Sparkling

67Wine Somm Series Cava 67 Guarda Brut — Penèdes, Catalonia | NV

The 67Wine Somm Series is our team’s curated selection of wines that over-deliver at every price point — and this Cava is a perfect example of what that means. Sourced from the Penèdes region of Catalonia and made using the Méthode Traditionnelle with the three traditional Cava grapes — Xarel·lo, Macabeo, and Parellada — the 67 Guarda Brut is aged a full year in the cellar after disgorgement, developing a complexity and finesse that punches well above its price. “Guarda” designates extended aging, and at under $14, this is one of the most compelling values in all of Spanish sparkling wine. The kind of bottle you open on a Tuesday and feel like you’re celebrating.

Pale gold with fine, persistent bubbles. The nose is fresh and enticing: white peach, brioche, white cranberry, and fresh citrus. On the palate, it is medium-bodied, crisp, and clean, with a delicate lively mousse and a refreshingly dry, elegant finish of real finesse.

Oscar Garcia Moncada, Wine Buyer, 67Wine — “A Cava of genuine character and finesse at an outstanding price. Fresh and enticing on the nose with aromas of white peach, brioche, and white cranberry. Medium-bodied with fine, persistent bubbles. The finish is refreshingly dry and clean.”

• Producer: 67Wine Somm Series, Penèdes, Catalonia, Spain
• Curated by: Oscar Garcia Moncada, Wine Buyer, 67Wine
• Appellation: D.O. Cava — Guarda (extended aging)
• Blend: Xarel·lo, Macabeo, Parellada
• Method: Méthode Traditionnelle — 1 year aged post-disgorgement
• Style: Brut NV
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: White peach, brioche, white cranberry, citrus, fine persistent bubbles, dry elegant finish
• Best Paired With: Oysters, shrimp cocktail, fried calamari, sushi, jamón ibérico, soft cheeses, patatas bravas

A 67Wine house Cava of genuine finesse at an honest price — the Somm Series Guarda Brut is the benchmark for what everyday Spanish sparkling can be.

67Wine Somm Series Cava 67 Rosé Brut — Penèdes, Catalonia, Spain

The 67Wine Somm Series is a project created by our in-house buyer and sommelier, Oscar Garcia Moncada — a meticulously curated collection of high-quality, value-driven wines selected to represent the best of what the wine world has to offer at an accessible price. Each label in the series features artwork inspired by iconic New York City neighborhoods and landmarks, bringing together the worlds of wine, art, and the city we call home. The Cava 67 Rosé Brut is Oscar's sparkling rosé selection: a 100% Garnacha Cava made using the Traditional Method and aged one year in the cellar after disgorgement — a wine of genuine character, freshness, and personality that punches well above its price.

The color is pale transparent pink. The nose offers a bouquet of wild raspberries, cranberries, and tangerine peel — fresh, vibrant, and inviting. On the palate, it is crisp and lively with a red-fruited, spiced tinge and a refreshingly dry finish. Elegant, food-friendly, and endlessly versatile — equally at home as an aperitivo or at the table.

"Pale transparent pink hues. On the nose, a bouquet of wild raspberries, cranberries, and tangerine peel. Crisp and lively on the palate with a red-fruited, spiced tinge. Refreshingly dry finish. Pair with a lovely fruit tart — go against the grain." — Oscar Garcia Moncada, 67Wine Somm

• Producer: 67Wine Somm Series, curated by Oscar Garcia Moncada
• Region: Penèdes, Catalonia, Spain
• Appellation: Cava DO
• Varietal: 100% Garnacha
• Method: Traditional Method (Mètode Tradicional)
• Aging: 1 year in cellar post-disgorgement
• Style: Brut Rosé
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Wild raspberry, cranberry, tangerine peel, crisp acidity, red-fruited spiced tinge, dry finish
• Drink: Now
• Best Paired With: Fruit tarts, strawberry desserts, charcuterie, soft cheeses, grilled salmon, aperitivo

Oscar's pick for sparkling rosé — the 67Wine Somm Series Cava Rosé is crisp, vibrant, and made for any occasion.

Pascal Agrapart is one of Champagne's most revered grower-producers, farming his family's vineyards in Avize with a quiet, uncompromising dedication to terroir. Certified organic, working with natural yeasts, and bottling without fining or filtration, Agrapart represents the intellectual and artisanal pinnacle of the Côte des Blancs — a producer whose wines are sought by collectors and sommeliers worldwide.

The Agrapart & Fils Champagne Les 7 Crus Extra Brut NV Organic (Base 2023) 750ml is a Blanc de Blancs assemblage drawing on têtes de cuvée from seven premier and grand cru terroirs across Avize, Oger, Cramant, and Oiry. Fermented with natural yeasts, aged 32–44 months sur lie, with 25% of the wine matured in older 600L casks for added texture and complexity. Bottled unfiltered with a minimal dosage of just 5 g/L and SO2 at 50 mg/L — a wine of precision, integrity, and remarkable depth.

Creamy and flavorful yet precise and vertical, with an array of citrus, chalk, and white flower that carries through to a long, mineral finish. A benchmark expression of organic Champagne craftsmanship.

Winemaking Details

• 100% Chardonnay — Blanc de Blancs
• Terroirs: Avize, Oger, Cramant & Oiry (7 premier & grand crus)
• Natural yeast fermentation; 100% malolactic
• 25% aged in older 600L casks; remainder in tank
• Aged sur lie 32–44 months; manual riddling
• Bottled unfiltered; dosage 5 g/L; SO2 50 mg/L
• Certified organic | Base vintage: 2023
• 750ml

Winemaker Description

For its 170th anniversary, Maison Besserat de Bellefon gave its cellar master, Cédric Thibault, the freedom to imagine an exceptional cuvée expressing the best of his style. Perfect for special occasions, this extraordinary champagne will pair perfectly with lobster or haddock.

Expert Review

Wine Enthusiast 93 Points | This limited-edition wine is a blend of grand cru Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Aged for 10 years in bottle, it is a steely, structured wine that brings sophistication to the white fruits and lively acidity. Drink now.  

Bollinger Special Cuvée Brut NV — Aÿ, Champagne, France

Bollinger is one of Champagne's most storied and revered houses — a family-owned Grande Marque founded in 1829 in Aÿ, at the heart of the Pinot Noir-dominant Montagne de Reims. Fiercely independent, resolutely traditional, and uncompromising in quality, Bollinger is the only major Champagne house to still ferment a portion of its reserve wines in magnum and to use a significant proportion of oak-aged reserve wines in its blends. The Special Cuvée is the house's flagship non-vintage Brut — a benchmark of the Bollinger style and one of the most consistently celebrated Champagnes in the world. The current release is based on the 2019 vintage (45%), blended with 55% reserve wines, with 60% Pinot Noir, 25% Chardonnay, and 15% Pinot Meunier — approximately 10% vinified in oak barrel, with around 40% reserve wine kept in magnums.

The color is a rich, youthful golden hue. The nose is classic and complex: golden apricot, hazelnut, wet stone, black cherry, dried apple, marzipan, and toasty sourdough — the unmistakable Bollinger signature of depth, richness, and biscuity autolytic character. On the palate, it is full-bodied yet elegant and light on its feet, with a ripe and luxurious feel, racy acidity, and a pillowy, refined mousse. Savoury, biscuity notes carry through to a long, inviting finish with just a hint of warmth. Exceptional now, with plenty of life ahead.

Decanter 95 — "A classic Champagne done well. Notes of marzipan, toastiness and leesy sourdough. Classic for a reason — would only elevate any table it finds itself on."

Jancis Robinson 17/20 — "A particularly stunning rendition of Bollinger. Very fine texture, remarkably fine mousse. Savoury, biscuity notes. Great length — a lovely example."

Jeb Dunnuck 93 — "Classic and ripe with lush, rounded aromas of golden apricot, hazelnut, wet stone and black cherry. Full-bodied yet elegant. One of the best entry wines to the range from this house — a benchmark wine."

James Suckling 93 — "Lovely density and fine-bubble texture. Dried apple and apricot, spice, zest and ginger. Always really well done."

Robert Parker 92 — "Bursting from the glass with honeyed apples, crisp stone fruit, buttery pastry, ripe lemons and fresh walnuts. Charming, characterful — Special Cuvée is firmly back where it belongs."

• Producer: Bollinger, Aÿ, Champagne, France
• Style: Non-Vintage Brut Champagne
• Blend: 60% Pinot Noir, 25% Chardonnay, 15% Pinot Meunier
• Reserve Wine: 55% (including ~40% aged in magnum)
• Base Vintage: 2019
• Oak: ~10% vinified in barrel
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Golden apricot, hazelnut, wet stone, black cherry, dried apple, marzipan, sourdough, pillowy mousse, long finish
• Drink: Now through 2028
• Best Paired With: Oysters, lobster, grilled fish, roast chicken, aged Comté, charcuterie, aperitivo

James Bond's Champagne of choice — Bollinger Special Cuvée is the benchmark non-vintage Brut, and one of the great Champagnes at any price.

Winemaker Description

Francesc Ricart Brut is a cava made following its Traditional Method in the most representative area of the DO Cava, which is the region of Penedes and Sant Sadurní d´Anoia.

Expressing aromas of toast, honeycomb, sourdough and nougat. Elegant sparkling wine with an intense flavour of the local varieties and fine texture. Citrus peel and hint of forest floor flavours are supported by the toasted bread. 

A careful selection of the best Xarel-lo, Macabeo and Perellada local varieties and a meticulous winemaking process -the second fermentation and the subsequent ageing take place in the bottle- are the basis of this cava. This cava respects the essence of a traditional brut and it is a fresh and easy-drinking wine.

Gruet Brut Gold Label — New Mexico, USA

The story of Gruet is one of the great surprises in American wine. In 1984, the Gruet family of Champagne, France — already celebrated producers in the heart of the world’s most famous sparkling wine region — planted vineyards at 4,300 feet elevation in the New Mexico desert. What they discovered was a high-altitude terroir of remarkable character: cool nights, intense sun, and volcanic soils that produce grapes of exceptional natural acidity and finesse. The Gold Label Brut is their flagship cuvée: a Pinot Noir and Chardonnay blend crafted in the traditional méthode champenoise, with fine persistent bubbles, elegant brioche notes, and a crisp, refreshing finish that rivals sparkling wines at twice the price. Decanter awarded it 90 points. At $16.99, it is one of the most exciting values in American sparkling wine.

The nose is elegant and inviting: meringue, hints of lavender, and a whisper of molten candle wax. On the palate, fresh-cut apple flesh, wild honey, and quince come forward with brisk, satisfying acidity and a clean, persistent finish. Fine bubbles carry the wine from start to finish with real Champagne-house precision.

Decanter 90 — "Meringue, hints of lavender with notes of molten candle wax on the nose. The palate brings out the fruitiness of fresh cut apple flesh, wild honey, and quince. Brisk and satisfying."

• Producer: Gruet Winery, New Mexico, USA
• Style: Brut Sparkling Wine
• Blend: Pinot Noir & Chardonnay
• Method: Traditional Méthode Champenoise
• Elevation: 4,300 feet
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Meringue, lavender, apple, wild honey, quince, brioche, fine persistent bubbles
• Best Paired With: Oysters, shrimp cocktail, sushi, soft cheeses, charcuterie, fried chicken, smoked salmon, brunch

A Champagne family’s New Mexico masterpiece — Gruet’s Gold Label Brut is the benchmark for what American sparkling wine can be at this price.

Winemaker Description

Its traditional production makes Vocation Champagne a Blanc de Noirs to enjoy on any occasion and turn it into a memorable moment.

The Champagne region is synonymous with excellence, hard work and continuous work to continue offering recognized world-class wines and bubbles. Our vocation and respect for nature, as well as our lives, manage to create the best fruit which is the basis and structure for our final offering.

Vocation is the living representation of what has been our home for centuries and radiates our values ​​as a family by making and respecting the traditional way of making champagne, the precious liquid.

Lanson Champagne Père & Fils Brut — Champagne NV

Founded in 1760, Lanson is one of Champagne’s most storied and consistent houses — and the Père & Fils Brut is its definitive expression. Crafted by chef de cave Hervé Dantan from 50% Pinot Noir, 35% Chardonnay, and 15% Meunier sourced from 100 villages across the region, with 30% reserve wines spanning 10 vintages back to 1995, this is a non-vintage Champagne of remarkable depth, consistency, and integrity. Four years on the lees — well above the minimum — adds richness, complexity, and a fine toasty character that sets it apart from the crowd. Decanter calls it “one of the best and most consistent of the bargain set.” At this price, it is hard to argue.

The nose is fresh and inviting: green apple, pear, pie crust, and a touch of toast from extended lees aging. On the palate, it is ripe and well-balanced — Pinot Noir’s weight and red fruit character is lifted by Chardonnay’s precision and fine bubbles, with a crisp, dry finish of real elegance. Already drinking beautifully, with the structure to reward short-term cellaring.

Decanter 92 — “A class act and a resounding statement of talent. One of the best and most consistent of the bargain set.”
Wine Enthusiast 92 — “Back on form, giving a ripe style dominated by Pinot Noir. Fine balance between the fruits and touches of toast from four years on the lees.”
James Suckling 92 — “A fresh, balanced palate with green apples, pie crust and pears. Fine bubbles and a crisp, dry finish.”

• Producer: Lanson, Reims, Champagne, France
• Founded: 1760
• Vintage: Non-Vintage
• Appellation: Champagne AOC
• Blend: 50% Pinot Noir, 35% Chardonnay, 15% Meunier
• Sources: 100 villages across Champagne
• Reserve Wines: 30% across 10 vintages
• Aging: 4 years on the lees
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Green apple, pear, pie crust, red fruit, toast, fine bubbles, crisp dry finish
• Best Paired With: Oysters, smoked salmon, grilled fish, soft cheeses, charcuterie, light appetizers

Founded in 1760, scoring 92 across the board, and priced for every occasion — Lanson Père & Fils is the Champagne house that history and critics agree on.

Winemaker Description

An open-knit nose of wild plum, almond and orange with underlying notes of salted bread. On the palate, the wine shows considerable body and a complex array of flavors including lemongrass, peppermint and quince. As the wine breathes scents of orange blossom and honeysuckle come to the fore and mingle with the soft, spicy accents of cumin and nutmeg.

Louis Roederer · Collection 246 · Brut NV · Champagne · France

Louis Roederer is among the last great family-owned Champagne houses, and Collection 246 is its non-vintage flagship — a wine of uncommon ambition and transparency. Based on the 2021 base vintage, Chef de Caves Jean-Baptiste Lécaillon made a bold call: bumping Chardonnay to 54% (vs. the typical 44%) to navigate a challenging year, blending in 35% Pinot Noir from the Montagne de Reims and 11% Meunier. The blend draws on 55% base 2021 wines, 30% perpetual reserve stretching back to 2012, and 10% young-vine juice from Cristal plots aged in cask — a Cristal pedigree at a fraction of the price. Triple 93 points from Wine Spectator, Vinous, and James Suckling.

The Collection 246 opens with white cherry, Honeycrisp apple, tangerine peel, and biscuit — precise and inviting. On the palate, brisk saline notes cut through a core of orchard fruit, mint, white pepper, and slate. The mousse is silky and soft, the finish creamy and chalky with delicate spice and floral accents. Harmonious, impeccably balanced, and built to drink beautifully now through 2030.

Expert Reviews

“A harmonious Champagne with impeccable balance, depth and focus. White cherry, Honeycrisp apple, tangerine peel and biscuit, retaining vibrancy and grace. Chalky underpinning on the creamy finish with delicate spice and floral accents. Drink now through 2030.”
— Wine Spectator · 93 Points

“Positively stellar. Brisk saline notes cut through a core of orchard fruit, mint, white pepper and slate. No hard angles or awkward contours — impeccably done and absolutely delicious.”
— Vinous · 93 Points

“Pretty and elegant aromas of pears, apple blossoms, grapefruit and chalk. Silky, fresh and beautifully balanced with very soft bubbles.”
— James Suckling · 93 Points

• Producer: Louis Roederer, Reims, Champagne, France
• Cuvée: Collection 246 (base vintage 2021)
• Blend: 54% Chardonnay, 35% Pinot Noir, 11% Meunier
• Reserve: 30% perpetual reserve (back to 2012) + 10% Cristal-plot cask-aged juice
• Vinification: 24% fermented in oak; ~30% malolactic fermentation
• Dosage: 7 g/L Brut
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: White cherry, Honeycrisp apple, tangerine peel, biscuit, orchard fruit, mint, white pepper, slate, chalky finish
• Pairings: Oysters, sushi, lobster, creamy risotto, Brie, Chaource
• Drink: Now through 2030

WS:93 · V:93 · JS:93 · Champagne — Cristal reserve wines, Chardonnay-forward precision, and triple 93-point acclaim from one of the great family houses.

Miguel Torres Estelado País Brut Rosé — Traditional Method, Valle del Maule, Chile

Miguel Torres Chile is one of South America's most pioneering wine estates, and Estelado is their most historically significant project: a sparkling rosé made entirely from País — the ancient grape brought to Chile by Spanish missionaries in the 16th century and long dismissed as a workhorse variety. Torres recognized what others overlooked: that old-vine País, farmed in the granite and clay soils of the Valle del Maule, has the acidity, freshness, and character to make a genuinely compelling traditional-method sparkling wine. Estelado is the proof. It is a wine of heritage, purpose, and genuine originality — a Brut Rosé that stands apart from anything else in the sparkling world.

The color is a delicate pale rosé with fine, persistent bubbles that rise in an elegant stream. The nose is fresh and inviting: red berries, citrus fruit, wild strawberry, and a subtle floral lift — characteristic of the ancestral País varietal. On the palate, the wine is fresh, lively, and genuine — crisp acidity, a light, airy mousse, and a clean, fruit-forward finish that is as easy to drink as it is interesting to think about.

“Pale rosé color, with fine and persistent bubbles. Hints of red and citrus fruits dominate on the nose. On the palate, fresh, lively, and genuine, characteristic of the ancestral País varietal.” — Winemaker’s Notes

• Producer: Miguel Torres Chile, Valle del Maule, Chile
• Appellation: Valle del Maule, Chile
• Varietal: 100% País
• Method: Traditional Method (Méthode Traditionnelle)
• Style: Brut Rosé Sparkling
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Red berries, wild strawberry, citrus, floral lift, fine persistent bubbles, crisp finish
• Best Paired With: Oysters, ceviche, light seafood, charcuterie, soft cheeses, aperitivo

A traditional-method Brut Rosé from Chile’s most ancient grape — Miguel Torres Estelado is the benchmark for what old-vine País, farmed in Valle del Maule, can deliver in a glass of sparkling wine.

Critical Acclaim

• Wine Enthusiast – 90 Points | “Fresh and vibrant, this classic Prosecco is exactly what we are all looking for: freshness, fun and fruitiness. Ample apple and lemon notes with a touch of white flower define the nose. These lead to a zippy palate that directly translates from the nose with loads of fresh apples and a touch of minerality.”

Tasting Notes

Fresh and vibrant with aromas of green apple, lemon, and white flower. The palate is zippy and fruit-forward, with loads of crisp apple, a touch of minerality, and a clean, refreshing finish. Everything a great Prosecco should be.

About the Wine

Mionetto is one of the most celebrated Prosecco houses in the Veneto, with over 130 years of history in the region. The Prestige Collection — instantly recognizable by its iconic orange label — is the benchmark expression of the range: a Prosecco DOC Treviso Brut made from Glera grapes grown in the hills around Treviso. Consistent, crowd-pleasing, and endlessly versatile.

Serving

Serve well chilled at 6–8°C. Perfect as an aperitivo, for celebrations, or anytime a glass of something bright and joyful is called for.

Food Pairing

Excellent with antipasti, prosciutto, light seafood, sushi, fresh cheeses, and fruit-based desserts.

Product Details

• Appellation: Prosecco DOC Treviso, Veneto, Italy
• Varietal: Glera
• Style: Brut Sparkling
• Format: 750ml
• Producer: Mionetto

Winemaker Description

Champagne Palmer & Co concentrates its vineyard holdings in the Montagne de Reims: in the grand cru villages of Mailly and Verzenay and the premier cru villages of Trépail and Villers-Marmery. While they also have holdings in the Marne Valley, the Côte de Sézanne and the Côte des Bar, their prestige cuvée Grands Terroirs, channels those north- and north-east-facing slopes with power and precision.

The 2015 vintage is blended from 50% Pinot Noir, 38% Chardonnay and 12% Pinot Meunier, sourced from Mailly and Verzenay as well as Trépail, Villers-Marmery, Ludes, Chigny-les-Roses and Rilly-la-Montagne. Palmer & Co refers to the vintage as “exceptional” because it combined high temperatures and little rainfall – spelling little disease pressure and even ripening. Sunny days and cool nights in August, they say, allowed for “perfect” ripening.

The nose, subtle and charming, opens with notes of orange blossom and acacia, mixed with notes of yellow fruits, then it evolves towards lovely and delicately spiced aromas of fried pineapple and tonka bean. The palate is characterized by freshness, with citrus fruits sublimating the notes of brioche and dried fruits. Its creamy texture stretches deliciously into a persistent finish. 

Expert Reviews

92 Points Wine & Spirits | Markedly youthful in its smoky reduction, this wine sees its sulfur blow off quickly, leaving a flinty scent and an impression of clarity. It’s bright with pretty scents of black tea and herbs, firmed up by strong acidity.

92 Points James Suckling | A chalky and mineral Champagne with aromas of blanched almonds, chalk, seashells, biscuits, lemon pith and dried apples. Creamy mousse. Dry and bright, with a rounded finish. Drink now or hold.

Parés Baltà Brut Nature Cava Organic — Penedès, Spain NV

Parés Baltà is one of Catalónia's most respected organic estates, farming biodynamically in the Penedès with a deep commitment to indigenous varieties and traditional methods. Their Brut Nature Cava is made exclusively from the classic Cava trio — Xarel·lo, Parellada, and Macabeu — with an emphasis on Xarel·lo, the most characterful and site-expressive of the three. Produced via the traditional method with zero dosage, this is a bone-dry, gastronomic sparkling wine of genuine precision and integrity — the kind of Cava that earns its place alongside Champagne at the table.

The wine pours a pale gold with fine, persistent bubbles. The nose is fresh and inviting — green apple, citrus fruit, and a subtle brioche note from the lees aging. On the palate, it's medium-bodied with a crisp, enticing mouthfeel, superb fine bubbles, and a clean, refreshing, bone-dry finish. Excellent as an aperitif, and a natural match for crema catalana — the local cousin of crème brûlée — a pairing that showcases the wine's precision beautifully.

"This might have been a classic Cava, if all Cavas were farmed organically and made with as much care. Instead, it stands out — fresh, lively and dry." — Eric Asimov, The New York Times

• Producer: Parés Baltà, Penedès, Cataluña, Spain
• Style: Brut Nature Cava (zero dosage)
• Appellation: Cava DO
• Blend: Xarel·lo, Parellada, Macabeu
• Method: Traditional method, certified organic
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Green apple, citrus, brioche, fine bubbles, bone-dry finish
• Best Paired With: Aperitif, oysters, grilled fish, crema catalana, light tapas

Organic, zero-dosage Cava from one of Penedès' most committed estates — NYT-endorsed, traditionally made, and priced for every celebration.

Piper-Héidsieck Champagne Brut NV — Half Bottle (375ml)

Founded in 1785, Piper-Héidsieck is one of Champagne’s most storied and celebrated houses — a name synonymous with elegance, festivity, and the art of the blend. With a history of dressing Hollywood royalty and gracing the world’s most celebrated tables, Piper-Héidsieck has long stood for a bold, fruit-forward style that is instantly recognizable and endlessly appealing. The Brut NV is the house’s signature expression: a classic, well-structured Champagne that showcases the Piper style at its most vibrant.

Crafted from fruit sourced across more than 100 of Champagne’s crus, the blend is led by Pinot Noir for structure, complemented by Pinot Meunier for fleshy fruit expression, and Chardonnay for elegance and acidity. Precious reserve wines ensure a consistent, recognizable flavor profile year after year. Now available in a convenient 375ml half-bottle — perfect for a solo celebration, a romantic dinner, or a gift.

Pale gold with a festive shimmer and lively, precise bubbles. The nose offers almond, fresh hazelnut, croissant, dried lemon, and apricot. The palate is lively and balanced — fresh pear, apple, pomelo, and juicy white fruits — with a creamy mousse, bright acidity, and a smooth, rounded finish.

Wine Enthusiast — 90 Points

“Balanced between a soft Brut character and crisper lemon flavors. That balance gives a fine wine, open and easy, but with a fine bite of acidity at the end.”

Wine & Spirits — 90 Points 

“A clean Champagne, green-gold in color with the flavor of peaches just coming into ripeness. Its cool mineral savor brings to mind grapes sautéed in butter.”

James Suckling — 90 Points

“Attractive aromas of croissants, sourdough, dried lemons, apricots, figs and walnuts. Soft and balanced on the palate, with a medium body, creamy mousse and a dry, rounded finish.”

Blend: Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, Chardonnay
Appellation: Champagne AOC, France
Style: Brut NV
Format: 375ml (Half Bottle)
Scores: 90 pts WE | 90 pts W&S | 90 pts JS

Expert Review - Vintage 2008

97 Points Wine Spectator:  Like a stallion out of the gate, this shows an initial explosion of power, in the form of mouthwatering flavors and fine texture, before quickly settling into an elegant gait. The racy acidity is seamlessly knit, buoying the lacy mousse and flavors of cassis, toasted brioche and tangerine, with accents of candied ginger, hazelnut and fleur de sel lingering on the long, creamy finish. Drink now through 2035.

96 Points Wine Enthusiast:  The new release of this producer's prestige cuvée comes in its usual beautifully sculpted bottle. The Champagne, from a great vintage in the region, is just approaching maturity still showing minerality from the high amount of Chardonnay in the blend. Nutty flavors are creeping in, keeping the great texture adding complexity. Drink this very fine wine now although it will also age further.

96 Points Decanter: Rare Champagne boasts an illustrious past, with its first vintage having been presented to Marie Antoinette in 1785. The wine is produced in very limited quantities and is restricted to exceptional years, with only 11 vintages being declared over the past four decades of production. 70% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot Noir from selected grand cru vineyards. Simon Field MW: Gentle bead, lovely evolved notes of hazelnut, even a hint of praline, enrobed and ennobled by firm acidity and a persuasive finish. Alan Bednarski: Great, pure wine with still-fresh zesty flavours, delicate palate and sweet yeast notes, with a long flavourful finish of ripe melon. Tim Hall: A challenging, pressing start, wanting to overwhelm with shimmering and sharp attack, but shows intensity on the palate to match. Lovely lemon-apple notes and tempered texture.

96 Points Jeb Dunnuck: The 2008 Champagne Rare is luxurious with aromas of graham cracker, honeysuckle, quince, and orange zest. It is round and opulent, with a fine and pillowy mousse, and retains freshness throughout, with apricot and yellow flowers. It is impressive and long, and fully luxurious. Drinking well now, it is sure to hold its own for years to come. Drink 2022-2044.

93 Points Wine Advocate:  The newly released 2008 Brut Cuvée Rare is very promising, unwinding in the glass with a youthfully reserved nose of citrus oil, crisp green apple, freshly baked bread, iodine and oyster shell, as well as some rather herbaceous characteristics that depress my score a little, even if I suspect that they will resolve with a bit more bottle age. Medium to full-bodied, incisive and tightly wound, if the 2006 vintage was gourmand and demonstrative, the 2008 is slower to show all its cards. Built around racy acids and complemented by a pillowy mousse, this rendition of Cuvée Rare will reward a few years more on cork.

Pommery Brut Royal — Champagne NV

Pommery holds a singular place in Champagne history: in 1874, the house introduced the world’s first successful Brut Champagne — a revolutionary departure from the sweet styles that dominated the era. The Brut Royal is the direct heir to that legacy, a perfectly balanced assemblage of equal thirds Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier that has defined the house style for 150 years. Based on the 2018 vintage with reserve wines blended for consistency and complexity, this is a Champagne of vivacity, elegance, and effortless drinkability — earning 92 points from both James Suckling and Decanter.

The color is pale yellow with light green accents. The nose is vivacious and fresh: citrus, white flowers, small berries, verbena, plum, and summer flowers, with lovely shortbread depth. On the palate, it is elegant and vibrant — round and ample, with peach, lemon, grapefruit, biscuit, and honey, sleek bubbles, and a harmonious, minerally finish that never tires. A lithesome, compulsively drinkable Champagne.

James Suckling 92 — “Peach, lemon, grapefruit, biscuit and some honey on the nose. Creamy and round with a juicy, peachy palate. Sleek bubbles.”

Decanter 92 — “Seductive nose of verbena, plum and summer flowers. Lovely shortbread depth and buttery richness on the palate with impressive finish.”

Wall Street Journal (Lettie Teague) — “A lithesome, compulsively drinkable dry sparkler with notes of citrus and pear and a long minerally finish. A terrific aperitif.”

• Producer: Pommery, Reims, Champagne, France
• Founded: 1836 (first Brut Champagne: 1874)
• Vintage: Non-Vintage (base vintage 2018)
• Appellation: Champagne AOC
• Blend: ⅓ Chardonnay, ⅓ Pinot Noir, ⅓ Pinot Meunier
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Citrus, white flowers, peach, lemon, grapefruit, biscuit, honey, verbena, plum, sleek bubbles, minerally finish
• Best Paired With: Oysters, smoked salmon, sushi, soft cheeses, light appetizers; exceptional as an apéritif

The house that invented Brut Champagne in 1874 — Pommery’s Royal is 150 years of perfection in every glass.

Roederer Estate · Brut NV · Anderson Valley · California

Roederer Estate is the California outpost of Louis Roederer — the legendary Champagne house behind Cristal — and it has long been not only one of California’s biggest sparkling wine producers, but one of its very best. Planted in the cool, fog-influenced Anderson Valley of Mendocino County, the estate grows Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in terroir that produces wines of genuine freshness and elegance. The Brut NV is a blend of 60% Chardonnay and 40% Pinot Noir, aged two years on the lees, with a significant portion of oak-aged reserve wine adding richness and complexity. Dosage: 7.5 g/L. Rated 94 points by Decanter, 93 by Wine Spectator, and named #2 Wine Spectator Top Ten Value of 2024.

The Estate Brut opens with aromas of baked apple, pie crust, toasted cashews, almonds, and biscuit with flinty touches. On the palate, it is medium to full-bodied — rounded and creamy with bright lemony character, seashell minerality, and a long, mineral-driven finish. More herbal and textural than Champagne, with a good Champagne’s freshness and elegance. As the New York Times put it: “It doesn’t taste like Champagne. It’s more herbal, less mineral, but it’s got a good Champagne’s freshness and elegance.”

Expert Reviews

“First overall in the sparkling category. Louis Roederer’s outpost in California’s cool Anderson Valley is a stylistic chip off the old block. Rich, weighty mouthful of creamy bubbles. Lots of baked apple and toasted cashews here.”
— Michaela Morris, Decanter · 94 Points

“Aromas of pie crust with hints of nuts and cooked apple. Some butter cookie. Medium to full body with notes of seashell, cooked apple and lemon rind. A blend of 60% Chardonnay and 40% Pinot Noir. Two years on the lees.”
— James Suckling · 93 Points

“Scented of sour lemon, almonds and biscuits with flinty touches. The medium-bodied palate is rounded and creamy with bright, lemony character and a long, mineral-driven finish.”
— Erin Brooks, Wine Advocate · 92 Points

• Producer: Roederer Estate (Louis Roederer), Anderson Valley, California
• Style: Brut NV Sparkling
• Appellation: Anderson Valley, Mendocino County, California
• Blend: 60% Chardonnay, 40% Pinot Noir
• Base Vintage: 2019 | Lees Aging: 2 years
• Dosage: 7.5 g/L
• Accolades: #2 Wine Spectator Top Ten Value of 2024
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Baked apple, pie crust, toasted cashews, almonds, lemon, seashell minerality, creamy mousse
• Pairings: Oysters, sushi, fried chicken, soft cheeses, charcuterie, seafood pasta, aperitivo

D:94 · JS:93 · WA:92 · #2 WS Top Ten Value 2024 — Anderson Valley sparkling from the house of Cristal. Creamy, mineral, and built to over-deliver.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2019

Vinous 92 Points Eric Guido | More savory than sweet and wonderfully complex, the 2019 Brut Rosé North Coast bursts from the glass with toasty notes of fresh baguette and almonds, giving way to crushed apples and gingery spice. This rushes the palate with an elegant bead of silken bubbles. It is creamy yet energetic, and mineral-tinged orchard fruits add further tension. The 2019 leaves the senses wonderfully refreshed through the long, crunchy finale, as white strawberry and spice cookie notes fade. The Brut Rosé is a pleasure bomb, yet it’s wonderfully balanced throughout.  Drinking 2023 to 2027.    

Wine Spectator 92 Points | A delicate, graceful rosé, with refined strawberry, fresh ginger and yeast roll tones that glide on the supple finish. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Drink now.  

Winemaker Description

Traditional blend of the 3 Champagne grape varieties from several harvests.  Made up of approximately 60% Pinot Noir, 20% Pinot Meunier and 20% Chardonnay for the white wine. A Pinot Meunier-based red wine is added.
 
The salmon-colored rose enhances the sparkling foam.  The generous bouquet evolves towards notes of raspberry and redcurrant. The mouth develops into a taste of fleshy cherry.

Taittinger La Française Brut Champagne NV — Half Bottle (375ml)

Taittinger is one of Champagne’s most distinguished and family-owned houses, founded in 1734 and still guided by the Taittinger family today. Known for a Chardonnay-driven house style of exceptional elegance and finesse, Taittinger has long been a benchmark for what great non-vintage Champagne can be. La Française Brut is the house’s signature expression — a blend of some 30 Chardonnay and Pinot Noir vineyards across multiple harvests, crafted to showcase the purity, freshness, and precision that define the Taittinger style.

The blend is 40% Chardonnay and 60% Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, aged three to four years on the lees for exceptional depth and complexity. Bright and lively, with aromas of fresh apple, lemon, and minerals. The palate is crisp, precise, and Chardonnay-driven — racy, elegant, and totally charming — with white pepper and a clean, saline finish. Long and memorable. Now available in a convenient 375ml half-bottle.

Tasting Panel — 95 points

“Bright and lively, this is one of my favorite non-vintage Bruts. Crisp and balanced, with smooth, exuberant, Chardonnay-driven style; racy, elegant, and totally charming; long and memorable.”

James Suckling — 92 points

“A dry, fresh and delicious Taittinger with aromas and flavors of apples, fresh lemons and minerals. Full-bodied. Precise. White pepper and salt at the end.”

Food Pairings

Oysters, caviar, smoked salmon, sushi, soft cheeses, and light appetizers. Perfect as an aperitif or a solo celebration.

Blend: 40% Chardonnay, 35% Pinot Noir, 25% Pinot Meunier
Appellation: Champagne AOC, France
Style: Brut NV, aged 3–4 years on lees
Format: 375ml (Half Bottle)
Scores: 95 points Tasting Panel | 92 points James Suckling

Winemaker Description

Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label is the signature champagne of the House. Dominated by Pinot Noir, it offers the perfect balance of structure and finesse. Golden-yellow in color, with a foaming necklace of tiny bubbles. It is pleasing to the nose; initially reminiscent of yellow and white fruits, then of vanilla and later brioche. Note the fine balance between the fruity aromas coming from the grape varieties and the toasty notes, the result of the three years of bottle aging. The first sip delivers all the freshness and strength so typical of Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label with a symphony of fruit following (pear, lemon). It is a true member of the Brut family, well-structured, admirably vinous.

Expert Reviews

James Suckling 92 Points | This has aromas of grapefruit, citrus peel, quince, toast and almonds. It’s medium-bodied with creamy, fine tannins. Silky texture. Nutty complexity at the end.

Decanter 91 Points | Noticeable fruit intensity and fresh notes of red fruits, fresh blueberries and a small amount of quince. Interesting and quite demanding. Blend : 55% Pinot Noir, 15% Pinot Meunier, 30% Chardonnay.

Wine Spectator 90 Points | A crisp and lacy Champagne, with a hint of smoke underscoring flavors of poached apricot, pastry cream and pickled ginger. An overtone of Mandarin orange peel ties it all together.

Winemaker Description

Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label is the signature champagne of the House. Dominated by Pinot Noir, it offers the perfect balance of structure and finesse. Golden-yellow in color, with a foaming necklace of tiny bubbles. It is pleasing to the nose; initially reminiscent of yellow and white fruits, then of vanilla and later brioche. Note the fine balance between the fruity aromas coming from the grape varieties and the toasty notes, the result of the three years of bottle aging. The first sip delivers all the freshness and strength so typical of Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label with a symphony of fruit following (pear, lemon). It is a true member of the Brut family, well-structured, admirably vinous.

Expert Reviews

James Suckling 91 | This has aromas of grapefruit, pomegranates, and biscuits. It's honeyed and sleek with a medium body and supple bubbles. Soft and creamy finish. Majority Pinot Noir, with Chardonnay and Meunier. Around 40% reserve wines.

Decanter 91 | The nose offers yeasty bready aromas topped with fresh citrus, hints of stone fruit and strawberry tart. A palate of fresh croissants, red berries, green apple and lively lemon citrus, with lovely creaminess to the bright finish. A blend of 50% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay, 20% Pinot Meunier. Up to 45% reserve wines. Drinking 2024 to 2030.

Wine Spectator 90 | This harmonious Champagne boasts a bright streak of tangerine peel–infused acidity, with flavors of ripe green apple, pastry cream and biscuit, plus accents of crystallized honey and candied ginger, all set on the lacy mousse. Drink now.

Jeb Dunnuck 89 | A golden straw hue, ripe with aromas of yeasty bread dough, peaches, and fresh flowers. Medium-bodied on the palate, ripe and juicy with rounded red berried fruit, a supple texture, a pillowy mousse, and a warming finish. Fresh and inviting. Drinking 2023 to 2026.

Product Details

Bottle Size: 750ml
Vintage: NV (Non-Vintage)
Region: Champagne, France
Appellation: Champagne AOC
Grape Varieties: Pinot Noir (50%), Chardonnay (30%), Pinot Meunier (20%)
Style: Brut Champagne
Aging: 3 years on the lees