The thrilling energy of this splendid season charges it with a vibrancy and definition that places this blend on a plateau elevated high above even the lofty heights that this cuvee has attained under the new Charles Heidsieck. In searching for any other entry non-vintage cuvee to which to compare it, I can fathom none short of the mesospheric heights of Krug itself. In sheer age (current Krug Grande Cuvee is only one year older) and depth of reserves, this Charles Heidsieck splendidly upholds its elevated position among Champagne's richer NVs... In sheer, breathtaking calibre for the price, this is the greatest Charles Heidsieck Brut Reserve I can remember. It deserves to be the house champagne we all have chilled perpetually at the ready this year. Rating: 96/100.

Champagne Bollinger is a prestigious and renowned champagne house that has been producing exceptional sparkling wines since 1829. Founded by Athanase, Paul and Joseph, the house quickly gained a reputation for excellence. Over the years, successive generations of the Bollinger family continued to uphold the tradition of producing exceptional champagnes. The acquisition of prime vineyards and the marriage of Jacques Bollinger to Lily Bollinger were significant milestones in the house's history. Lily Bollinger played a crucial role in preserving the quality and integrity of the champagnes during challenging times. Champagne Bollinger remains family-owned and is known for its commitment to traditional winemaking methods, resulting in complex and age-worthy champagnes. Located in the heart of the Champagne region in France, Bollinger is known for its commitment to quality, tradition and craftsmanship. One of the distinctive features of Bollinger champagne is its use of a high proportion of Pinot Noir grapes in the blends. This gives their champagnes a unique richness and depth, setting them apart from other houses. Bollinger carefully selects grapes from its own vineyards and trusted partner vineyards, ensuring that only the finest grapes are used in the production process. Bollinger takes pride in its traditional winemaking methods, which have been handed down through generations. The champagnes are aged for an extended period, well beyond the minimum requirements, allowing them to develop complexity and character. This dedication to time-consuming aging is a testament to Bollinger's commitment to producing exceptional wines that stand the test of time. Bollinger's commitment to quality extends to every aspect of their production, from the vineyards to the cellars. They have their own cooperage, ensuring that the barrels used in the aging process are of the highest quality. The champagnes are aged in cool dark cellars allowing them to mature gracefully and develop their signature flavors. Bollinger stands out among Champagne houses for its exceptional approach to reserve wines. Instead of storing them in tanks, Bollinger bottles the reserve wines, allowing them to age in magnums for several years. This unique process, called "prise de mousse," stabilizes the aromas of the wines. These reserve wines provide a rich palette of aromas for the Cellar Master to create blends with explosive yet subtle and precise flavors. The result is Bollinger's incomparable character and consistent quality in their wines year after year. Bollinger R.D. is an extraordinary wine that stands apart from the rest. It undergoes a unique aging process on the lees for an extended period before being hand-disgorged. The result is a powerful and rare vintage that showcases a beautiful contrast between an exceptional freshness on the palate, enhanced by the extra-brut dosage, and the aromatic intensity of the greatest vintages. In the case of the 2007 vintage, Bollinger R.D. takes a nostalgic turn, returning to its roots and historic label. The original material and legendary font from the 1952 vintage have been restored, proudly displaying the date of disgorging. This attention to detail and authenticity is a true rediscovery. The blend of the 2007 vintage consists of 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay, featuring an impressive 91% Grands Crus and 9% Premiers Crus. A total of 14 crus are carefully incorporated into the blending process. Fermentation takes place entirely in oak barrels, adding depth and complexity to the wine. Bollinger R.D. is released for sale just a few months after disgorgement, with an extremely low dosage known as "extra brut" at only 3 grams per litre. This recent disgorgement ensures that the wine maintains its remarkable freshness. Bollinger R.D. 2007 1.5L Magnum offers intense shimmers of gold, captivating the eye. On the nose, it reveals a complex profile with enticing aromas of honey and brioche. These initial notes are followed by a delightful array of spices, including ginger, cumin, caraway and more. As the wine evolves, it unveils additional layers of flavour, with hints of mirabelle plum, dried apricot and fresh hazelnut. Upon tasting, Bollinger R.D. 2007 1.5L presents a lively and clean opening, showcasing notes of white plum, walnut and aniseed. Its freshness is truly remarkable, creating a beautiful tension on the palate. To fully appreciate the wine's unique style, it is recommended to serve Bollinger R.D. at a temperature of 8°C, allowing its aromas to evolve throughout the tasting experience. There are two distinct experiences when enjoying Bollinger R.D. The first involves tasting the wine shortly after disgorgement, offering a specific aromatic range with complex fruity notes. Alternatively, one can choose to cellar Bollinger R.D. for several more years, allowing it to mature and reveal the depth of aromas typically found in the finest vintages.

Now this half bottle is handy if you wish to toast yourself. Pol Roger is one of the world's power house champagne houses. Famously quoted by the likes of Winston Churchill and the champagne of choice for Her Majesty the Queen. An equal blend of chardonnay, pinot noir and pinot meunier, with addition of 20% reserve wines. It is impressively fresh and vivacious with more depth than most aperitif styles.

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.

Piper-Heidsieck's roots trace back to Florens-Louis Heidsieck, who created the original company of Heidsieck & Co. Christian Heidsieck joined the venture alongside Guillaume Piper and once Florens-Louis died in 1828, the duo decided to continue the adventure side by side, founding Champagne Piper-Heidsieck. Émilien Boutillat offers a reflection on time with Brut Sauvage 1982 and Hors-Série 1982, presented in the Diptyque 1982 gift box, numbered, and released in a limited edition of 500 boxes. Offering more than a mere flashback, the Chief Winemaker proposes a particularly unique tasting: Émilien Boutillat shares a real reflection on time in his pairing of the two cuvées in one box. A dialogue between two facets of one vintage, of one blend, of one philosophy, revisiting bygone times, each with its own vision. The results of the 1982 harvest are considered amongst the most exceptional ever witnessed in the history of Champagne. The grapes grew under steady weather conditions. The results were irreproachable and the harvest abundant! The grapes, all varieties included, were in excellent condition and stood out for their nesse, equilibrium and grandeur, hallmarks of a great year in Champagne. The fruit of the same vintage, the same blend and dosage, Brut Sauvage 1982 and Hors-Série 1982 each boast a distinctive character, a result of their different ageing processes. There are two ways for a champagne to age: on lees or in a corked bottle following disgorgement. Disgorged in 1992, Brut Sauvage 1982 was cellared on lees for 10 years and cork-aged for 29 years. Hors-Série 1982 spent 39 years on lees before being disgorged in 2022. Tasting the two together offers a truly unique experience as these two cuvées showcase a new perspective on time, revealing different phenomenal sensations and precise generous aromas on the nose and the palate. Hors-Serie 1982 Tasting Note: With a pale golden robe, Hors-Série 1982 being recently disgorged present quite young, luscious notes of mirabelle plums, kumquats, dried pineapple, and fresh quince, with a touch of ginger and earl grey tea. Smoky accents of coffee beans and toast balance out the wine’s minerality. Brut Sauvage 1982 Tasting Note: Harbouring a golden robe and glints of copper, Brut Sauvage 1982 presents a clean, fresh structure and long finish. Initial accents of candied fruits, pastry notes of brioche and frangipane and a touch of vanilla and nutmeg pave the way to warm harmonies of chestnut honey, aged rum and Espelette pepper.

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.

Nyetimber's vineyards share similar characteristics with the best sparkling wine vineyards in the world. The greensand and chalk soils allow the vines to flourish across the south of England, resulting in slow ripening grapes that achieve optimum levels of ripeness and acidity, as well as complexity and finesse, for which Nyetimber's wines are renowned. Using only estate-grown grapes from Nyetimber's vineyards ensures that only the finest fruit is used to craft globally acclaimed wines. Head Winemaker Cherie Spriggs and her Winemaker husband Brad Greatrix assess each handpicked vineyard individually, choosing the optimal time to harvest the grapes and supervising their gentle pressing to eventual vilification. This meticulous attention to detail allows them to make the most informed blending decisions the following spring. The climate in the south of England allows for the slow ripening of grapes, which is essential for achieving the optimum levels of ripeness and acidity. This, coupled with the greensand and chalk soils, gives Nyetimber's wines their unique character and flavour profile. The estate's commitment to producing exceptional sparkling wines is evident in every bottle and their signature blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier is a testament to their dedication to crafting the finest English sparkling wines. Nyetimber's history spans almost a millennium, and their commitment to quality and excellence has never wavered. Their wines have achieved global acclaim, winning international awards and blind-tasting competitions and being recognized by some of the world's most celebrated wine experts. Nyetimber's dedication to crafting exceptional sparkling wines is evident in every bottle, making them a must-try for anyone who appreciates the artistry and science of winemaking. Nyetimber's Classic Cuvee NV is an ideal occasion-ready drink, with its pale-golden hue and fine bubbles that add to its charm. It has undergone extensive aging in the cellar, usually more than three years, resulting in distinctive toasty and spicy aromas that are a hallmark of Nyetimber's winemaking style. The wine's palate is a delightful blend of honey, almond, pastry and baked apples, giving it a hint of decadence that is sure to impress even the most discerning wine connoisseurs. The wine strikes a perfect balance between intensity and delicacy, elegance and complexity, making it consistently crowned as one of the best English sparkling wines. Nyetimber's commitment to quality and excellence is evident in every bottle of their Classic Cuvee NV, making it a must-try for anyone who appreciates the artistry and science of winemaking.

The Heidsieck & Co Monopole Rosé Top Champagne NV is a sparkling sensation that captures the essence of luxury and celebration. Crafted by the expert hands of one of the most prestigious Champagne houses, this rose champagne is a delightful blend of grapes, carefully selected from the finest vineyards. Founded in 1785, Heidsieck & Co Monopole is the 4th oldest champagne house. Heidsieck & Co. Monopole was one of the leading Champagne brands in the beginning of the 20th century, and was a supplier by Royal Appointment of several European courts: King of Prussia and Emperor of Germany, the English Court, Swedish Court & the Court of Tsar Nicolas II. Between 1825 and 1830, a cargo galley sank with more than 150 bottles of champagne from different brands on board, including Heidsieck & Co Monopole. In November 2010, oenologists who examined the cargo reported that the bottles included the oldest known vintages of the Heidsieck & Co Monopole brand. Behind Heidsieck's range they have preserved the excellence of grapes, guaranteeing the quality and finesse of their champagnes. For a number of years, Heidsieck & Co Monopole have crafted reserve wines used in the production of their vintages. These wines play an important role in the blending process for the vintages, representing more than half of their composition. This champagne is a blend of 20% Chardonnay, 10% Pinot Meunier and 70% Pinot Noir. With a luscious salmon pink colour and fine, persistent bubbles, this champagne exudes an aroma of fresh red berries, raspberries, wild strawberries and subtle hints of violet alongside other delicate floral notes. On the palate, it delivers a harmonious balance of fruity and floral flavours, underscored by a subtle minerality and a long, refreshing finish. Its fine, elegant flavours consist of small red fruits that dominate throughout with hints of raspberry and redcurrant. The mouth exhibits a delightful, freshness with a slightly tart finish. This light, vivacious champagne is a delicious rosé aperitif that comes in an elegant bottle with a stylish rose gold foil and a sleek design that embodies the spirit of modern luxury.

Conceived as an exchange and shaped by friendship, this wine is first and foremost a result of the free-thinking that came out of a meeting between Louis Roederer’s CEO Frédéric Rouzaud, his cellar master Jean-Baptiste Lécaillon and the designer Philippe Starck. Their conversations led to the creation of the very first Brut Nature in 2006 and the relationship continued to grow over the years to give us the 2009 and 2012 vintages. The Brut Nature was born from an idea of the dreamed-for, perfect champagne. It is a wine that captures the freshness of the clay soils in a sunny year, a wine of truth, the testimony to an encounter, a soil, a year, free spirits and the independent spirit that runs through the Champagne House. It is a champagne that perfectly encapsulates this new exploration of a Louis Roederer terroir. The Louis Roederer et Philippe Starck Brut Nature 2015 has a yellow hue with shimmering highlights and an even flow of lively bubbles. The bouquet is pure, elegant, vertical, rich and concentrated. Nuances of ripe fruit combined with exceptional finesse: fine, delicate citrus peel and vanilla along with warmer notes of baked apple and Tarte Tatin that gradually give way to aromas of nougat. The palate offers a marked and singular contrast: it is very expressionist thanks to the broad, juicy, almost sensual texture of the clay soils in a sunny year, yet distinctly minimalist due to a fresh, pure, mineral and mouth watering backbone associated with its zero dosage. Ripe citrus fruit combines with warm stone notes further accentuating the mouth watering, umami sensation. The finish is light, energetic and ethereal.