The most northern of Suenen’s Oiry parcels, La Cocluette is also home to the domaine’s oldest vines (planted in 1925), a site where the ancient roots bury deep into the dense Campanian chalk (the younger plantings from this site go into the Oiry Blanc de Blancs). Vines of this age are as rare as hens’ teeth in Champagne, and they gift tiny yields of concentrated berries. The land here is largely flat with a somewhat northern exposure. Here the base wine fermented naturally and aged for nine months in one 700-litre concrete egg and one 600-litre Stockinger barrel (the same that is used each year). It then aged sur lies for 60 months in bottle until disgorgement in July 2022, when it was dosed with 3 g/L. Suenen explains that the wines from this vineyard express themselves with great finesse. “The energy brought by this calcium-rich terroir makes the mouthfeel richer through a silky bubble. With time, the finish lengthens on a salivating mineral vibrancy.” Put another way, this is a more intense and complex expression of this region’s naked-chalk terroir than the NV Oiry

Disgorged May 2023. Like this grower’s Latitude, this is 100% Côte des Blancs Chardonnay (the vineyards are in Cramant, Avize, Oger and Vertus), yet the vineyards have thinner topsoils, and so the vine roots plunge straight into the chalky bedrock. The name here refers to the vertical nature of the geographic locations of the vineyards as well as the style of wine resulting from the chalky soils of these sites, i.e. a more linear, mineral wine. While Larmandier’s Latitude is expansive across the palate, the Longitude is all about minerality, line and raciness. William Kelley has called this wine “one of the finest non-vintage bottlings to be found in Champagne”, and the high ratio of reserve wines (40% from their perpetual reserve started in 2004) should leave you with little doubt as to the quality on offer. This bottling is based on the 2018 vintage, with 40% reserve wine drawn from a ‘perpetual’ reserve started in 2004.

The Champagne Bérêche et Fils Grand Cru Cramant (Disg. Jul 2023) 2018 is a delightful expression of the terroir of Champagne, France. Crafted by the renowned winemaker Raphael Bereche, this vintage 2018 is a true testament to his skill and expertise. On the nose, this Champagne reveals aromas of fresh green apples, ripe white peaches, and delicate white flowers, with subtle hints of brioche and toasted almonds. The pale straw color is accented by fine, persistent bubbles, creating a mesmerizing visual display. On the palate, this Grand Cru Cramant offers a perfect balance between freshness and creaminess, with a lively acidity and a smooth, silky texture. Flavors of citrus, apricot, and honey are complemented by a touch of minerality, leading to a long, elegant finish. Overall, the Champagne Bérêche et Fils Grand Cru Cramant (Disg. Jul 2023) 2018 is a stunning example of the quality and complexity that can be achieved in a Champagne. It is a must-try for any wine lover and will surely leave a lasting impression.

The Champagne de Venoge Louis XV Millésime 2014 is a true masterpiece from the renowned Champagne region of France. With a pale golden hue and delicate bubbles dancing in the glass, this vintage 2014 release is a sight to behold. On the nose, aromas of fresh apples, citrus fruits and a hint of brioche entice the senses. On the palate, the bubbles burst into a symphony of flavors, revealing notes of ripe peach, lemon zest and a touch of honey. The texture is smooth and creamy, with a refreshing acidity that balances the rich flavours. This champagne is a true expression of the terroir and the mastery of Champagne de Venoge, making it a perfect choice for any special occasion. Cheers to this exceptional champagne that embodies the essence of France's most famous wine region.

The Champagne Bérêche et Fils Grand Cru Mailly Champagne Blanc de Noirs (Disg. Jul 2023) 2018 is an exquisite offering from esteemed winemaker Raphael Bereche in the Champagne region of France. Crafted from 100% Pinot Noir grapes, this Blanc de Noirs showcases a beautiful pale gold color with delicate bubbles dancing in the glass. On the nose, enticing aromas of ripe red apples, brioche, and hints of toasted almonds greet the senses. The palate is elegant and complex, with flavors of stone fruits, lemon zest, and a touch of minerality leading to a long, crisp finish. This vintage 2018 Champagne is a true representation of the Grand Cru terroir of Mailly and will only continue to improve with age. Enjoy now or cellar for even greater depth and complexity. Salut!

This unique champagne from Henri Abele has a beautiful salmon-pink hue, which opens to powerful red fruit aromas, gradually giving way to spicy notes. Delicate on entry to the palate, the Pinot Noir comes through beautifully, revealing a powerful, robust and supple champagne. The complex, long-lingering finish completes the balance of this outstanding cuve, ideal for those very special occasions.