embodies the perfect balance of Dom Pérignon, the Plénitude of harmony. This limited edition 2008 vintage Dom Pérignon Brut Vintage has a luminous label. With the press of a button, the bottle label with light up. 2008 was dominated by grey, overcast skies – an exception in a decade characterized by bold, generous sunshine. Just when the harvest was getting underway, the weather conditions were finally perfect: blue skies and prolonged north-northeasterly winds. The grapes were riper than anyone dared hope, and had truly outstanding balance. The vines were in perfect health. To the bracing acidity, concision and aromatic purity expected of the 2008 vintage, Dom Pérignon adds depth, density and complexity. The light is warmer and less harsh.
Armand de Brignac Ace of Spades Rose Champagne
12th and 13th generation wine growers, Jean-Jacques Cattier and his son, Alexandre, craft the prestige cuvées of Armand de Brignac. Their dream was to create a champagne of the most exceptional quality, that would represent the best of the best from the region, where their family have grown vines for more than 250 years. The Armand de Brignac Ace of Spades Rose Champagne is crafted with Pinot Noir from old vines, planted in the Montagne de Reims, that produce fruit with powerful flavour intensity. The resulting cuvée features bright, fresh layers of red fruits, complemented by hints of baked pastry aromas. Strawberry, currants and cherry on the nose, with floral hints and a touch of sweet almond. The red grape dominance brings a structured palate filled with black fruits, cherries and hints of baked pastry. Ideal as an aperitif or pairs well with truffled veal, duck confit and wild salmon. Note - this item does not come with a gift box.
Taittinger Les Folies de la Marquetterie Non-Vintage
A legacy since 1734, Champagne Taittinger is the largest eponymous family owned Champagne House and one of the top, independent champagne brands in the world. This family of growers cultivates the second largest vineyard in the Champagne region. The composition of the house’s cuvées is a result of an intuitive and complex process, one which the Taittinger family know how to create and sustain; a Champagne which is completely unique. Château de la Marquetterie, set in the heart of the Champagne wine-growing region, was, prior to the French Revolution, the one-time residence of writer Jacques Cazotte, author of French classic Le Diable Amoureux, and a site for village fairs where philosophers and intellectuals of the Enlightenment would gather. General Castelnau also used the stately home as his headquarters during the Battle of Champagne in 1915, while much earlier, in the 17th century, Brother Oudart, a Benedictine Monk, discovered some of the secrets of champagne fermentation. The House’s very first “Champagne de Domaine”, Les Folies de la Marquetterie is a blend of Chardonnays (45%) and Pinot Noirs (55%), made exclusively from grapes grown at the Folies vineyard that overlooks Château de la Marquetterie, the birthplace of the Taittinger family champagne. The body is deep yellow in colour with golden highlights. The bubbles are fine and delicate. The intense, highly fruity bouquet leads onto peach and apricot jam aromas with subtle hints of toasted brioche and vanilla. On the palate, this wine is full-bodied, smooth and fruity with dominant peach flavours. The distinctive and expressive finish delivers lightly woody notes. Les Folies de la Marquetterie is a full-flavoured and harmonious champagne distinguished by its immense richness and complexity.
Piper-Heidsieck Brut Champagne Non-Vintage
Piper Heidsieck NV is a champagne with great fruit, a good mouthful and a harmonious balance. Fresh fruit dominates the nose, predominantly pear and russet apple with a few hints of citrus fruits such as star fruit. The finish evokes flavours of fresh grapes, and a touch of aniseed, followed by a structured and a full-bodied finish. A juicy, fleshy pear and golden grape texture in the mouth, and the finish narrows to citrus and grapefruit flavours.
Ayala Brut Majeur Champagne Non-Vintage
Founded by Edmond De Ayala in 1860, the House Ayala possesses a remarkable history, rooted in the visionary spirit that resonates with its melodious name from distant lands. The name Ayala appears almost serendipitous, intricately tailored for the village of Aÿ, where the House has proudly stood since its inception. Edmond De Ayala, an inquisitive and bold personality, consistently pursued the path less travelled. Vibrant with the essence of excellence and a spirit of adventure, the House of Ayala continues to be inspired by the indomitable founder who paved its way. In contrast to the prevailing French tradition of dosage, which exceeded 150 g/L during that era, Edmond De Ayala took a bold and audacious move by unveiling "dry champagne" in 1865, with a mere 21 g/L dosage. As a true pioneer, he possessed a discerning vision to revolutionize the Champagne landscape by introducing a drier style, which has created a profound impact to the modern world. Through bespoke craftsmanship, House Ayala employs a tailored approach, working with a diverse selection of crus to achieve the utmost balance and skilfully express the exceptional terroir surrounding Chardonnay, the house's emblematic grape variety. Champagne Ayala relentlessly pursues the finest raw materials from the Champagne region and currently boasts a palette of 70 crus, with 50 of them dedicated to Chardonnay. These crus are sourced from the most esteemed terroirs of Champagne. This remarkable diversity, a distinctive feature of the house, contributes to the complexity and vibrant aromatic freshness found in their blends. The house maintains 20 hectares of their own vineyards, situated in esteemed locations such as the Montagne de Reims, encompassing Aÿ Grand Cru and Dizy, as well as the Côte des Blancs, including Chouilly and Oger, both classified as Grands Crus. Additionally, they have vineyards in Champvoisy and Passy-Grigny in the Vallée de la Marne. With an unwavering commitment to pure expression of the raw materials, Champagne Ayala is transitioning their vineyards to organic viticulture and has obtained HEV and VDC certifications. The House consistently fosters trusting relationships with winegrowers and supports them in their environmental endeavours. Ayala Brut Majeur Champagne NV is definitely the ideal ambassador of representing the style of Ayala. This cuvée showcases the purity and elegance of the house's emblematic grape variety - Chardonnay, which constitutes 55% of the blend together with 30% Pinot Noir and 15% Meunier. The Ayala essence is further magnified by the low dosage and the vinification process in stainless steel vats, which meticulously preserve the primary aromas. A prolonged maturation period of three years in the cellars adds the final flourish to this cuvée, where harmony and precision harmoniously coexist with finesse and elegance. The wine exhibits a captivating light gold color, accompanied by refined and delicate bubbles that gracefully dance in the glass. On the nose, it reveals an expressive and nuanced bouquet, where the aromas of citrus fruits, white flowers, and fresh fruits intertwine harmoniously, creating a delightful olfactory experience. Upon tasting, the palate is treated to a balanced and refreshing sensation, characterized by precision and a vibrant fruitiness that tantalizes the senses. Perfect for an apéritif, the enchanting Brut Majeur not only delights as a prelude to a meal but also possesses the versatility to elevate every course to extraordinary heights. From succulent white fish and delectable shellfish to tender poultry and a tantalizing cheese platter, this exceptional cuvée effortlessly harmonizes with a wide array of culinary creations, ensuring that each bite is enhanced with its finesse and charm.
Laherte Freres Ultradition Brut Non-Vintage
Krug Grande Cuvée 169ème Édition
Krug Grande Cuvée is born from the dream of one man, Joseph Krug, to craft the very best Champagne he could offer, every single year, regardless of annual variations in climate. Since 1843, the House of Krug has honoured this vision with each new Édition of Krug Grande Cuvée: the most generous expression of Champagne. Krug Grande Cuvée is re-created every year, beyond the notion of vintage and is a blend of over 120 individual wines from more than 10 different years. The fullness or flavours and aromas achieved by this careful art of blending would be impossible to express with the wines of a single year. This bottle of Krug Grande Cuvée 169th Edition is a blend of 146 wines, from eleven different years, the youngest dating from 2013 and the oldest from 2000. The bottles have rested for approximately seven years in the cellar, thus gaining expression and elegance. . Each glass is the result of more than 20 years of know-how. Krug Grande Cuvée 169ème Édition was created around the 2013 harvest. The season began with an endless winter, followed by a cool and rainy spring. Fortunately, the summer was warm and sunny, although marked by hailstorms which damaged the vines. The wines of the year are as complete as they are expressive, and full of aromas. To create this Edition, the Cellar Master wanted to accentuate the roundness and elegance of the aromas of 2013 with wines from different plots and ten other years. The particular attention paid to the vine and the respect for the unique character of each plot have made it possible to reveal all the expressiveness of this Edition of Krug Grande Cuvée. Reserve wines from Krug's vast library make up 40% of the final blend, lending the essential breadth and roundness to each Edition of Krug Grande Cuvée. This bottle of Krug Grande Cuvée is composed of Pinot Noir (43%), Chardonnay (35%) and Meunier (22%).