Suenen crafts just a single 600-litre demi-muid of this cuvée. It originates from a parcel of particularly low-yielding vines planted in Chouilly’s renowned Le Mont-Aigu terroir, near the Cramant border on the Butte de Saran. Now more than 45 years of age, these old vines suffer from fanleaf virus, resulting in tiny leaves, roots and bunches. Coupled with skeletal soils (just 35 cm of topsoil over pure chalk), this results in a deep yet compact expression of Chouilly that is unlike any other. Expect flesh and concentrated ripeness yet also chiselled structure and intense, saline minerality.

The most northern of Suenen’s Oiry parcels, La Cocluette is also home to the domaine’s oldest vines (planted in 1925), a site where the ancient roots bury deep into the dense Campanian chalk (the younger plantings from this site go into the Oiry Blanc de Blancs). Vines of this age are as rare as hens’ teeth in Champagne, and they gift tiny yields of concentrated berries. The land here is largely flat with a somewhat northern exposure. Here the base wine fermented naturally and aged for nine months in one 700-litre concrete egg and one 600-litre Stockinger barrel (the same that is used each year). It then aged sur lies for 60 months in bottle until disgorgement in July 2022, when it was dosed with 3 g/L. Suenen explains that the wines from this vineyard express themselves with great finesse. “The energy brought by this calcium-rich terroir makes the mouthfeel richer through a silky bubble. With time, the finish lengthens on a salivating mineral vibrancy.” Put another way, this is a more intense and complex expression of this region’s naked-chalk terroir than the NV Oiry

The Champagne Pascal Agrapart Grand Cru Vénus Blanc de Blancs 2019 (Disg. Jul 24) 2018 is a stunning expression of French excellence. This vintage 2018 wine hails from the renowned Champagne region of France and is produced by the esteemed Agrapart Maison. Upon first glance, the wine boasts a pale golden hue with delicate bubbles dancing in the glass. On the nose, aromas of fresh citrus, ripe peach, and subtle hints of brioche invite you in for a taste. On the palate, the wine is equally impressive with a rich and creamy texture, balanced by zesty acidity and flavors of green apple, lemon curd, and a touch of minerality. The finish is long and lingering, leaving you with a sense of elegance and sophistication. This Blanc de Blancs is a true gem, perfect for any special occasion or celebration.

Disgorged May 2023. Like this grower’s Latitude, this is 100% Côte des Blancs Chardonnay (the vineyards are in Cramant, Avize, Oger and Vertus), yet the vineyards have thinner topsoils, and so the vine roots plunge straight into the chalky bedrock. The name here refers to the vertical nature of the geographic locations of the vineyards as well as the style of wine resulting from the chalky soils of these sites, i.e. a more linear, mineral wine. While Larmandier’s Latitude is expansive across the palate, the Longitude is all about minerality, line and raciness. William Kelley has called this wine “one of the finest non-vintage bottlings to be found in Champagne”, and the high ratio of reserve wines (40% from their perpetual reserve started in 2004) should leave you with little doubt as to the quality on offer. This bottling is based on the 2018 vintage, with 40% reserve wine drawn from a ‘perpetual’ reserve started in 2004.

The Champagne Pascal Agrapart Grand Cru Avizoise Blanc de Blancs (Disg. Jul 24) 2018 is a standout example of the renowned quality and finesse of Champagne. This vintage 2018 offering from the esteemed Agrapart estate in France showcases the purest expression of Chardonnay, with a striking pale golden colour and a fine, persistent bead. On the nose, delicate aromas of white flowers, lemon peel, and toasted brioche give way to a complex palate of ripe green apple, citrus, and subtle mineral notes. The mouthfeel is rich and creamy, yet perfectly balanced with a refreshing acidity that leads to a long, elegant finish. This champagne is a testament to the mastery and dedication of Pascal Agrapart, and is sure to impress even the most discerning of palates. Enjoy now or cellar for future enjoyment.

The 2017 Champagne Suenen Cramant Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Les Robarts (Disg. TBA) is an exceptional vintage from the renowned region of Champagne, France. This sparkling wine is crafted by the talented Suenen family, who have perfected the art of Champagne production. The pale golden color is a true reflection of its high-quality craftsmanship. On the nose, delicate aromas of freshly baked brioche and toasted almonds mingle with hints of citrus and white flowers. The palate is a burst of vibrant flavors, showcasing zesty lemon, crisp green apple, and a touch of minerality. The fine and persistent bubbles dance on the tongue, leading to a long and elegant finish. This Champagne is a true expression of its terroir, and a must-try for any connoisseur. Enjoy chilled with oysters or a creamy cheese platter.

Dominated by Chardonnay, Brut Régence has a great aromatic finesse and embodies Brimoncourt’s spirit and signature. It is a gallant wine all the more seducing with its freshness, round texture and delicately fruity finish. The dominant Chardonnay feature creates a delicate, subtle and very elegant bouquet. It reveals white flowers aroma and charming fruity notes thanks to the Pinot Noir. Its affirmed minerality gives it distinction and nobility. The well-rounded mouth is enjoyable; a dash of freshness invigorates the palate and brings out a beautiful, ample and complex structure with a good length in mouth. Its fineness and elegance call for sharing. Best savoured on a lime and sea bass tartar, a langoustine ceviche, a poached turbot with mousseline sauce, melting scallops on braised leeks and of course and above all, as a shared aperitif.

At just 29 years of age, Charles-Camille Heidsieck decided to create his eponymous House in 1851. Despite being an heir – the Heidsiecks were one of the most respected families in the champagne world – he decided to forge his own path and establish his own dynasty, eager to embark on his own entrepreneurial journey. It is with the Brut Réserve that the House expresses the quintessence of its style. Particularly recognizable by its generosity, precision and depth, this multi-vintage wine offers a complex and greedy nose and an unctuous palate, a guarantee of quality that experts and wine critics from all over the world distinguish with their eyes closed. Of the sixty Champagne crus chosen to produce this emblematic cuvée, three are pillars of the Brut Réserve style. Oger - Grand Cru Chardonnay from the Côte des Blancs, gives it its fleshy and generous notes. Ambonnay - Grand Cru Pinot Noir from the Montagne de Reims, is synonymous with power, structure and fruity notes. Verneuil - Meunier from the Vallée de la Marne, ensures its balance and smooth texture. This champagned is a blend of 40% Pinot Noir, 40% Chardonnay and 20% Meunier.

In the words of no less than James Halliday, "Krug is the greatest wine of Champagne". At the House of Krug every Vintage is crafted to be different. Every Krug Vintage reveals the expression of a particular year with its distinct character: it is the music of the year as captured by Krug. It is a blend of expressive wines from a single year enhanced by a stay of over ten years in the cellars. The result a manifestation of time, place and feeling that verily leaps from bottle to flute.