Disg. Apr 2024. Les Chemins d’Avize debuted in 2009. For this cuvée, the Larmandier family vinifies fruit from two tiny plots in the heart of Avize (Chemin de Plivot, planted in 1955, and Chemin de Flavigny, planted in 1960). Both are chalky parcels with very little topsoil and lie on the lower slopes of Avize, not far from Agrapart and Selosse’s La Fosse vineyard. “Initially, it was really tough for the vines to grow here, the soil is so hard,” Arthur Larmandier told us. “Now, they make really, really great wines.” The winemaking is similar to the other cuvées, save for the use of smaller, neutral barrels due to the smaller quantities of wine produced. The wines age in bottle for a minimum of five years and are then disgorged by hand with only 2 g/L dosage. It’s a stunning, racy example of Avize, a little deeper than Terre de Vertus, though more delicate and less fleshy than this grower’s Vieille Vigne du Levant.

Its superb maturity tantalizes all the senses with a deep pink robe highlighted with glints of copper, an extremely delicate persistent effervescence, a nose of crushed strawberries, lime and liquorice underlined by a hint of roast coffee and cacao. The palate is entranced by a variation of gourmet sensations. The fresh, precise and taut attack gives way to reveal a supple, molten and heady structure. The finish imparts fruity notes underscored by a saline freshness. With the purity of its precise, gourmet aromatic structure, the Comtes de Champagne Rosé is perfectly in line with its predecessors and promises to offer excellent ageing potential.

Armand de Brignac Champagne, colloquially known as the Ace of Spades, is well known for it's striking bottle design, references in pop culture and its unquestionable quality. Brut Gold is the flagship cuvýe of the range and the first style ever produced under the label. Its unmistakable gold-plated bottles are decorated at a single site in France's Cognac region and are fitted with pewter labels hand-applied to the surface of the bottle. The wine itself is marvelously complex and full-bodied, the bouquet is both fresh and lively, with light floral notes. On the palate, a racy fruit character perfectly integrated with the wine's subtle brioche accents.

Majestic, highly complex and individual, the Cuvée Sir Winston Churchill is the flagship cuvée of the house of Pol Roger. The Champagne is a blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir sourced exclusively from Grand Cru vineyards. Made only in exceptional years the exact blend is a family secret. Made in honour of Sir Winston Churchill the first release was in 1975.

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.

The 2017 Champagne Suenen Montigny sur Vesle La Grande Vigne Meunier (Disg. TBA) is a true reflection of its terroir, showcasing the unique character of the Montigny sur Vesle region in Champagne, France. This wine, crafted by the renowned Suenen estate, is a stunning example of a single varietal Meunier champagne from the exceptional 2017 vintage. On the nose, delicate aromas of ripe red apples, juicy pears, and fragrant white flowers dance gracefully with hints of toasted brioche and subtle mineral notes. The pale golden hue in the glass is a sight to behold, leading to a palate that is both elegant and complex. Flavors of crisp apples and pears are joined by a touch of honeyed sweetness and a refreshing acidity, balanced perfectly by a creamy, lingering finish. This champagne is a true masterpiece, showcasing the skill and passion of Suenen's winemaking. It is a must-try for all champagne lovers.

The 2015 vintage of Mailly Grand Cru Les Échansons is a stunning expression of Champagne from the esteemed Champagne Mailly Grand Cru estate in France. Upon pouring, the wine reveals a pale straw colour with delicate bubbles dancing to the surface. On the nose, aromas of ripe yellow apples, freshly baked brioche, and a hint of lemon zest entice the senses. The palate is greeted with a creamy effervescence, followed by flavours of crisp green apples, toasted almonds, and a touch of honey. The finish is long and refreshing, leaving a lingering sensation of minerality and citrus notes. This is a complex and elegant Champagne that will continue to evolve with age, making it a standout choice for any special occasion. Enjoy now or cellar for a few years to experience even greater depth and complexity.