'Rose were for long regarded as the illegitimate offspring of Champagne, recipients of coarse, heavy pressings wines partially masked by high dosage levels. Today they are routinely priced above 'normal' NV (or vintage) blends and are carefully made. Whether they really merit the premium is irrelevant: the market has spoken. But Laurent-Perrier is a special case: this is 100% pinot noir, rather than a blend coloured by pinot noir red wine. The full salmon colour is an immediate indication of its provenance, the bouquet complex and alluring, leading directly into the cherry and strawberry flavours of the long, sustained palate; excellent finish and aftertaste.' - 95 points, James Halliday Top 100

The Côte des Blancs finest grand crus: the finesse of Chouilly, the power of Avize and Cramant, the structure and longevity of Le Mesnil-sur-Oger and Oger; every parcel vinified separately to retain character; 5.5g/L dosage

LARMANDIER-BERNIER Longitude Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs, Champagne

One of the finest of all French Champagne houses and in top form in recent years with their vintage releases. Vintage Pol combines elegance and finesse with depth and complexity of flavour.

This delicate Champagne, in keeping with the Lanson Style, was one of the first Rosé Champagnes. With more than 50 years of experience in making Rosé Champagne, Lanson Rose Label is one of the most sought-after Champagnes.Lanson Rose Labels unmistakeable originality is its most attractive feature along with the harmonious balance it strikes between fullness and freshness.

Billecart-Salmon Sous Bois Brut One-third of each of the champagne varieties; one-third reserve wines from the previous two harvests; fully oak-fermented below 16 degrees; aged on lees in barrel with bâtonnage (lees stirring) for 6 months; 7g/L dosage. "The mark of Billecart is made not by the heavy foot?all of concentration, power and presence, but rather by the fairy touch of delicacy and crystal/clear fidelity."- Tyson Stelzer, The Champagne Guide. The name Billecart-Salmon comes from the joining of two families by the marriage of Nicolas François Billecart and Elisabeth Salmon.

G.H.MUMM Millésimé 2006 is a luminous and bright golden yellow in colour with fine, lingering bubbles.The nose reveals a superbly complex wine: notes of apple and pear, with yellow fruit such as apricot and mirabelleplum. It then develops aromas of dried fruit and nuts with hints of pastry. After a strong attack, the wine developsgradually. It then reveals the increasingly perceptible presence of Pinot Noir, giving an unctuousness to the structure before unfolding into a long, precise finish.

Only fruit from 7 Grand Cru vineyards is used to craft a blend of equal parts Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, which spends over 4 years ageing on lees plus 6 months post disgorgement. Further gentle ageing takes place until deemed ready for release by the Cellar Master. It displays mature citrus characters, fresh white and red fruits and gentle spice, all linked by a common thread of minerality producing complexity, elegance and length.