This Peper-Heidsieck 2006 Vintage Brut is an elegantly charming wine. With aromas of dried fruits, hints of red and black fruits and warm spices, it is intense and enticing on the nose. A densely structured wine, it has generous fruits on the palate with a touch of smoked tea and toasted almonds leading towards a lengthy finish.

'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 deep, blushed rouge of this firm, well-structured, mouth-filling vinous Rose is underpinned by a powerful bouquet of plums and blackberries, and the rich flavours of forest fruits, pomegranate and raspberries. Regis Camus, International Wine Challenge Sparkling Winemaker of the Year 2004, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012.

In 1822, Charles-Camille Heidsieck is born. This happy event took place 37 years after his grand-uncle founded the Champagne Heidsieck et Cie House. Little Charles grew up in the midst of grapes, loved by his mother, Emilie Henriot, and his sisters, in a family ruled by Reims traditions and Prussian rigour. Well-educated, he stands out for his integrity and elegance. At 29 years of age Charles took his destiny in hand and founded a House in his image. His audacity, adventures and the renown of his wines would make him a legend in his time. His distinctive aesthetic choices made the Maison unique and renowned amongst all others, or as was said: Typiquement Charles. In his area as well as today, to be Typiquement Charles means flouting convention, bowing to no influence, pushing the envelope and forgetting long-lasting steadfast relationships. Like the Brut Réserve, the Rosé Réserve is the result of meticulous attention and stands out for its unconventional character. The Rosé Réserve is also the result of juices from the first press only and, the wine benefits from a slow and long maturation of 3 to 4 years, far beyond the norms of the region. 80% of the year’s wines are composed of equal portions of Meunier, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, while the 20% of reserve wines are made up of 50% Pinot Noir and 50% Chardonnay. The total of the cuvée is therefore 40% Pinot Noir, 35% Chardonnay and 25% Meunier. Each are vinified cru by cru, varietal by varietal, in stainless steel vats. To ensure the ideal balance of freshness and elegance on one hand and structure and complexity on the other, the Cellar Master bides by a House principle, intentionally selecting reserve wines that are younger than those of the Brut Réserve. The red reserve wines, from the leading Pinot Noir terroirs, date from up to 5 years before the last harvest. 5 to 6% of wines vinified in red provide tannins and the fragrance of red fruits, a base upon which the Cellar Master will subtly develop a full-bodied, voluptuous rosé.

Taittinger Comtes de Champagne is the finest expression of the world famous wine from one of the greatest Champagne Houses. First produced in 1952, Comtes is made from 100% Chardonnay grapes from 6 Grand Cru sites in the Cité de Blancs. Showing a pristine pale yellow colour with very light, abundant bubbles which rise uniformly to form a fine mousse. The evocative bouquet opens with notes of pears and fresh cute white flowers. Left in the glass for a time, the nose develops a richness and density of pure character. Once on the palate, Comtes is lively, direct and precise with flavours of candied lemon zest and fresh pineapple. The balance is something to behold. This Champagne's marriage of finesse and aromatic intensity is a promise of further potential, but already offers very pleasurable drinking.