It’s a stunning, racy example of Avize, a little deeper than the Terre de Vertus, although more delicate and less fleshy than the Vieille Vigne du Levant.

Disgorged November 2022. Les Longues Voyes translates as ‘the long way’, referring not only to the 25 kilometres that you need to travel from the Laherte estate to arrive at the vineyard but also to the wine’s extended aging: 18 months in barrel and a further 18-20 months in bottle. The fruit is sourced from a single hectare of biodynamic vines in Chamery, Montagne de Reims, owned by a good friend of Aurélien Laherte’s. The 35-year-old vines are rooted in clay and silt over a limestone base. The wine was made from a single four-tonne press of grapes, which fermented naturally and matured in old Clos des Epeneaux and Leroux barrels. There was no malolactic conversion, and the dosage was 4 g/L. So, the estate now has two vintage Blanc de Noirs released at the same time: Les Vignes d’Autrefois from Meunier and Les Longues Voyes from Pinot Noir. The first comes from a chalky subsoil and the second from limestone, and it is fascinating to compare the different structures that result. Fans of Pinot Noir on limestone should move to the front of the queue.

The House of Ruinart stands in a league of its own, defying convention and captivating with its unique legacy. Founded in 1729, it holds the distinction of being the very first Champagne House, a visionary endeavour inspired by the foresight of a monk who possessed a remarkable intuition far beyond his era. In the heart of the Champagne region, specifically in Reims, a significant moment unfolded on September 1st, 1729. It was then that Nicolas Ruinart, driven by the profound influence of his visionary monk uncle, drafted the historic charter that marked the birth of Maison Ruinart, forever etching its name as the world's pioneer in champagne production. Little did they know that this bold initiative would pave the way for an enduring enterprise that thrives and prospers even after nearly three centuries, leaving an indelible mark on the course of history. During the remarkable period of the mid-18th century, Ruinart made a significant acquisition to enhance its champagne production. The House secured ownership of ancient crayères, subterranean chalk quarries meticulously carved beneath the historic city of Reims. These extraordinary caverns served as the ideal sanctuary for storing their precious bottles, ensuring optimal aging and maturation. Building upon its reputation for innovation, Ruinart continued to push boundaries. In 1764, the House achieved yet another milestone by successfully shipping the first-ever Rosé champagne across the vast expanse of Europe. This ground-breaking achievement introduced a new dimension to the world of champagne, captivating connoisseurs with its captivating hues and captivating flavors. Bestowed with nobility and adopting the esteemed name Ruinart de Brimont in 1817, the family has diligently guided the House for over two centuries. With each passing generation, a new Head of House emerges, bringing forth their unique talents and unwavering commitment to serve the lineage of Ruinart. This steadfast succession ensures the preservation of the family's legacy, as each successor devotes themselves to upholding the traditions and values that define Ruinart. Their collective efforts have propelled the House to unparalleled heights, solidifying its reputation as a bastion of excellence in the world of champagne. The rosé prestige cuvée of Champagne Ruinart, Dom Ruinart Rosé is a Grand Cru only blend of Dom Ruinart Chardonnay topped off with 15% red wine from the Montagne de Reims. Since the first vintage in 1966, this cuvée is consistently ranked amongst the greatest rosés on the market. The Pinot Noir red wine is sourced from the Grand Cru villages of Sillery and Verzenay and macerated on the skins for nine days before pressing, extracting the pink colour and soft fruit tannins. Blending this red wine into the assemblage gives a rosé with a vibrant, deep coral colour. Dom Ruinart Rosé 2009 is composed of 85% Grand Cru chardonnays, predominantly from the Côte des Blancs (Cramant, Avize, Chouilly, and Mesnil-sur-Oger), the Montagne de Reims (Sillery), and 15% Aÿ Grand Cru pinot noirs. In 2009, hail, rain, and wind disrupted the flowering process but were soon replaced by a dry summer. These summer conditions allowed for the perfect maturation of the grapes until the mid-September harvest. The average sunshine, combined with cool temperatures, enhanced the fruit's aroma while preserving the right acidity sought after by the Maison. Dom Ruinart Rosé 2009 reveals a delicate pink colour with raspberry highlights. The first nose reveal spicy notes of cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger, which mingle with refreshing citrus aromas such as blood orange and kumquat. Second impressions are more floral, unveiling violet and peony complemented by fresh, iodised oyster shell notes. The attack is enveloping and silky with notes of tangy red fruits such as pomegranate and redcurrant. The mid-palate is smooth and saline. Firm and intense, the finish is supported by a delicate bitterness and a fine effervescence. Drink now to 2032+

Moët & Chandon’s vines grow on terroirs in the heart of the Champagne region, characterized by their unique geology and climate. Moët Impérial is the House’s iconic champagne. Created in 1869, it embodies Moët & Chandon’s unique style, a style distinguished by its bright fruitiness, its seductive palate and its elegant maturity. Created from more than 100 different wines, of which 20% to 30% are reserve wines specially selected to enhance its maturity, complexity and constancy, the assemblage reflects the diversity and complementarity of the three grapes varietals, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, and Chardonnay. Moët & Chandon Ice Rose Impérial is the first and only rosé champagne especially created to be enjoyed on ice. A new champagne tasting experience that brings together pleasure, freshness and the free spirit of summer time. The profile of each wine was meticulously chosen for its specific contribution to the assemblage. With a majority of Pinot Noir (45-55%) chosen for both the intensity of the fruit and the structural integration of the dosage, Pinot Meunier (35-45%) to add richness and middle notes of harmony and suppleness, with a small amount of Chardonnay for polished acidity and a refreshing finish. 20% to 30% of especially selected reserve wines round out the assemblage by enhancing its intensity, richness and consistency. Vivid pink with golden highlights and a vibrant, fruity bouquet with scents of fragrant red berries and cherries, nuances of fig and nectarine and an appetizing note of grenadine. The lucious palate combines sweetness and firmness. The sweetness reminiscent of berries disperses and becomes lighter, a harmonious balance of fruitiness and freshness with a deliciously bittersweet note of pink grapefruit to finish.

Incredible value vintage Champagne. Lovely aromas of lime, Apple and brioche. Gentle creamy bead with fine acidity. A long and lingering finish. Since the 17th century, the Baron family owned a vineyard in Charly-sur-Marne, in the west of the Champagne area. In 1961, Gabriel Baron was gifted 1ha of vineyards by his father, on the occasion of his marriage to Dolores Fuente. As a symbol of this union, Gabriel and Dolores founded Baron-Fuente. The first bottles were produced and sold directly from their house. By 1992, they had grown their vineyard holdings to 13 ha, and added a daughter and a son to their family - Sophie and Ignace. Today, Baron-Fuente owns 38 ha of vineyards, and the house is managed by Ignace and Sophie. All of their bottles are stored on slats for a period of between 3 and 7 years before they are disgorged, bringing the deep and varied aromas to each of the cuvees. They disgorge each bottle every three months, which ensures fine mousse and light bubbles. For over 50 years these different phases of production have allowed people in France and in 30 countries around the world, to enjoy Baron-Fuente Champagnes!

The new, revolutionary Mumm Cordon Rosé champagne bottle is the result of the combined dynamism of the Chef de caves and designer Ross Lovegrove who created an optimal oenological shape with a red ribbon indented into the glass in place of a traditional label. To the eye, this champagne is a pale salmon pink with hints of orange. The nose has intense fruit aromas with fresh cherries, redcurrants, and strawberries with an undercurrent of caramel and vanilla. The palate has is dry with hints of summer fruits. A long, savoury finish.

In 1858, Madame Pommery took over as head of Pommery & Greno after the death of her husband. She based the expansion of her House on the creation of wines unlike any others, with one constant demand: quality pushed to the extreme. In matters of taste she was ahead of her time. It was she who created Pommery Nature in 1874, the first brut champagne to meet with commercial success, thereby breaking with the tradition of very sweet wine. A woman in a man’s world, she imprinted her personality on her champagnes. Champagne Pommery Brut Royal is the essence of the Pommery style- finesse, fresh, and liveliness, fresh. Produced with fruit from 40 selected villages in the Côte des Blancs and Montagne de Reims and other areas in the Champagne region where the liveliness and delicacy of the chardonnay grape is enhanced by the climate. This champagne is a plate yellow colour with light green highlights. The nose is delicate but generous, lively, fresh, and fine. The palate small assertive notes of red fruits. A delicate, rich, and rounded wine left lingering in the mouth. A clear taste with no dryness.