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Château du Cèdre Cahors Extra Libre Le Cèdre Malbec
Château du Cèdre is widely regarded as the leading estate in Cahors. Brothers Pascal and Jean-Marc Verhaeghe, both qualified oenologists, can trace its history back to their grandfather Léon who left his native Flanders to settle in south-west France in the early 1900s. In due course Léon’s son Charles and his wife Marie-Thérèse started a mixed farm in 1958 and began planting one hectare of vines in three different plots every year. Today, Château du Cèdre comprises 27ha of vineyards planted at 4000-5500 vines per hectare on some of the most prized terroirs in Cahors, most notably the famous troisième + 4th terrasses which are located just below the cliffs of the valley. These sites typically have more limestone terroir giving great freshness and while the most prized of these terraces are the 4th terraces which make up just 2% of Cahors, Chateau du Cedre owns 55% of these very best terraces. In keeping with the long history of Cahors, 90% of the vineyard is planted to Malbec (known locally as both Cot and Auxerrois), with 5% Merlot (now known to be a half-sibling of Malbec) and 5% Tannat. There is also 1ha of Viognier and a little of the Bordeaux whites, Sémillon, Muscadelle and Sauvignon Blanc. For the 2015 vintage of Château du Cèdre Cahors Extra Libre Le Cèdre Malbec, the fruit has been certified organically grown, completely destemmed, and fermented in concrete tanks for a total of 30 days without the use of any sulphur. Again without sulphur, aged for 18 months in large oak barrels. This wine is vegan-friendly and is bottled unfined and unfiltered.
Molino a Vento Grillo
Tenute Orestiadi, born in 2008 in the heart of the Belice Valley, in Gibellina, Sicily, where perfumes and Mediterranean colors intertwine with myth and art. After the 1968 Belice earthquake, the entire valley became the center of cultural exchange and dialogue for the Mediterranean area, transforming the arduous times into energy after a historically and economically complex moment. The fil rouge of the reconstruction is the close connection between agriculture and art, which becomes an identifying feature of the company. In 2018, Tenute Orestiadi started a collaboration with La Gelsomina, located on mount Etna, thanks to the sharing of the same values and the same love for the territory. One of the most representative varietals of all of Sicily, Grillo, is grown in the province of Trapani with care and experience: the quality is controlled from the vine to the bottle, so as to provide a unique experience to the wine lover. The 2021 vintage is a straw yellow colour with greenish reflections. This elegant wine shows a complex blend of Mediterranean aromas mixed with hints of tropical fruits. The palate is fresh and persistent with marked sapidity and excellent structure.
Maison Saint Aix Rosé (12 )
Year on year Aix just nail that classic Provence style, albeit in a slightly fuller, richer style than many of their competitors, and the 2019 release is no exception - “This soft, bright and ripe wine is full of red fruits. Acidity is balanced in this wine with a fresh aftertaste and tangy texture. It is rich, generous and ready to drink” Wine Enthusiast
Benjamin Leroux Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Baudines
Product Information: The 2022 Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Baudines has a bit more flesh and opulence than usual thanks to a warmer, dry season and about One-third new oak this release. An excellent, mineral example of the terroir. The 3.6-hectare Les Baudines vineyard sits up high on the slope, near the tree line on the southwestern border of Chassagne. It’s essentially a continuation of Les Embazées but sits higher on the hillside, on poorer soil, with a higher limestone content. It’s a very cool site with primarily white, rocky clay soils—a terroir perfectly aligned with Leroux’s desire to produce fine-boned, chiselled Chassagne. Leroux’s vines were planted in the 1980s. From a season of contradictions. William Kelley writes, 'the 2022 vintage is proof that Burgundy hasn’t lost its capacity to surprise. How could the hottest, driest vintage since 1947 deliver wines so succulent, suave and charming?' Every wine critically reviewed was outstanding for its appellation. The whites offer freshness, density and the site transparency that we love from top Burgundy. While the red Burgundies purr with succulent textures, elegant tannins and appetising freshness. And although 2022 was a ripe year, the finesse and balance are extraordinary across the range. After the challenging, low-yielding 2021 season, 2022's warm, dry, and sunny conditions were a blessing for Burgundy’s vignerons. The success of season was owed to reasonable yields, cool nights and a couple of good rain events at critical periods. All factors that lead to beautiful balanced fruit with excellent vibrancy and freshness throughout. Maker: Lauded wine critic, Jancis Robinson boldly compares young Benjamin Leroux to the legendary Henri Jayer, 'You may remember that when I asked Allen Meadows, aka Burghound, who he thought might be a natural heir to the late great Henri Jayer of Burgundy, one of the two people he cited was young Benjamin Leroux of Domaine Comte Armand.' Henri Jayer is synonymous with Burgundy and remains one of the most revered wine personalities of the 20th century. If Jayer is the undisputed king of Burgundy, then Benjamin Leroux is emerging as his rightful heir. Leroux shares Jayer's perfectionism and diligence, with a remarkable ability to uncover potential in challenging sites. His meticulous vineyard and cellar techniques ensure that each wine reflects a steadfast commitment to quality, much like his revered predecessor. Born and bred in Beaune, Leroux was a prodigy, studying at the Lycée Viticole in Beaune from age 15 and taking the reins at the esteemed Domaine Comte Armand when he was just 24. Leroux would stay at Comte Armand for fifteen vintages, while simultaneously launching his eponymous négociant operation in 2007. By 2014 Leroux left Comte Armand—in great shape, to concentrate on his personal venture. The first stage of his evolution allowed him to establish the winery (in the old Jaboulet-Vercherre premises off the Beaune périphérique) and refine his ideas and understanding of the terroirs with which he wanted to work. The way Leroux structured this side of his business was highly innovative. His aim was to create the same quality standards of the finest domaines, despite not owning most of the vineyards. In tandem with his excelling négociant business, Leroux has quietly been building up his family’s impressive domaine holdings, which now run to eight hectares. Though he worked these vineyards organically and biodynamically from the beginning, it took him several years to apply for organic certification, which came in 2016. Ben’s first vineyard purchase was a 0.16-hectare slice of Batard-Montrachet in 2009, though most of Leroux’s white vineyards lie in Meursault and top-tier parcels in Genevrières-Dessus and Charmes-Dessus. For the reds he farms his beloved Blagny 1er Cru La Pièce Sous le Bois, in Volnay Santenots and there are a number of small parcels in Vosne-Romanée. These wines are a reminder of why people buy, drink and obsess over great Burgundy. The Philosophy: Ben has long-term relationships with the growers he works with, some of which he pays by land area rather than the quantity of fruit harvested. This allows him to dictate lower yields, ripeness, date of harvest, and so on. He only works with high-quality growers who plough or do not use herbicides or pesticides. Most are organic or biodynamic. For those that are not, there is an understanding that they will move to organics over five years. Like the greats before him, Leroux’s knowledge of the Côte is encyclopaedic, and he has unearthed some very exciting, previously less well-known terroirs for his portfolio. It’s important not to underestimate how close Leroux works with these growers, as that is one of the keys to his ability to coax the finest fruit quality from the vineyards. He never buys juice or finished wine, only fruit; he nominates the harvest dates and will pick himself if necessary. In terms of winemaking, this has been one of the most dynamic cellars on the Côte for fifteen years. Leroux works with some 50 appellations, and every wine has its own bespoke treatment according to the conditions of each vintage. This makes it difficult—and sometimes misleading—to generalise about the winemaking. We can say that the cellar is using more and more 600-litre, 1200-litre, and even larger casks for the whites; and more 450-litre to 600-litre barrels for the reds. In regards to wholebunch, generalising is like trying to hit a moving target: in any given year, Leroux works with between 0% and 90%. It depends on what's right for the fruit. Antonio Galloni gives high praise, stating, 'Benjamin Leroux is quiet and unassuming, but his wines more than speak for themselves... These are some of the most interesting wines being made in Burgundy today.' Nose - Orchard Blossoms, Lemon, Toast Inviting richness on the nose, White fruits. light cedary spice. Palate - White Fruits, Nutty, Spicy Rich and toasty on the palate, nutty and spicy, quite marked by the oak but still has lovely fruit at the core. Finish - Lemon Juice, Piercing Stone Minerals, Linear Lemon juices, Stony Minerals, driven by fresh acid line.
Domaine Paul Chavy Gevrey Chambertin
Product Information: Paul Chavy is the son of the renowned Burgundy vigneron Jean-Louis Chavy. Paul set up a new and prestigious négoce business enabling the family estate to offer a wider range of wines while creating opportunities to work with different terroirs and from Saint Aubin up as far as Gevrey Chambertin. The 2022 Gevrey Chambertin opens with an enticing bouquet red and dark berries, dried herbs, and turned earth. Powerful dark fruits on the palate, vibrant acidity balances the wine, with fine firm tannins in tow. Excellent ageing potential. 100% de-stemmed fruit given a cold maceration for several days before fermentation on skins for 27 days with only a gentle daily pump-over (no hand plunging). Aged on fine lees in barrel, all 228 litre barrels for the red wines, for 12 months before blending back in tank and bottled un-fined after a very light filtration. Maker: The Chavy family has been rooted in Puligny-Montrachet for over 200 years, but it was not until 1986 that Gérard Chavy began to estate-bottle his wines, previously selling them to négociants. Following Gérard's retirement around 2005, the estate was divided into two separate entities managed by his sons, Jean-Louis and Alain Chavy. Jean-Louis Chavy has since developed a state-of-the-art winemaking facility, complete with a temperature-controlled cellar situated at the base of the village. This allows him to work comfortably while ensuring the wines are stored in optimal conditions. His son, Paul Chavy, has been part of the estate since before the pandemic and has embarked on creating his own range of wines, sourcing fruit from regions including Saint-Aubin and as far as Gevrey-Chambertin. The Chavy family continues to uphold a legacy of quality and tradition in their winemaking, offering a tantalising glimpse into the heart of Burgundy. For father and son terroir expression is paramount, with wines crafted in a consistent manner allowing the unique soil and exposure to shine through. Jean-Louis and Paul Chavy’s wines are effortless and unforced, showcasing exceptional fruit purity and a clear expression of terroir in each 1er cru. With his son Paul now working full-time at the estate after completing his winemaking studies, the added support in both the vineyard and cellar translates to even greater precision and clarity in every bottle. These wines embody a classic style, aging and developing gracefully over time. Quantities are always limited, and they sell out quickly upon release. So best to grab them while you can. The Philosophy: Paul Chavy returned to the family estate in 2020, bringing valuable insights from his studies and professional experiences. He has established a prestigious négoce business to expand their range of wines and deepen his understanding of various terroirs, villages, and crus. For the white wines, Paul employs a meticulous vinification process, featuring long, slow pressing in a pneumatic press to preserve the finest lees. The wines age in 350-litre barrels from a variety of cooperages for 11 months, followed by an additional 6 to 7 months in tank before bottling, with only light filtration and fining when necessary. The red wines are crafted with care, using 100% de-stemmed grapes. After a cool maceration of 5-7 days in stainless steel, they undergo 17-22 days of fermentation with gentle pump-overs and no punching down. After 12 months in 228-litre barrels, the wines are blended in stainless steel tanks for another 6-7 months before bottling, without fining and with light filtration. This meticulous approach, combined with Paul’s fresh insights and growing experience across new terroirs, showcases the domaine's versatility while delivering the exceptional wines they are renowned for. Nose - Spicy Notes, Redcurrant, Pure Spicy notes, appealing redcurrant and raspberry leaf on the nose. Good concentration. Palate - Succulent, Red and Berries, New Leather Complete, lengthy, fleshy, a touch lighter than your classic but still with beautifully formed fruit. Finish - Mineral, Fresh, Chalky Tannins So much to enjoy in this village wine. Will age well.
Dom Pérignon Brut Vintage Jean-Michel Basquiat Limited Edition (Set of 3)
Dom Pérignon celebrates the spirit of artistry and legacy with its Vintage 2015 Special Edition, paying tribute to Jean-Michel Basquiat—a visionary artist who transformed cultural landscapes with his powerful work. This exclusive three-pack set offers an immersive experience, with each box and label featuring a distinct section of Basquiat’s seminal painting, In Italian (1983). Displayed together, the coffrets reveal the full artwork, creating a collectible piece that bridges the worlds of fine champagne and modern art. Basquiat’s work mirrors Dom Pérignon’s pursuit of excellence in expression and assemblage, where each vintage becomes a canvas for innovation and tradition. The 2015 release shines with finesse, depth, and tactile elegance, embodying the Maison's commitment to capturing the essence of each harvest year. This is a rare opportunity to experience three individual pieces of an extraordinary masterpiece. The artwork. Created in 1983, ‘In Italian’ is a tumultuous spectacle of fragmented imagery, layered text, and a palette of frenzied colours. The work confronts viewers with themes of race, power, and the human condition, establishing a dialogue that crosses generational and gender boundaries. Basquiat’s propensity for presenting harsh truths within a chaotic structure mirrors the modern experience, making it a universally relatable piece.' - Medium.com The wine. 2015 was a year of exceptional contrasts, this release stands out with its soothing strength and striking tactile presence during tasting. Experience a complex aromatic flavour profile combining intense roasted and cocoa notes, balanced by delicate floral aromas of lime blossom, jasmine and peony. Notes of peach, nectarine, citrus and gentian create a harmonious blend, giving the wine a rich texture and a diverse aromatic palate. This is a blend of 51% Pinot Noir and 49% Chardonnay with a dosage of 4.5 grams per litre; it will age wonderfully and can be enjoyed now or over the next 20 years. Maker: In 1668, Dom Pierre Pérignon was appointed procurator at the Abbey of Hautvillers. For 47 years, he worked to make the “best wine in the world”. Three centuries later, the Maison Dom Pérignon perpetuates this creative ambition through the constantly renewed quest for harmony as a source of emotion. All creative processes have their constraints. Dom Pérignon’s constraint is the vintage: an ambition to bear witness to the harvest of a single year, whatever the challenges may be, even if it means choosing not to declare the vintage. Dom Pérignon is always an assemblage, forming the foundation of the Dom Pérignon style. It is guided by timeless principles that have always taken precedence over winemaking techniques and their evolution. Time is also part of the equation for Dom Pérignon. During the time of active maturation on the lees, in the darkness of the cellars, the aesthetic and sensory values of each vintage are played out: precision, intensity, touch, minerality, and complexity. Dom Pierre Pérignon's legacy has often been misconceived, overshadowed by myths of inventing Champagne, and even unfounded rumours of blindness. However, what remains true beyond doubt is his extraordinary hard work and dedication to crafting the finest wine in the world. His innovations were groundbreaking. He developed the gentle 'coquard' press, which enabled him to produce clear, still white wine from black grapes. Pérignon also understood the unique challenges of Champagne's marginal climate, pioneering the art of blending grapes from different vineyards to create a more complete and balanced wine. His use of stronger verre anglais ('English glass') bottles, designed to withstand pressure, and the reintroduction of cork as a reliable closure were crucial advancements in winemaking. Through his tireless efforts, Pérignon laid the groundwork for the Champagne and the modern wine world. Jean-Michel Basquiat A creative force of the 1980s New York art scene, Jean-Michel Basquiat broke boundaries with his compelling, raw style that fused vibrant colors, symbolic motifs, and potent social commentary. Basquiat’s artwork speaks to themes of identity, power, and resilience, inviting audiences to explore a vivid blend of personal and cultural reflection. His crown motif—a prominent feature in this collaboration with Dom Pérignon—embodies a reclaiming of identity and self-expression, making it a fitting symbol for this special edition, which merges Basquiat’s artistic legacy with Dom Pérignon’s storied heritage. Nose Spicy, Refreshing, Complex On the first approach, vibrant aromas of apricot, floral honey, and creamy fudge unfold into deeper notes of clove and freshly baked croissant. Hints of pear drop, blood orange, and vanilla enrich the bouquet with layers of complexity. Palate Lush, Layered, Balanced The palate opens with lush flavours of tropical fruits and toasted oak, balanced by warm baking spices. Toffee apple and lime sorbet add a refreshing lift, harmonising with subtle mineral undertones for an exquisitely balanced profile. Finish Long, Floral, Elegant The finish is luxuriously long, with lingering vanilla cream, floral nuances, and a touch of exotic spice, leaving a final impression of elegance and freshness. The 2015 Dom Pérignon is terrific. Bright and poised, the 2015 shows terrific energy. Citrus peel, white flowers, mint, white pepper and slate all race across the palate. There's gorgeous tension and backbone here, with bright saline notes that extend the mid-palate and finish. This is a fine showing in a vintage that has proven to be tricky. I am intrigued to see how the 2015 develops in the coming years. 2025-2045. - Antonio Galloni (03/2024), Vinous, 96 Points. Disgorged in January 2023, the 2015 Dom Pérignon shows a singular, ethereal profile with aromas of white pepper, iodine, ripe orchard fruits, toast, smoke, herbs and spices. Medium to full-bodied, layered, and structured, it’s enveloping and round with a delicate phenolic mid-palate that underlines chalky dry extracts, concluding with a sapid, penetrating finish with gastronomic bitterness. This iteration of Dom Pérignon, though replete with the customary charm and vinous generosity that typify the label, distinguishes itself by its structural delicate austerity and a notably phenolic profile, giving rise to a remarkably linear and well-defined style that diverges markedly from the more familiar expressions of Dom Pérignon. - Yohan Castaing (05/2024), Wine Advocate, 95 Points. Remarkably pale at this early stage in the glass, the nose hits Dom Pérignon's classic gunsmoke and flint notes together with sweet and bright citrus. Packed with silky ripe fruits on both nose and palate, this is approachable now. Notes of fresh mint and fresh bread dough add to the layers on the palate, which has a creamy mousse but well-defined and vibrant acidity. Chalky in texture on the finish, this is ready to drink but will doubtless evolve well in bottle for over a decade. - Thomas Parker MW (07/2024), 94 Points.
Bollinger Special Cuvée Brut Non-Vintage Twin Pack
Product Description: Great things come in twos, introducing the Bollinger Special Cuvée Brut NV Twin Pack. For life's special moments, this exquisite champagne duo promises an unforgettable experience no matter the occasion. As for the champagne... Bollinger Special Cuvée is the label of choice for spoiling loved ones who enjoy the finer things in life. For over a century, connoisseurs have returned to Bollinger Special Cuvée for its subtlety, consistency, and the glamour it brings to everyday occasions. This release is a delicate mix of 60% Pinot Noir, 25% Chardonnay, 15% Meunier with over 85% Grands and Premiers crus. Special Cuvée is cellar-aged for double the length required by appellation regulations. It’s equally delectable when enjoyed on its own, mixed into a mimosa or paired with seafood, full-bodied cheeses or richer meats like venison or beef. Did you know in 1911, Georges Bollinger’s British agent suggested swapping the original name which was “brut sans année” for the English word “special” to better convey this Champagne’s outstanding qualities - and a star was born. Bollinger Special Cuvée is the brand’s raison d’être! The Maker: For almost two hundred years, Champagne Bollinger has been making powerful, refined and complex wines that express the aromas of fruit in all its dimensions. In 1829, Athanase de Villermont’s vast estate just outside the town of Äy provided the backdrop for the founding of an extraordinary Champagne house - but as an aristocrat, Athanese was forbidden from engaging in commercial trade. With the recruitment of Joseph “Jacques” Bollinger, a Champagne merchant, and Paul Renaudin, a Champernois fascinated by the world of wine, the Bollinger legacy began. The Bollinger style is inimitable and recognised as such by great connoisseurs. It possesses a dense and subtle presence: a balance of the intensity of great Pinot Noirs and the freshness of Chardonnays from the Côte des Blancs. The house’s offerings are rooted in 5 tangible principles: the vineyards; Pinot Noir; magnums of reserve wines; the barrels, and time. Bollinger wines release a creamy effervescence resulting from vinifying in oak barrels and prolonged contact with the yeasts. Every tasting yields new delights that are guaranteed to transport you. The Vineyard: Bollinger has built its vineyards at the heart of the finest crus in Champagne. 180 hectares of vines are made up of 85% Grand and Premier crus and are farmed by our teams of growers across 7 separate vineyards: Aÿ, Avenay, Tauxières, Louvois and Verzenay for Pinot Noir; the Montagne de Reims, Cuis for Chardonnay; and the Côte des Blancs and Champvoisy for Meunier. Another of Bollinger’s distinctive features are the two plots of Clos Saint-Jacques and Chaudes Terres. There, ungrafted vines are entirely tended by hand and reproduced using a form of layering called provignage, preserving the extraordinary heritage from which the Vieilles Vignes Françaises cuvée is produced. Pinot Noir is the varietal on which Bollinger has staked its reputation. A demanding grape that requires care at every step, it remains front and centre because of the incomparable finesse it brings to a wine. Today, the Pinot Noir planted around the Montagne de Reims represents over 60% of the Bollinger vineyards. This also just happens to be the exact proportion it occupies in Special Cuvée! Multi-faceted and surprising, its unusually high ratio in the blends is a signature of the Bollinger style, to which it lends power, body and vinosity. It has been one of the founding principles of Champagne Bollinger’s identity from the very beginning. Bollinger is guided by a responsibility anchored in time and a commitment to people, the earth and our roots. It is committed to the well-being of its teams, preserving biodiversity, and reducing the brand’s carbon footprint. NOSE - Powerful, complex, red fruits The beauty of ripe fruit and spicy aromas; hints of roasted apples, compote and peaches. PALATE - Lush, enveloping, creamy A subtle combination of structure, length and vivacity; bubbles like velvet; pear, brioche and spicy aromas, notes of fresh walnut. FINISH - Dry, mineral, petrichor Mellow and refreshing, punctuated by a crisp bite derived from its Chardonnay component. Reviews + Accolades: 60% Pinot Noir, 25% Chardonnay, 15% Meunier sourced from more than 300 crus, including 85% grands and premiers crus; 15% fermented in old oak barrels. The complexity and richness of Special Cuvée is unparalleled among the entry non-vintage blends of every Champagne house, short of ascending to the mesosphere of Krug. Its grand recipe explains why, built on incredible depth of 50%-60% reserves. Triumphant complexity is a given at Bollinger, but it’s the dynamic freshness and vitality that really set it apart as one of the most affordable Champagne benchmarks. - Decanter, 96 Points. Lovely density and a fine-bubble texture. Dried apple and apricot with hints of dried flowers. Medium to full body. with medium-rich fruit. Spice, zest and ginger character. Usually 10% in barrel. 60% pinot noir, 25% chardonnay and 15% pinot meunier. About 40% reserve wine kept in magnums. Always really well done. - James Suckling, 93 Points. Fine and seamless, with mouthwatering acidity well-meshed with a rich range of crème de cassis, poached apricot, gingerbread and almond extract flavors, plus accents of fleur de sel, Meyer lemon peel and star anise. Long and lively on the creamy finish. Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier. - Wine Spectator, 93 Points. “... this iconic non-vintage cuvée is dominated by Pinot Noir that gives impressive richness as well as ripe stone fruits. Wood fermentation adds further complexity as does the age of this bottling before release. Drink this Champagne now.” – Wine Enthusiast The Finer Details: Style - Champagne Varietal - 60% Pinot Noir, 25% Chardonnay, 15% Meunier Country - France Region - Champagne Vintage - Non-Vintage Bottle Size - 750ml Pack Size - 2 Bottles ABV - 12% Closure - Cork
Laurent-Perrier La Cuvée Brut Non-Vintage + Champagne Flutes
Product Information: Experience the finesse of Laurent-Perrier’s La Cuvée Brut NV, a Champagne defined by elegance and freshness, achieved through an extended ageing process in cellars. This delicate and refined wine opens with floral aromas, hints of brioche, and sweet orchard fruits. On the palate, it’s richly textured yet airy, with inviting flavours that linger in harmony. A subtle layer of talc-like minerality adds sophistication and lifts the fresh, clean finish. Composed of 50%+ Chardonnay, 30-35% Pinot Noir, and 10-15% Meunier, La Cuvée is enhanced by 15-30% reserve wines sourced from over 100 crus. The predominant Chardonnay brings finesse, while the four-year ageing period deepens its complexity, resulting in an exquisite balance of freshness and buttery richness. This exceptional Champagne is accompanied by two beautifully crafted flutes, all presented in a luxurious white and gold gift box. An ideal ensemble for sharing memorable moments or gifting to someone special, Laurent-Perrier delivers a refined experience with unmatched value. Maker: Founded in 1812 by André-Michel Pierlot, Laurent-Perrier has a storied history rooted in the Grand Cru village of Tours-sur-Marne. Following Pierlot’s legacy, the House was eventually passed to Eugène Laurent and later his widow, Mathilde-Emilie Perrier, who established Laurent-Perrier as a leader in fine Champagne with her “Grand Vin Sans Sucre.” In 1939, Marie-Louise de Nonancourt acquired the estate, and her son, Bernard, revolutionised the House post-war, transforming it into a global icon synonymous with freshness and elegance. Today, Laurent-Perrier remains family-owned, with Bernard’s daughters and Michel Fauconnet, Cellar Master since 2004, continuing the commitment to quality and independence. The arrival of Lucie Pereyre de Nonancourt in 2019 further reinforces the House’s innovative spirit and dedication to excellence. Philosophy: Laurent-Perrier’s hallmark style revolves around finesse and purity, led by a focus on Chardonnay, which represents 55% of the blend in La Cuvée. By blending traditional practices with innovative techniques, the House creates unique wines that tell their own story. A key to their process is the use of stainless steel vats, allowing low-temperature fermentation to preserve freshness and aromatic complexity. Every batch is vinified separately, giving the Cellar Master the flexibility to blend only the finest grapes from esteemed vineyards, including 17 Grands Crus and 42 Premiers Crus. Their meticulous approach extends to a lengthy ageing period, ensuring that each cuvée is perfectly ready for enjoyment. Pioneers in low-dosage Champagnes, Laurent-Perrier introduced their “Grand Vin Sans Sucre” in 1889 and Ultra Brut in 1981. Today, they continue this legacy with creations like Blanc de Blancs Brut Nature, bridging tradition and innovation in every glass. Nose - Cooked Apples, Peaches, Light Butter Biscuits The nose is very pretty and elegant, with floral aromas of brioche and sweet orchard fruits. Palate - Fresh Apricot, Pillowy, Buttery Pastry Fresh with apricot, it is expressive of its lovely Chardonnay character. The palate is soft and approachable, and in line with the nose. Finish - Nougat, Chalk, Lemon Zest A perfect balance between freshness and delicacy with fruity flavours very present on the finish. This is lovely, the aromas and flavors run long into the finish with notes of light butter biscuits, subtle cooked apples and peaches. It's full yet balanced and long. Lovely texture. Lots of flavor and polished textured bubbles. The base in the current release is 2016 vintage. 50% chardonnay, 35% pinot noir and 15% pinot meunier. Disgorged in December 2022. - James Suckling, 93 Points. The NV Champagne La Cuvée Brut is aged for 4 years and sees 8 grams per liter dosage. The nose is very pretty and elegant, with floral aromas of brioche and sweet orchard fruits. Fresh with apricot, it is expressive of its lovely Chardonnay character. The palate is soft and approachable, and in line with the nose. This is a great aperitif style to begin with. Jeb Dunnuck, 91 Points. Based on the 2016 vintage and disgorged in December 2022, the latest release of Laurent Perrier's NV Brut La Cuvée is showing nicely, delivering notes of sweet stone fruits, white flowers, nougat and buttery pastry, followed by a medium-bodied, ample and pillowy palate that's charming and expressive. - Wine Advocate, 91 Points.
Bollinger Triple Gift Bag
Product Description: Elevate your gift-giving with the Bollinger Triple Bottle Gift Bag, a luxurious carry bag inspired by the signature Bollinger red that graces every Special Cuvée bottle. Designed with elegance and practicality in mind, this premium bag accommodates up to three gift-boxed bottles or the sophisticated Bollinger Glass Gift Set. The sturdy yet refined construction makes it perfect for any celebration, allowing you to present Bollinger in style. Whether you’re gifting to a Bollinger enthusiast or marking a special occasion, this iconic bag adds a touch of elegance and ensures that every moment feels as exclusive as Bollinger itself. The Maker: For almost two hundred years, Champagne Bollinger has been making powerful, refined and complex wines that express the aromas of fruit in all its dimensions. In 1829, Athanase de Villermont’s vast estate just outside the town of Äy provided the backdrop for the founding of an extraordinary Champagne house - but as an aristocrat, Athanese was forbidden from engaging in commercial trade. With the recruitment of Joseph “Jacques” Bollinger, a Champagne merchant, and Paul Renaudin, a Champernois fascinated by the world of wine, the Bollinger legacy began. The Bollinger style is inimitable and recognised as such by great connoisseurs. It possesses a dense and subtle presence: a balance of the intensity of great Pinot Noirs and the freshness of Chardonnays from the Côte des Blancs. The house’s offerings are rooted in 5 tangible principles: the vineyards; Pinot Noir; magnums of reserve wines; the barrels, and time. Bollinger wines release a creamy effervescence resulting from vinifying in oak barrels and prolonged contact with the yeasts. Every tasting yields new delights that are guaranteed to transport you. The Vineyard: Bollinger has built its vineyards at the heart of the finest crus in Champagne. 180 hectares of vines are made up of 85% Grand and Premier crus and are farmed by our teams of growers across 7 separate vineyards: Aÿ, Avenay, Tauxières, Louvois and Verzenay for Pinot Noir; the Montagne de Reims, Cuis for Chardonnay; and the Côte des Blancs and Champvoisy for Meunier. Another of Bollinger’s distinctive features are the two plots of Clos Saint-Jacques and Chaudes Terres. There, ungrafted vines are entirely tended by hand and reproduced using a form of layering called provignage, preserving the extraordinary heritage from which the Vieilles Vignes Françaises cuvée is produced. Pinot Noir is the varietal on which Bollinger has staked its reputation. A demanding grape that requires care at every step, it remains front and centre because of the incomparable finesse it brings to a wine. Today, the Pinot Noir planted around the Montagne de Reims represents over 60% of the Bollinger vineyards. This also just happens to be the exact proportion it occupies in Special Cuvée! Multi-faceted and surprising, its unusually high ratio in the blends is a signature of the Bollinger style, to which it lends power, body and vinosity. It has been one of the founding principles of Champagne Bollinger’s identity from the very beginning. Bollinger is guided by a responsibility anchored in time and a commitment to people, the earth and our roots. It is committed to the well-being of its teams, preserving biodiversity, and reducing the brand’s carbon footprint.
Villa Maria Keltern Chardonnay
Product Description The Villa Maria Keltern Chardonnay 2022 is a sophisticated expression of New Zealand terroir, showcasing the exceptional qualities of the Keltern Vineyard in Hawkes Bay. A brilliant lime-tinted gold hue catches the eye, while the nose reveals an exotic bouquet of ripe stone fruit, fresh lemon, and warm brioche, balanced by hints of spicy French oak. The palate is full and silky, marked by vibrant natural acidity that carries through to an elegant, sustained finish. With cellaring, this Chardonnay promises to develop further, offering an evolving complexity with mineral undertones and subtle toast-like nuances. Maker Founded in 1961, Villa Maria has become one of New Zealand’s most celebrated wineries, recognised for its commitment to quality and sustainability. The Keltern Vineyard, established in 1999, holds a special place within Villa Maria’s portfolio, consistently producing award-winning Chardonnay. Over the years, Villa Maria has gained acclaim for its sustainable winemaking practices, ensuring each vintage showcases the unique character of its vineyard sites. Villa Maria's winemaking approach honours the region’s natural beauty, crafting wines that balance elegance with a sense of place. Vineyard The Keltern Vineyard sits east of Maraekakaho in Hawkes Bay, nestled along the cool edge of the Bridge Pa Triangle and bordered by the Ngaruroro River. Planted on an ancient riverbed, the vineyard’s unique soils—a combination of silt loams layered over red metals and gravel stones—provide ideal conditions for Chardonnay. The cool air currents from nearby mountain ranges and meticulous vineyard management, including pruning to one bunch per shoot, result in lower yields and higher concentration in the grapes. For the 2022 vintage, hand-harvested Clone 15 vines, now at peak maturity, were selected, allowing Keltern’s character to shine through. Tasting Notes Nose Ripe Stone Fruit, Lemon, Brioche Aromas of ripe stone fruit and fresh lemon are accented by warm brioche and a subtle touch of spicy French oak, adding an exotic and inviting complexity. Palate Silky Texture, Citrus, Spice The palate is generous and layered, with silky citrus notes and a hint of spice from French oak. The wine’s natural acidity provides balance, enhancing the depth and richness. Finish Mineral, Toasty, Elegant A lingering finish with mineral undertones and a gentle toastiness, showcasing Keltern’s distinctive terroir and ensuring a refined, refreshing aftertaste.