Bollinger PN VZ 19 Champagne
Product Description: This cuvée represents the union of tradition and innovation, with each release of Bollinger’s PN series acting as a tribute to the House’s history and expertise. With its moderate dosage of 6 grams per litre and an extended maturation period far surpassing the AOC requirements, PN VZ19 offers a wine that not only respects its heritage but also pushes the boundaries of Champagne-making. PN VZ19’s elegance and vibrant acidity make it an ideal companion to dishes with delicate flavours and a touch of richness. Consider pairing it with Breton lobster, roasted summer vegetables, or a spiced tomato juice for a harmonious dining experience. Maker: Since 1829, Champagne Bollinger has been making great wines with a powerful, refined and complex style, expressing the aromas of the fruit in all its dimensions. This truly unique taste is the result of a particular affinity for the elegance of pinot noir, uncompromising excellence, an exceptional vineyard and traditional craftsmanship handed down through the generations with the utmost care since 1829. The story begins with Athanase de Villermont, who inherited a vast estate from his family on the outskirts of Aÿ. He instantly sensed the extraordinary potential of the wines of Champagne, but as a member of the aristocracy, he was forbidden from taking part in any commercial activity. Then he met Joseph “Jacques” Bollinger, who specialised in selling the wines of Champagne, and Paul Renaudin, a born-and-bred Champenois fascinated by the world of wine. On 6 February 1829, the company Renaudin-Bollinger & Cie was founded. Joseph was in charge of sales, while Paul oversaw the cellar. Athanase had founded a Champagne house that would transcend centuries. Through turbulent times including the phylloxera crisis throughout Europe's vineyards and World War I, Georges Bollinger, son of founder Jacques, steered the house with resilience and dedication. His son, Jacques Bollinger, continued the legacy, expanding the estate and modernising facilities while upholding Bollinger's exacting standards. After Jacques' passing, Madame Bollinger, known for her business acumen and global ambassadorship, navigated the post-war recovery and succession planning until 1971, ensuring the house thrived. Successive leaders like Claude d'Hautefeuille (appointed chairman from 1971) and Christian Bizot (1978) upheld Bollinger's legacy, with Ghislain de Montgolfier (1994) and Jérôme Philipon (2008) furthering its global stature and quality standards into the modern era. Since 2017, Charles-Armand de Belenet became Chief Executive Officer of Champagne Bollinger, embracing both tradition and innovation, maintaining its prestigious position in the Champagne world while fostering continued growth and excellence. Philosophy: Over the years, Bollinger has built its vineyards at the heart of the finest crus in Champagne. Champagne Bollinger’s 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, around the Montagne de Reims, Cuis for chardonnay on the Côte des Blancs and Champvoisy for meunier in the Vallée de la Marne. Another of Bollinger’s distinctive features are two plots, the Clos Saint-Jacques and Chaudes Terres, which have never succumbed to phylloxera. These ungrafted vines are entirely tended by hand and reproduced using a form of layering called provignage, thereby providing the means to preserve this extraordinary heritage from which the very exclusive Vieilles Vignes Françaises cuvée is produced. With regards to sustainability. In 2012, Champagne Bollinger was the first wine house in France whose vineyards were certified as ‘High Environmental Value’ (HEV). Two years later, it was also the first to receive the Sustainable Viticulture in Champagne certification. These prestigious labels assure the highest standards in environmental practice. Herbicides have also been banned on our vineyards since 2016. Each and every day, the managers of Bollinger vineyards use natural techniques to limit the pressure on the soil. These include the establishment of cover crops, mulching and environmentally-friendly grazing. In addition to sustainability Champagne Bollinger is proud to have B Corp certification, maintaining its ongoing commitment to the Land but also to its people, and to its Bollinger's illustrious legacy. On the subject of legacy and preservation Bollinger is home to the last resident cooper of the Champagne region. Cooperage is a highly skilled craft: each one of Bollinger’s 4,000 aged barrels, of which some are nearly 100 years old, requires great attention. Learning to maintain this legacy in perfect condition requires rigorous training, which is why cooperage is a craft that must be passed on to younger generations. Bollinger attaches great importance to preserving this valuable expertise. Tasting Notes Nose Expressive, Fruity, Harmonious An aromatic symphony of orchard fruits, followed by enticing red and exotic fruit notes. The delicate yet expressive fragrance is both complex and ethereal. Palate Vibrant, Silky, Elegant The fruitiness from the nose is complemented by fresh Granny Smith apple acidity, mingled with the fleshy sweetness of vine peach and the vibrant tang of blood orange. The texture is smooth and silky, with a subtle touch of salinity, adding depth and complexity. Finish Complex, Saline, Lingering The finish is long and satisfying, with the wine’s inherent tension and mineral character leaving a lasting impression, offering a final flourish of complexity.
Larmandier Bernier Longitude Non-Vintage
Laurent Perrier Rose
'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
Billecart-Salmon Brut Sous Bois Champagne N V
Perrier-Jouët Blanc De Blanc Non-Vintage
Pale gold with hints of green, PerrierJouët Blanc de Blancs awakens the senses with enticing aromas of hedgerow flowers elderberry, acacia and honeysuckle and tangy citrus. On the palate, its mineral freshness lingers into a surprisingly smooth, mellow finish, which adds to the charm of this delightfully lively, luminous champagne.
Maison Mumm RSRV Blanc de Blancs
Since 1838, Maison Mumm's outstanding champagnes have been exclusively enjoyed by a select group of insiders. These champagnes perfectly capture the exceptional quality of their terroir and the mastery of their craft. Continuing this rich tradition, the RSRV collection stands alone as the sole assortment of five cuvées, all sourced from 100% Grand Cru vineyards. Among them, RSRV Blanc de Blancs shines as a champagne known for its impeccable clarity, invigorating liveliness, and delicate effervescence. This exceptional champagne is crafted specifically with Chardonnay from Cramant, known as "chalk mount" in the Côte des Blancs. These vineyards include historic plots that were acquired by Maison Mumm back in 1882. The exceptional terroir of this Grand Cru region provides optimal climatic conditions and chalky soil that beautifully accentuate the mineral and delicate flavors of Chardonnay. In the latest release of RSRV Blanc de Blancs 2015, a relatively lower pressure of 4.5 bars (compared to the typical 6 bars in other champagnes) allows the wine to fully showcase its minerality and subtle effervescence. Following a minimum of three years of aging in the cellars and a light dosage of 6 grams per litre, this limited-production 100% Grand Cru cuvée is now ready to be savoured. The bottle also has a distinctive narrow neck allowing the wine to develop more slowly for a longer preservation. With a captivating appearance, this champagne delights the eyes with its glistening and radiant demeanor, adorned with delicate shades of green and pale yellow. The effervescence is mesmerizing, as ethereal and fine bubbles gracefully dance in the glass. As the bouquet unfolds, the nose is greeted by a symphony of enticing aromas. Zesty citrus notes take centre stage, with the invigorating scents of lemon and grapefruit perfuming the air. The fragrance of a freshly baked lemon meringue tart fills the senses, while the sweetness of luscious white peaches adds an irresistible allure. Upon the first sip, the palate is awakened by an incisive and invigorating sensation. The wine reveals its remarkable freshness and vitality, leaving a distinct impression of crispness that enlivens the taste buds. The mineral character shines through, adding depth and complexity to each sip. The journey reaches its climax with a long and captivating finish, a harmonious combination of flavors that lingers on, enchanting and satisfying the senses with its graceful presence. Whether it's a celebratory occasion or an intimate gathering, RSRV Blanc de Blancs brings an extraordinary touch to the dining table, enhancing the flavors of wide range of cuisine, particularly pork, rich fish, shellfish and mild cheeses. Its ability to harmonize and elevate the culinary experience makes it a versatile and captivating choice for discerning wine enthusiasts and gastronomes alike.
Delamotte Brut Non-Vintage
Ruinart Brut (R de Ruinart) Champagne N V
Louis Roederer Collection 243 Non-Vintage
Based on 2018, described by Jean-Baptiste Lecaillon as 'a truly magical year', with oak aged wines from 2009, 2011 and all vintages from 2013 to 2017 inclusive that make up this impeccable house's perpetual reserve begun in 2012. Wonderfully complex aroma rises from the glass as soon as this is poured. So complex on the nose and uncompromisingly dry but well balanced on the palate. Lightly smoky but with no shortage of fine, ripe fruit in an interesting honeysuckle and lime spectrum. Clean and fresh and extremely long. This definitely deserves to be priced above regular non-vintage champagne. Not quite delicate. Not quite creamy. Just hits the right note for a superior blend. Drink: 2022-2030. Rating: 17+/20.
Ayala Le Blanc de Blanc A/18
Product Description: This elegant and complex Champagne is perfect for pairing with fine, simple cuisine that highlights quality ingredients. Enjoy it as an aperitif, or pair it with seafood dishes like scallop carpaccio, citrussy sea bass tartare, or fresh oysters. The vibrant acidity and minerality also make it a perfect match for creamy cheese or vegetable-based starters. Maker: Champagne Ayala, founded in 1860 by Edmond De Ayala, has a long-standing legacy of producing exceptional Champagne with an unwavering commitment to quality. The House of Ayala is renowned for its craftsmanship and innovation, particularly in its focus on creating Champagne that highlights the pure expression of Chardonnay. The company’s roots in the village of Aÿ have remained firm, with the iconic founder's bold decision in 1865 to release "dry champagne" with a minimal dosage, setting a new standard for Champagne production. Ayala continues to honour its founder’s vision by offering wines with elegance, finesse, and the signature purity of Chardonnay. Under the direction of a new generation, particularly since the acquisition by the Bollinger family in 2005, Champagne Ayala has invested heavily in modernising its facilities while maintaining the highest standards of craftsmanship. Their meticulous approach involves working with an extensive selection of crus to ensure that each bottle reflects the best of Champagne's diverse terroirs. Today, the House continues to flourish under the leadership of Hadrien Mouflard, who has spearheaded the transformation of Ayala’s identity with a renewed focus on purity and precision. Philosophy | AYALA: At Champagne Ayala, the philosophy is built on one key principle: "Honor the essence." This guiding belief sees the House dedicated to revealing the purest expression of Chardonnay, the cornerstone of its winemaking. This commitment drives every decision, from vineyard management to vinification, to the final blending process. The House works with a unique and diverse palette of crus, with 50 of the 70 crus exclusively dedicated to Chardonnay, sourced from the finest terroirs of the Champagne region. Ayala’s philosophy embraces organic principles, with a growing commitment to sustainable practices, including the conversion of its own vineyards to organic viticulture, and the pursuit of environmental certifications such as HEV and VDC. The production process at Ayala is a masterclass in precision. Each cru undergoes micro-vinification, allowing the individual characteristics of each vineyard to shine before being carefully blended into the final cuvée. The extended aging of their wines on lees, paired with the low dosage, ensures that Ayala’s champagnes embody an exceptional balance of freshness, complexity, and elegance. This purity and focus on terroir have earned Champagne Ayala a reputation for producing wines that are as distinctive as they are exquisite, with a clarity and freshness that stands out in every bottle. Through these practices, Ayala continues to honour the craftsmanship and legacy of its founder, Edmond De Ayala, while paving the way for a bright future. Tasting Notes: Nose Elegant, Fragrant, Citrusy Aromatic delight, opening with notes of pear, grapefruit, and delicate jasmine, creating a fresh and vibrant bouquet. Subtle hints of acacia honey and a touch of citrus zest enhance the fragrance, providing an inviting and layered profile that draws you in. Palate Fresh, Lively, Structured Vibrant character with lively flavours of blood orange and pastry. The texture is sleek and elegant, with a beautiful minerality. Bright acidity provides structure and balance, giving it an exciting and refreshing finish. Finish Long, Crisp, Mineral Long and crisp, leaving a lasting impression of bright citrus and chalky minerality. The purity of the Chardonnay shines through, with a delicate balance between freshness and complexity that continues to evolve with each sip.