PROPHET'S ROCK WINES Cuvee aux Antipodes Blanc, Central Otago

DOMAINE HENRI MAGNIEN 1er Cru La Coutiere, Aloxe-Corton

DOMAINE MICHELE & PATRICE RION Vielles Vignes, Chambolle-Musigny

DOMAINE MICHELE & PATRICE RION Vieilles Vignes, Nuits-St-Georges

The Philipponnat family has owned and run its Champagne house in the heart of the wine-growing areas of Aÿ, Mareuil-sur-Aÿ and Averney for over 500 years. A family of vignerons, winemakers and merchants since the 16th century, they famously supplied their wines to Louis XIV, the Sun King. The houses 20 hectares of vines are Grand and Premier Cru, ensuring quality and intensity in the wines. First press juice from exclusively Premier and Grand Cru plots. 100% Pinot Noir from the Montagne de Reims and our vineyards in Mareuil-sur-Ay and Avenay-Val-dOr makeup this exquisite wine. Aged for five to seven years to develop maximum complexity and to highlight the secondary and tertiary aromas which are the hallmark of extended ageing on lees. Bright, pink gold in colour, with persistent and generous mousse.Luscious and fruit-driven with notes of pastry with fresh pear, almond and cinnamon.The palate is creamy and round with notes of praline, caramel and apricot jam. The finish is fresh with spicy hints of cinnamon and clove. A sunny wine, very representative of the year. Extra brut dosage (4.25 g/litre)

Very bright colour; monolithic in proportion with more of everything, handled with great control; dark plum, bright cherry, allspice, game and charry oak intermingle for a heady mix of aromas; the palate relays this conviction with real depth and power on entry, and lightness returns as the flavours cascade from start to finish; needs much time, but will richly reward patience.