Billecart-Salmon Le Clos Saint Hilaire Brut The name Billecart-Salmon comes from the joining of two families by the marriage of Nicolas François Billecart and Elisabeth Salmon. "The mark of Billecart is made not by the heavy foot?all of concentration, power and presence, but rather by the fairy touch of delicacy and crystal/clear fidelity."- Tyson Stelzer, The Champagne Guide. From a 1 hectare clos in Mareuil-sur-Aÿ; planted exclusively to pinot noir since 1964; yielding a minuscule 4045hL/hectare, less than one bottle per vine; harvested in two passes at full ripeness; two cuvées vinified in situ; fully fermented in oak; zero dosage; just 35007500 bottles, only made in top vintages.

Krug Grande Cuvée is born from the dream of one man, Joseph Krug, to craft the very best Champagne he could offer, every single year, regardless of annual variations in climate. Since 1843, the House of Krug has honoured this vision with each new Édition of Krug Grande Cuvée: the most generous expression of Champagne. Krug Grande Cuvée is re-created every year, beyond the notion of vintage and is a blend of over 120 individual wines from more than 10 different years. The fullness or flavours and aromas achieved by this careful art of blending would be impossible to express with the wines of a single year. This bottle of Krug Grande Cuvée 169th Edition is a blend of 146 wines, from eleven different years, the youngest dating from 2013 and the oldest from 2000. The bottles have rested for approximately seven years in the cellar, thus gaining expression and elegance. . Each glass is the result of more than 20 years of know-how. Krug Grande Cuvée 169ème Édition was created around the 2013 harvest. The season began with an endless winter, followed by a cool and rainy spring. Fortunately, the summer was warm and sunny, although marked by hailstorms which damaged the vines. The wines of the year are as complete as they are expressive, and full of aromas. To create this Edition, the Cellar Master wanted to accentuate the roundness and elegance of the aromas of 2013 with wines from different plots and ten other years. The particular attention paid to the vine and the respect for the unique character of each plot have made it possible to reveal all the expressiveness of this Edition of Krug Grande Cuvée. Reserve wines from Krug's vast library make up 40% of the final blend, lending the essential breadth and roundness to each Edition of Krug Grande Cuvée. This bottle of Krug Grande Cuvée is composed of Pinot Noir (43%), Chardonnay (35%) and Meunier (22%).

Dom Pérignon celebrates the spirit of artistry and legacy with its Vintage 2015 Special Edition, paying tribute to Jean-Michel Basquiat—a visionary artist who transformed cultural landscapes with his powerful work. This exclusive three-pack set offers an immersive experience, with each box and label featuring a distinct section of Basquiat’s seminal painting, In Italian (1983). Displayed together, the coffrets reveal the full artwork, creating a collectible piece that bridges the worlds of fine champagne and modern art. Basquiat’s work mirrors Dom Pérignon’s pursuit of excellence in expression and assemblage, where each vintage becomes a canvas for innovation and tradition. The 2015 release shines with finesse, depth, and tactile elegance, embodying the Maison's commitment to capturing the essence of each harvest year. This is a rare opportunity to experience three individual pieces of an extraordinary masterpiece. The artwork. Created in 1983, ‘In Italian’ is a tumultuous spectacle of fragmented imagery, layered text, and a palette of frenzied colours. The work confronts viewers with themes of race, power, and the human condition, establishing a dialogue that crosses generational and gender boundaries. Basquiat’s propensity for presenting harsh truths within a chaotic structure mirrors the modern experience, making it a universally relatable piece.' - Medium.com The wine. 2015 was a year of exceptional contrasts, this release stands out with its soothing strength and striking tactile presence during tasting. Experience a complex aromatic flavour profile combining intense roasted and cocoa notes, balanced by delicate floral aromas of lime blossom, jasmine and peony. Notes of peach, nectarine, citrus and gentian create a harmonious blend, giving the wine a rich texture and a diverse aromatic palate. This is a blend of 51% Pinot Noir and 49% Chardonnay with a dosage of 4.5 grams per litre; it will age wonderfully and can be enjoyed now or over the next 20 years. Maker: In 1668, Dom Pierre Pérignon was appointed procurator at the Abbey of Hautvillers. For 47 years, he worked to make the “best wine in the world”. Three centuries later, the Maison Dom Pérignon perpetuates this creative ambition through the constantly renewed quest for harmony as a source of emotion. All creative processes have their constraints. Dom Pérignon’s constraint is the vintage: an ambition to bear witness to the harvest of a single year, whatever the challenges may be, even if it means choosing not to declare the vintage. Dom Pérignon is always an assemblage, forming the foundation of the Dom Pérignon style. It is guided by timeless principles that have always taken precedence over winemaking techniques and their evolution. Time is also part of the equation for Dom Pérignon. During the time of active maturation on the lees, in the darkness of the cellars, the aesthetic and sensory values of each vintage are played out: precision, intensity, touch, minerality, and complexity. Dom Pierre Pérignon's legacy has often been misconceived, overshadowed by myths of inventing Champagne, and even unfounded rumours of blindness. However, what remains true beyond doubt is his extraordinary hard work and dedication to crafting the finest wine in the world. His innovations were groundbreaking. He developed the gentle 'coquard' press, which enabled him to produce clear, still white wine from black grapes. Pérignon also understood the unique challenges of Champagne's marginal climate, pioneering the art of blending grapes from different vineyards to create a more complete and balanced wine. His use of stronger verre anglais ('English glass') bottles, designed to withstand pressure, and the reintroduction of cork as a reliable closure were crucial advancements in winemaking. Through his tireless efforts, Pérignon laid the groundwork for the Champagne and the modern wine world. Jean-Michel Basquiat A creative force of the 1980s New York art scene, Jean-Michel Basquiat broke boundaries with his compelling, raw style that fused vibrant colors, symbolic motifs, and potent social commentary. Basquiat’s artwork speaks to themes of identity, power, and resilience, inviting audiences to explore a vivid blend of personal and cultural reflection. His crown motif—a prominent feature in this collaboration with Dom Pérignon—embodies a reclaiming of identity and self-expression, making it a fitting symbol for this special edition, which merges Basquiat’s artistic legacy with Dom Pérignon’s storied heritage. Nose Spicy, Refreshing, Complex On the first approach, vibrant aromas of apricot, floral honey, and creamy fudge unfold into deeper notes of clove and freshly baked croissant. Hints of pear drop, blood orange, and vanilla enrich the bouquet with layers of complexity. Palate Lush, Layered, Balanced The palate opens with lush flavours of tropical fruits and toasted oak, balanced by warm baking spices. Toffee apple and lime sorbet add a refreshing lift, harmonising with subtle mineral undertones for an exquisitely balanced profile. Finish Long, Floral, Elegant The finish is luxuriously long, with lingering vanilla cream, floral nuances, and a touch of exotic spice, leaving a final impression of elegance and freshness. The 2015 Dom Pérignon is terrific. Bright and poised, the 2015 shows terrific energy. Citrus peel, white flowers, mint, white pepper and slate all race across the palate. There's gorgeous tension and backbone here, with bright saline notes that extend the mid-palate and finish. This is a fine showing in a vintage that has proven to be tricky. I am intrigued to see how the 2015 develops in the coming years. 2025-2045. - Antonio Galloni (03/2024), Vinous, 96 Points. Disgorged in January 2023, the 2015 Dom Pérignon shows a singular, ethereal profile with aromas of white pepper, iodine, ripe orchard fruits, toast, smoke, herbs and spices. Medium to full-bodied, layered, and structured, it’s enveloping and round with a delicate phenolic mid-palate that underlines chalky dry extracts, concluding with a sapid, penetrating finish with gastronomic bitterness. This iteration of Dom Pérignon, though replete with the customary charm and vinous generosity that typify the label, distinguishes itself by its structural delicate austerity and a notably phenolic profile, giving rise to a remarkably linear and well-defined style that diverges markedly from the more familiar expressions of Dom Pérignon. - Yohan Castaing (05/2024), Wine Advocate, 95 Points. Remarkably pale at this early stage in the glass, the nose hits Dom Pérignon's classic gunsmoke and flint notes together with sweet and bright citrus. Packed with silky ripe fruits on both nose and palate, this is approachable now. Notes of fresh mint and fresh bread dough add to the layers on the palate, which has a creamy mousse but well-defined and vibrant acidity. Chalky in texture on the finish, this is ready to drink but will doubtless evolve well in bottle for over a decade. - Thomas Parker MW (07/2024), 94 Points.

A 1st Growth of the highest order, Château Margaux is one of the original 1st growths classified in the Médoc and is arguably the most important of the region. Producing only some 33,000 cases of predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon, Margaux consistently produces wines that are among the finest examples of the vintage. 2009 is regarded as one of the finest in recent memory in the region and 'normal' wines form the Margaux appellation are being heralded as truly exceptional. One can only speculate how magnificent the Château Margaux will be in 15-20 years time, if one can be patient enough!