The guiding principles of blending are the achievement of harmony and consistency. The White Foil blend is traditionally composed from around 80 still base wines, drawn from different vineyard sites (crus), grape varieties and vintage years. The blend contains approximately one third of each three grape varieties of Champagne. Pinot Noir contributes body, depth of character and life extending tannins, Pinot Meunier adds youthful freshness, vigour and plump fruit character while Chardonnay gibes lightness, elegance and firmness.

Showing tropical fruits, apple, toffee and fresh baked bread notes. Very fresh and lifted, delicious drinking and a credit to Chef de Cave, Didier Mariotti who has helped transform the brand to it's former glory. This is arguably one of the best vintage Champagnes for its price on the market.

The Taittinger Champagne house in Rheims was founded in 1734, and this recent, fine-bubbled descendant echoes that distinguished history. The brilliant body is golden yellow in colour. The bubbles are fine, while the foam is discreet yet lingering. The nose, very open and expressive, delivers aromas of fruit and brioche. It also gives off the fragrance of peach, white flowers (hawthorn, acacia) and vanilla pod. The entry onto the palate is lively, fresh and in total harmony. This is a delicate wine with flavours of fresh fruit and honey. Taittinger Brut Réserve, which acquires its maturity during three and four years ageing in the cellar, offers excellent aromatic potential.

One of France's most historic and distinctive champagne houses, Perrier Jouët has the essence of passion in every drop. Creating exceptional experiences that enhance everyday life, Perrier Jouët is influenced by the founders' love of nature and art.

Founded in 1818 by Nicolas Francois Billecart and his spouse Elizabeth Salmon in Mareuil-sur-Ay, this is one of the few houses that have remained in the same family. Seven generations on, the house is led by the very talented Francois Roland-Billecart. They espouse three principal aims are finesse, balance and elegance and the Brut rose is testament to this. Pale salmon pink in colour, the nose shows lifted red fruits and fresh pear. The Pinot has given structure to the blend while the Chardonnay has given a wonderful elegance and delicacy. A blend of 40% chardonnay, 20% Pinot Meunier, and 40% Pinot Noir. Of the Pinot component 8% is still wine from the family vineyards in Mareuil.

Louis Roederer Champagne embodies style and class. Delve into the toasty aromatics, apple and nougat flavours and tingling freshness. There's generous structure, length and complexity not always found in NV Champagne.

The Brut Vintage displays a bright yellow-gold colour enhanced by a continuous thread of lingering bubbles. The nose, instantly elegant, exudes delicate scents of citrus fruit (tangerine) announcing a beautiful freshness. Later it reveals an outstanding aromatic complexity with hints of peaches, apricots and almonds. The palate first reveals a very creamy and full-bodied texture. The immediate impression of freshness gives way to an unctuous and well-balanced structure offering aromas of fresh biscuits and ripe fruit (apricots). This is a rich champagne of strong character, with vinosity, keeping nevertheless all its elegance and delicacy, it is the very soul of Pol Roger.

Bollinger Special Cuvee is the result of the delicate blending between harvest grapes and a majority of reserve wines, including some, ages in magnums for more than 15 years in Bollingers cellars. To the eye: A golden colour, distinctive of black grape varieties. Very fine bubbles. To the nose: A beautiful aromatic complexity. Ripe fruit and spice aromas. Hints of roasted apples, apple compote and peaches. To the palate: A subtle combinations of structure, length and vivacity. Bubbles like velvet. Pear, brioche and spicy aromas, notes of fresh walnut.

A stunning display of refined winemaking from the house that strives for finesse, balance and elegance above all else. No overt stamps of winemaking interference here, only effortless harmony. The incredibly fine bead draws your attention. Tight and persistent classically formed bubbles. The overall rating of the wine is greater than the sum of the parts with each element aware of and working in tune with each other. Well worth including in your basket.