Moët & Chandon is arguably the most famous name in the world of Champagne. The first impression that strikes when tasting the Grand Vintage 1999 is an impression of wealth, both in the development of aromas and flavours of the wine in the mouth.

NV Billecart Salmon Brut Reserve, A satiny white mousse sits well over a straw pale gold tinged base that’s finely threaded by a steady stream of delicate bubbles. Strong yeasty baked bread characters intermingle with oily toast, cashew, citrusy honey and brioche notes. Rich yet tense and tightly knit on the finish the palate features mouthwatering flavours of baked bread, citrus, oily toast like characters and yeast lees with some roasted almonds on the dry crisp finish. Long precise aftertaste that has a lingering subtle dried nut element to it. A very dry and focused Champagne that requires some patience.

Veuve Clicquot Brut Yellow Label Champagne Nv. A Champagne from the fuller-bodied school with flavours of buttered toast, brioche and biscuit to complement the ever present fine acidity and flavour length that is a trademark.

Nv Billecart Salmon Brut Nature, A visual intensity of pale gold, enhanced by the clarity of a pure and sparkling ensemble. With ultra-fine, regular and plentiful bubbles which are focussed towards the surface of the glass in a disciplined manner. It’s the engagement of an authentic seduction, nuanced by the purity and the exact maturity of a distinct and vibrant aromatic profile (orchard fruits, fresh citrus and small pains au lait). An ample and harmonious tactile approach, preserved by a deliciously chiselled mineral tension. A well balanced and nicely rounded lightly sparkling sensation is strengthed by a captivating gustatory rajectory (white flesh fruits, lime trees and almond cream.

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.

Grand Siècle is a Prestige Cuvée that is a unique concept, different from the others. It is the only Cuvée de Prestige in Champagne based on the blend and not on the vintage. The vintage in Champagne is generally considered synonymous with excellence for Prestige Cuvées. Conversely, at Laurent-Perrier, their belief is that the art of blending can allow them to create what nature will never give us: the perfect year. The expression of the perfect year is that of a great Champagne wine that has developed a deep intensity and aromatic complexity, while managing to preserve its freshness and acidity over time. On this idea Grand Siècle was born in 1959. To create this wine, Laurent-Perrier will rely on the characteristics of the great vintage years of Champagne: freshness, structure, finesse.

An easy drinking Australian bubbles in the 200ml piccolo sizing is super fun. Azahara directly translates to ‘Orange Blossom’ in Spanish, a name that symbolizes the unique location of the vineyard. As the vineyards run alongside rows of beautiful Orange orchards It shows the distinct aromas of roasted almonds & stone fruit that give it a long finish.