Aromas of toasty brioche and delicate citrus subtly emerge from the fine beads. Full and crisp flavours of apples with lengthy creamy structure. Fine and subtle.

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.

House of Arras sounds French and it would be easy to mistake this Brut Elite for a NV Champagne. Arras winemaker Ed Carr has spent the last 15 years on a quest to produce a world class sparkling. With this wine, we considered it mission accomplished! Vanilla, nougat and exotic spices on the nose, followed by a palate bursting with lychee, truffle and cinnamon flavours, this is a complex, elegant wine. Australian sparkling has come a long way in the past decade, but this is a wine that really excites us.

Deep crimson purple colour. Ripe plummy, blackberry and spice aromas which are transformed into a generous mouthfilling palate. The contribution of the Durif is subtle, yet evident, giving the wine added depth. Soft finish. A must for the Christmas Table.

Aroma/Palate: Made from the classic Hunter white varieties semillon (70%) and chardonnay (30%). The semillon provides great freshness with its citrus acidity, while the chardonnay lends this wine a wonderful balance and fullness on the palate. Serving Suggestion: Superb as an aperitif or cocktail. Also the perfect accompaniment to fine seafood and oysters. Why else would we call it Neptune? Cheers!