Champagne Wine

Winemaker Description

At the House of Krug, every Krug Vintage celebrates the distinct character of a particular year. A Krug Vintage is a blend of the most expressive wines from a single year enhanced by a stay of over ten years in the cellars. Every Krug Vintage is different: it is the Music of the year, captured by Krug.

Krug 2008 is the elegant and intense story of a cool and balanced year, nicknamed “Classic Beauty” by the House’s Tasting Committee members.

The year 2008 was one of Champagne’s coolest in 14 years, and also one of the region’s least sunny in almost half a century. It was a classic northern climate, one that has not been seen much since. Rainfall was normal, the summer was dry, and temperatures were constant throughout the growing season. This absence of extremes resulted in slow and steady grape maturation. 

▪ An expressive nose that is rich and ample with patinated aromas of honey, liquorice, menthol, orange peel and grapefruit.

▪ Vivacious, intense and harmonious with great tension on the palate, expressing notes of quince, candied fruits and citrus, yellow kiwi, star fruit, honey, apple tart, butter cookies, orange peel, peony and fennel, with floral and menthol undertones. It has a long, balanced and precise finish with astounding structure.

FOOD & WINE PAIRING INSPIRATION:

▪ Krug 2008 is a beautiful match for oyster tartare with a lobster emulsion, parmesan shortbread, pistachio Chaource in pastry sheets, rabbit terrine with sorrel, tagliatelle with mussels and basil, dishes prepared with aromatic herbs like oregano and thyme or whitefish in a lemon and pepper sauce, as well as desserts that contrast vivacity and roundness such as passionfruit and lemon meringue.

Expert Reviews 

Lallier Champagne Brut Réflexion R.021

Experience the refined elegance of Lallier Champagne Brut Réflexion R.021, a premium French champagne that captures the essence of celebration in every bottle. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail in the heart of the Champagne region, this exceptional 750ml bottle delivers a sophisticated tasting experience perfect for special occasions or elevating everyday moments.

Tasting Profile

This exquisite champagne reveals a fresh, light yellow color with golden hues and lively, frothy bubbles. The nose opens with vibrant citrus notes of lime and mandarin, complemented by elegant floral touches and mature hints of brioche and fresh hazelnut. On the palate, experience remarkable purity and freshness with a delicate salty sensation, balanced by the structure of Pinot Noir and the soft roundness of Meunier, finishing with a long, deep conclusion of beautiful aromatic maturity.

Expert Recognition

James Suckling - 92 Points (2021)
"Restrained and citrusy with lemon peel and stone fruit. Slightly toasty with a leafy touch. Quite frothy bubbles with light body, a substantial palate and a crisp finish, precise and youthful."

Perfect Pairings

• Fresh oysters and seafood
• Grilled fish with citrus
• Creamy cheeses
• Light appetizers and canapés

The Lallier Legacy

Lallier Champagne represents a proud tradition of French winemaking excellence, blending time-honored practices with modern techniques. Each bottle reflects a profound respect for terroir and the art of blending, delivering champagne that embodies both quality and character. The Brut Réflexion R.021 showcases the unique lifestyle and culture of the Champagne region, inviting you to savor life's finest moments in style.

Winemaker Description

Produced from a small walled vineyard close to the Lanson winery in Reims, this is a splendid wine. Its richness is balanced by the intense freshness and minerality of the Chardonnay, with apple and citrus flavors that still in the background. Now mature, this wine is ready to drink.

Expert Reviews

Wine Enthusiast 97 Points | Produced from a small walled vineyard close to the Lanson winery in Reims, this is a splendid wine. Its richness is balanced by the intense freshness and minerality of the Chardonnay, with apple and citrus flavors that still in the background. Now mature, this wine is ready to drink.

Wine Advocate 94 Points | Disgorged in July 2016 with only three grams per liter dosage, the 2007 Brut Blanc de Blancs Clos Lanson is showing very well indeed, unwinding in the glass with notes of dried white flowers, citrus oil, toasted brioche, oyster shell and smoke. On the palate, it's medium to full-bodied, deep and vibrant, with a racy spine of acidity, good concentration and chalky structuring extract. This is quite a tightly knit, tensile wine, despite the warm mesoclimate and two years on cork, which suggests it will enjoy a long future.

Vinous 93 Points | Clos Lanson's 2007 Brut Blanc de Blancs is a very pretty, soft Champagne that can be enjoyed with minimal cellaring. Bright citrus and floral notes, along with soft contours, give much of its immediacy and sheer allure. Understated and classy, the 2007 will drink well for a number of years, but it is also remarkably giving and enjoyable today for a relatively young Blanc de Blancs. Although it is not super-complex, the 2007 offers quite a bit of freshness and character. An open bottle was still in great shape when I re-tasted it a few days later. Disgorged: July 2016.

Wine Spectator 93 Points | Fragrant, featuring lime blossom and ground spice notes, this fine and creamy Champagne offers a broad range of lemon parfait, chopped hazelnut, spun honey and dried cherry flavors, underscored by chalky minerality. Elegant and well-knit, with a firm, focused finish. Disgorged July 2016. Drink now through 2030. 665 cases made.

Expert Review

Wine Advocate 96 Points: The 2014 Extra Brut Les Chemins d'Avize Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru is fabulous. Rich, ample and potent, the 2014 possesses tremendous density from start to finish. Apricot, spice, dried flowers, graphite and lemon confit all build in a Champagne of enormous resonance. The pedigree here is evident. Chemins d'Avize is a blend from the Chemin de Plivot and Chemin de Flavigny lieux-dits. It was vinified in neutral oak and bottled with dosage of two grams per liter. Disgorged: June, 2021. 

Expert Reviews 

Audrey Frick writes: (Tasted November 7, 2022) The NV Champagne La Cuvée Brut Rosé is entirely Pinot Noir from 10 crus in the Montagne de Reims. It is forward in the glass with ripe currants, fresh herbs, and smoky perfume. This continues to the palate, with notes of ripe wild raspberry and tangerine, and it has a medium to full-bodied texture that is pure and lightly savory on the finish. Fantastically paired with beef tartar and other richer raw preparations, this is a wonderful and food-friendly expression. Drink 2022-2032.  - Jeb Dunnuck 92

Winemaker Description 

A white gold in color with delicate and persistent bubbles, Grand Siecle No. 26 offers a very complex nose which mixes honeysuckle, lemon, clementine and fresh butter aromas, followed by notes of hazelnut and a touch of honey. The feel in the mouth is very delicate and fresh with candied lemon and fresh hazelnut aromas. The palate is silky and mineral with notes of honeysuckle, flaked almonds and clementine.

It pairs with high quality produce and refined dishes, including shellfish, noble fish and white meats such as Thai style langoustine tartare and fine roasted poultry.

Expert Reviews

100 James Suckling James Suckling's #1 Wine of 2023 |  This is really something. Electric on the palate. The aromas are so complex with sliced fresh and dried ginger, subtle pie crust, tarte tatin and hints of nutmeg with some salted caramel. Toasted bread, too. Always subtle. The palate is full- to medium-bodied yet hemmed-in with a freshness and balance that draws you back. Savory and vibrant. It's full of energy. Spectacular. Fascinating. Symphonic blend of 2012, 2008 and 2007. 65% of the 2012, 25% of the 2008 and 10% of the 2007. Eight grand cru. Chardonnay 58% and 42% pinot noir. Disgorged February 2023. 10 years on the lees. 7g/L dosage.

97 Points Wine Enthusiast | Tautly textured, the Champagne is delicious with a poise between white and citrus fruits along with touches of maturity coming through. Drink this magnificent wine now for its great balance and intensity.

96 Points Decanter | This iteration of Grand Siècle is almost entirely composed of two of Champagne's greatest recent vintages, so expectations are high. The wine more than meets them, tempering the generosity of 2012's fruit – ripe apricots, white peach, clementines and sunny, zesty citrus – with a pitch-perfect streak of 2008 tautness and structure. There are some fleshy, creamy notes of papaya and toasted white sourdough, but everything is as delicately rendered as expected and impeccably shaped, with a sleek, silky mousse. A little more approachable than Itération No. 25, it will welcome extended bottle age rather than demand it. The blend is 58% Chardonnay and 42% Pinot Noir from eight grand cru vineyards. 65% is from the 2012 vintage, 35% from 2008 and 10% from 2007.

96 Points Robert Parker | Unfurling in the glass with scents of crisp nectarine, pear and honeyed citrus fruit that mingle with notions of fresh mint, blanched almonds and iodine, the wine is full-bodied, concentrated and tightly wound, with broad structural shoulders, tangy acids and a long, intense finish. It's a great Grand Siècle in the making.

95 Points Wine Spectator | A graceful Champagne, with flavors of boysenberry and black cherry fruit, toast, blanched almond and grapefruit pith, graphite and fleur de sel gliding across the satiny mousse. Reveals racy acidity that sculpts fine definition, allowing the detailed profile to expand on the palate, while minerally hints of chalk and oyster shell linger on the finish. 

The 2019 is a Vintage Champagne of remarkable balance. Champagne Leclerc Briant Millésime 2019 is grafted with Pinot Noir in equal parts from both Grands Crus villages of Very and Mailly, and with Chardonnay from famous Mesnil-sur-Oger, giving a 100% Grand Cru provenance cuvée. 

96 Jeb Dunnuck &  95 James Suckling Points - The 2019 Champagne Millésime Extra Brut boasts a bright yellow/straw color and delivers intense, precise notes of fresh pear, bright crushed stones, delicate flinty reduction, Meyer lemon, and fresh lemongrass. 

Expert Reviews

Jeb Dunnuck 92 Points | Pouring a bright pale yellow hue, the NV Champagne Reserve Brut is from 2019, with 40% each Pinot Noir and Meunier and 20% Chardonnay. It opens to reveal notes of wet asphalt, ripe white peach, and fresh redcurrant. Medium-bodied and approachable, it has a rounded mid-palate, a chalky and pithy texture with a lively yet fine mousse, and a light note of brûléed grapefruit rind on the finish. It’s an attractive and balanced wine with a clean finish. 

The Wine Spectator 92 Points | A lithe and graceful Champagne, with sleek acidity animating flavors of chopped raspberry, nectarine, preserved lemon and oyster shell. Fine and satiny in texture, offering a persistent, lightly spiced finish. Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay.

The Wine Advocate 90 Points | A blend of 40% Pinot Noir, 40% Pinot Meunier and 20% Chardonnay, the NV Réserve Brut from Champagne Leclerc Briant is showing well today, evoking a lively, fresh bouquet of pear, verbena, lime tree, herbs and menthol. Moderately weighted and tense, it's vinous and energetic with an incisive mid-palate and a mouthwatering, fresh finish. 

Winemaker Description

Leclerc Briant was an early adopter of organic practices beginning in the 1960’s and pioneered the concept of single-vineyard Champagne starting in the 1970’s. Fifth generation vigneron, Pascal Leclerc began to follow biodynamic principles in 1988, with part of the production Demeter certified since 2003.

Expert Review

Wine Advocate 94 Points | The 2018 Les Monts Ferrés Blanc de Blancs derives from vines planted in the eponymous parcel in the 1er cru village of Vertus. It reveals a delicate, fine bouquet with aromas of fresh bread, acacia, spring flowers and ripe orchard fruits. Medium-bodied and perfectly balanced, it’s enveloping and structured with both racy and bright acidity. This is a tension-filled, ethereal Champagne with a dosage of 1.4 grams per liter.

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 Champagne Collection 246 Brut NV 750ml

Discover the elegance of Louis Roederer Champagne Collection 246 Brut NV, the epitome of luxury in a bottle. This harmonious champagne shows impeccable balance with depth and focus, earning outstanding 93-point ratings from Wine Spectator, Vinous, and James Suckling. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail and reflecting the House's 250-year heritage, Collection 246 is positively stellar and absolutely delicious, making it perfect for celebrating special moments or elevating any occasion.

Outstanding Critical Acclaim - 93 Points

Wine Spectator - 93 Points
"A harmonious Champagne that shows impeccable balance, with depth and focus to its flavors of white cherry, Honeycrisp apple, tangerine peel and biscuit, while retaining vibrancy and grace. A chalky underpinning comes to the fore on the creamy finish, joining delicate spice and floral accents. Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Meunier. Drink now through 2030."

Vinous - 93 Points
"The NV Brut Collection 246 is positively stellar. It's a terrific example of where Roederer is going with this cuvée stylistically. Brisk saline notes cut through a core of orchard fruit, mint, white pepper and slate. There are no hard angles or awkward contours... The 246 is impeccably done and absolutely delicious."

James Suckling - 93 Points
"This has pretty and elegant aromas of pears, apple blossoms, grapefruit and chalk. It's silky, fresh and beautifully balanced on the palate, with very soft bubbles."

Louis Roederer Heritage - 250 Years

Each bottle reflects the House's 250-year heritage and commitment to perfection. Louis Roederer is one of Champagne's most prestigious houses, known for exceptional quality and innovation in champagne production.

Collection 246 - Innovative Blend

The 246 is a terrific example of where Roederer is going with this cuvée stylistically. This innovative approach combines traditional champagne-making with modern techniques to create something truly exceptional.

Based on 2021 Vintage

Based on 2021, an extremely tricky vintage for Champagne. Chef de Caves Jean-Baptiste Lécaillon bumped up the percentage of Chardonnay considerably and focused on Pinots from the Montagne de Reims, demonstrating masterful winemaking in challenging conditions.

Jean-Baptiste Lécaillon - Chef de Caves

Under the direction of Chef de Caves Jean-Baptiste Lécaillon, Collection 246 represents the pinnacle of Roederer's non-vintage champagne production. His expertise and vision shine through in every aspect of this wine.

Complex Blend Composition

The final blend is 54% Chardonnay (as opposed to the more typical 44%), 35% Pinot Noir and 11% Meunier. This Chardonnay-forward blend creates exceptional elegance and finesse.

Perpetual Reserve System

The 246 is a blend of 55% base 2021 vintage wines, plus 30% perpetual reserve going back to 2012 (mostly from Cumières, Vertus and Verzy) in tank and 10% young-vine juice from Cristal plots aged in cask. This complex reserve system adds depth and consistency.

Cristal Plot Reserve Wines

Includes 10% young-vine juice from Cristal plots aged in cask. These reserve wines from the legendary Cristal vineyard sites add exceptional quality and character to the blend.

Oak & Tank Fermentation

Twenty-four percent of the wines were fermented in oak, the rest in tank. This combination provides complexity from oak while maintaining freshness from tank fermentation.

Partial Malolactic Fermentation

About 30% of the lots underwent malolactic fermentation to soften the edges. This technique adds creaminess and roundness while preserving the wine's vibrant acidity.

7 Grams Per Liter Dosage

Dosage is 7 grams per liter, creating a balanced brut style that enhances the wine's natural flavors without excessive sweetness.

Tasting Profile

Appearance: Brilliant golden color with persistent fine bubbles
Aroma: White cherry, Honeycrisp apple, tangerine peel, biscuit. Pears, apple blossoms, grapefruit and chalk. Orchard fruit, mint, white pepper and slate
Palate: Harmonious with impeccable balance, depth and focus. Brisk saline notes. Silky, fresh and beautifully balanced with very soft bubbles. Vibrant and graceful. Creamy texture
Finish: Chalky underpinning on the creamy finish, joining delicate spice and floral accents

Impeccable Balance

A harmonious Champagne that shows impeccable balance, with depth and focus to its flavors. There are no hard angles or awkward contours - everything is perfectly integrated.

White Cherry, Apple & Tangerine

Flavors of white cherry, Honeycrisp apple, tangerine peel and biscuit create a complex and inviting flavor profile. These bright fruit notes are complemented by toasty, yeasty complexity.

Brisk Saline Notes

Brisk saline notes cut through a core of orchard fruit, mint, white pepper and slate. This minerality adds freshness and food-friendliness to the champagne.

Vibrancy & Grace

While retaining vibrancy and grace throughout. The wine maintains energy and elegance from first sip to finish, never becoming heavy or tired.

Chalky Minerality

A chalky underpinning comes to the fore on the creamy finish. This mineral character reflects the terroir of Champagne's chalk soils and adds complexity.

Very Soft Bubbles

Silky, fresh and beautifully balanced on the palate, with very soft bubbles. The fine mousse creates a luxurious texture that enhances the drinking experience.

Drink Now Through 2030

Drink now through 2030, according to Wine Spectator. While delicious now, this champagne has the structure and complexity to age gracefully for several years.

Montagne de Reims Pinot Noir

Chef de Caves Jean-Baptiste Lécaillon focused on Pinots from the Montagne de Reims. This prestigious region produces Pinot Noir of exceptional quality and character.

Reserve Wines from 2012-2017

Reserve wine from a perpetual reserve created in 2012, plus reserve wines kept in oak from 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017. This extensive reserve library adds depth and consistency.

Versatile Food Pairing

This champagne pairs beautifully with:

• Seafood and shellfish
• Creamy risottos
• Rich desserts
• Sushi and sashimi
• Soft cheeses
• Light appetizers

Perfect for Celebrations

Ideal for celebrating special moments or simply indulging in a personal treat. Whether hosting a lavish dinner party or enjoying a quiet evening at home, Collection 246 elevates any occasion.

Unmatched Quality & Craftsmanship

The meticulous blending results in a sophisticated flavor that is both complex and harmonious. This champagne is not just a drink; it's a testament to the artistry and dedication found in every bottle.

Winemaker Description

A perfect combination of softness and concentration, matched by a masterful maturity, The 2015 Cristal Brut delivers intense and delicious aromas with a superb energy and a magical vibration.

This is a timeless champagne with a chalky temperament, sustained by its soils, freed from the sunny character of the vintage.The nose begins with hints of yellow fruit, toasted almonds and wheat from the Chardonnay, combined with the juicy red fruit of the Pinot Noir. 

Then comes the great surge of energy from the wine's structure, a vibratory intensity that transforms into a gentle caress, a silky texture interwoven with fine flavors of candied citrus and iodized spices.The vintage's chalky character thus bursts forth in a bracing, vertical effervescence, with an insistent, precise and finely honed freshness.

The finish is underpinned by subtle oaky, sappy and saline notes, which creates the ultimate sensation of delicacy and concentration.Cristal 2015 remains a wine of supreme balance and measure, resonating from the chalky nature of its soils rather than the sunny character of its vintage.

A perfect Cristal, intensely of the 2015 vintage, with enormous ageing potential.

Expert Reviews 

James Suckling 97 Points | The warm and dry vintage this has tremendous freshness and elegance. The complex nose of citrus blossom, mint, lemon and lime zest opens up slowly as this aerates in the glass. The wine’s ample structure is still quite firm, which is a vintage characteristic, the mousse very fine but also very lively for an eight-year-old champagne. Cristal fans will love this as it is, but a year or two more in the bottle will do a lot for the very long mineral finish of this youthful masterpiece. A cuvee of 60% pinot noir and 40% chardonnay, picked from all 45 Cristal vineyard plots. Tasted at the Cristal vertical tasting at the champagne house on July 6th, 2023.

96 Points Wine Spectator | This mouthwatering Champagne has an ethereal quality, with a frame of chiseled acidity and focused precision to the pointillisme-like, vibrant mousse. Yet this shows depth and generous expression, with the finely spun notes of patisserie apple and blackberry fruit opening beautifully on the palate and through the minerally finish, with notes of grated ginger, blood orange granita, salted Marcona almond and anise.

96 Points Jeb Dunnuck | I had the opportunity to taste the 2015 Champagne Cristal twice, both at the house in Reims as well as at my home office. On both occasions, the wine offered a terrific balance of decadence and notable freshness for this vintage, which was highly expressive on opening. The release reveals layered custardy notes of lemon balm, incense, apricot, and hazelnut. Medium to full-bodied, the mousse is fluffy and rounded out beautifully through the palate. Round and approachable, it has a well-managed richness along with underlying savory sapidity and saline to keep this going over the coming three or more decades, with a chalky tannin structure to support it.

95 Points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate | If the 2014 vintage was especially open and demonstrative, the 2015 Cristal is going to require more patience. Unwinding in the glass with aromas of citrus oil, crisp stone fruits, white flowers, crushed mint and subtle hints of buttery pastry, it's medium to full-bodied, deep and layered, with a deep, concentrated and rather introverted core of fruit framed by chalky extract and animated by a pretty pinpoint mousse. This is a serious, vinous Champagne that has considerable substance to age and may well evolve along the lines of the lovely 1985.

95 Points Decanter | An open and inviting nose references cream, oatmeal and Amalfi lemon with the slightest edge of smoke. The palate immediately strikes with a mouthwatering lemon ripeness and a juicy, mouthfilling generosity reminiscent of yellow plum. It stays true to the trademark sleekness of Cristal and speaks of the concentration of 2015. Fine mousse accentuates the fullness and roundness of the wine while the long finish hints at chalky depth which, for now, is dominated by ripe stone fruit and more of that textured, rich notion of oatmeal. Definitely a Cristal to enjoy soon.

• Practicing organic
• 70% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay
• Pinot Noir from Mareuil-sur-Aÿ 1er Cru, Louvois Grand Cru; Chardonnay  from Mareuil-sur-Aÿ 1er Cru
• 50+ year old vines
• Yes malo
• Fermented and aged in stainless steel
• Aged 36 months on the lees
• Dosage: 5.5g/L
• This fresh Spécial Club release is a very expressive wine the moment it hits the glass. Aromas of pastry, white flowers, ripe apple, and apricot make up the complex aroma. A fantastically rich mousse carries balanced notes of citrus peel, white peach, raspberry, toasted brioche, hazelnut, and chalk. The mineral driven finish is long and lingers on the palate, keeping this wine complex. 

Winemaker Description

An elegant golden straw yellow with amber highlights. Its aromas are radiant, revealing bright yellow-fleshed fruits (apple, pear, yellow peach), honey, floral nuances (lime blossom) and elegant blond notes (brioche and fresh nuts). The palate is seductive, richly flavorful and smooth combining generosity and subtlety, fullness and vigor, followed by a delicately fresh crispiness (fruit with seeds), to reveal the magical balance of Champagne. 

Expert Reviews 

93 Points The Somm Journal | When it comes to finesse, this classic—roughly equal parts Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier with a slightly smaller amount of Chardonnay—doesn’t miss: It’s comme il faut from the unending bead onward. Joined by biscuit and almond aromas, ripe golden apple on the nose turns to green on the palate, where citrus—lime, grapefruit, mandarin orange—cycles through high-flying acidity even as luscious pear adds weight and chalk conveys elegance through the finish. 

92 Points Wine Spectator | An elegant version, fine and creamy in texture and backed by lively, orange peel acidity. A streak of smoke-tinged minerality underscores flavors of almond madeleine, poached pear, anise and preserved lemon. Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay. Drink now.

91 Points James Suckling | This is showing aromas of apricots, grapefruit, pears and short crust. Some walnuts, too. Medium-bodied, with soft bubbles and tasty nut and pie crust notes at the end. Blend of pinot noir, meunier and chardonnay. 24 months on the lees.

90 Points Wine Spectator | A hint of smoke wafts through flavors of black currant, lemon-infused pastry cream and crystallized honey in this fresh, well-meshed Champagne, with a touch of Mandarin orange peel and a fine mousse.

Producer Description 

The AntiOx Stopper allows you to enjoy the fresh taste in the opened bottle for up to 10 days.  The built-in activated carbon filter stops the oxidation process and preserved all the organoleptic properties.  It's patented technology is proven scientifically and by the best European Sommeliers.

Winemaker Description 

This has always been the top vineyard at the estate and produces Meuiner with fruit flavors that veer towards exotic hints of mandarin orange, papaya, guava and even litchi, alongside the more typical red-fruit flavors that one might expect from Meunier.

• Practicing organic
• 100% Meunier
• A single site on the top of the hill in Cuisles
• Terroir of green clay and limestone marl
• Yes malo
• Fermented and aged in stainless steel
• Aged 48 months on the lees
• Dosage: 0.5g/L

Winemaker Description

Les Sablonnières comes from a tiny plot (23.64 ares) near the village of Beaunay in the Coteaux du Petit Morin. The parcel has a south-southwestern exposure at 200m planted to pinot noir and pinot noir droit (a small-berried clone prized for its structure) on sandy-clay topsoils, over a chalky subsoil. 2019 was the first time this vineyard was fermented alone and the results are stunning. Les Sablonnières is particularly suited to producing fine pinot noir that is both well-structured and immediately inviting, with a beautiful nose and effortless grace. 

Handed harvested fruit is  taken to a state-of-the-art press house located just five minutes from her vineyards in the village of Vert-Toulon, where they were pressed in a Coquard press with an inclined plate (the latest generation of Coquard). Only the heart, or the coeur de cuvée, of the first pressing is utilized. 90% of primary fermentation occurs in used (5-7 years old) 228L Burgundy oak barrels, and 10% in new barrels, without fining, filtration, or cold stabilization. Malolactic fermentation is natural and spontaneous in the barrel. Wines are naturally stabilized and aged for ten months in the same oak barrels with bâtonnage three times. Aged 36 months in bottle before disgorgement and a dosage of 3g/L from concentrated grape must from her vineyards.

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.

Winemaker Description

Exceptionally fruity! Palmer & Co has created a rosé combining exceptional fruitiness and delicate notes of spice. At the heart of the blend lies a unique Solera of Pinot Noir, a perpetual reserve of several decades reflecting the House’s celebrated expertise. The intense nose is dominated by the energising aroma of wild strawberries with tantalising light notes of red and black currants in the background, overlaying very delicate notes of vanilla and cinnamon spice. Fresh and full-bodied on the palate, it is drawn out in finely tannic, succulent bubbles in the same register of fruity elegance. 

Expert Reviews

Expert Reviews - Base 2019

James Suckling 93 Points | A vibrant, textural and precise blanc de blancs with aromas of dried pears, pastry spices and some warm herbs. Medium-bodied with bright acidity. It’s full of verve and focus, with a mineral core mingling with spices and dried pears. A textured and lingering finish.

The Wine Advocate 91 Points | Disgorged in December 2023 without dosage, Doquet’s NV Blanc de Blancs Arpège untites the flesh and texture of the clayey sites in Vertus with the mineral profile of Le Mont-Aimé and Villeneuve. With two-thirds of reserve wines dating back to 2012 and the remaining 33% from the 2019 vintage, it soars from the glass with scents of jasmine, grapefruit, nectarine and plums. On the palate, it's medium-bodied with a compact and taut profile, elegant mousse, incisive acidity and a long, penetrating finish. Vinified in used oak barrels (one-third) and enameled steel. It’s the most chiseled of the three non-vintage blends.

Memo Summary Notes

Doquet was an early adopter of organic farming (certified since 2010) long before it was trendy. His wines are intellectually satisfying but delicious—marked by sharp acidity, chalky textures, and very low dosage (sugar).

• Style: Crystalline, tension-filled, saline, and complex.

• Best For: Enthusiasts of "terroir" wines and acid-forward styles like Pierre Péters or Larmandier-Bernier.

Elegance in every detail — the Perrier-Jouët Belle Epoque Brut Vintage 2016 embodies the artistry and sophistication that have made Perrier-Jouët one of the most celebrated Champagne houses in the world. Presented in a beautiful gift box with two signature flutes, this set is a timeless expression of style, craftsmanship, and celebration.

Crafted from Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier, the 2016 vintage reveals a harmonious balance of freshness and depth. The palate opens with notes of white blossom, crisp pear, and honeyed citrus, unfolding into subtle layers of brioche and almond. Fine, persistent bubbles and a long, graceful finish make this Champagne an unforgettable experience from the first sip to the last.

Perfect for gifting, special occasions, or elevating your own celebrations — this limited-edition gift set captures the essence of Belle Epoque’s floral elegance and the spirit of true French luxury.

Tastings.com 96 Points: Clear yellow straw color. Minerally, complex aromas and flavors of toasted brioche, lemon curd, apricot tartine, and white raspberry with a creamy, racy, bubbly, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and a tingling, complex, long finish that shows notes of grilled pineapple, toasted almond, orange scone, and heirloom pear with well-integrated tannins and a suggestion of oak flavor. Opulent layers of brioche, lemon curd and pineapple give sumptuous decadence on a palate that is accented with electricity, silky bubbles and refreshing opulence.

Expert Reviews 

The Wine Spectator 92 Points | Oyster shell, smoke and fleur de sel aromas lead on the nose of this mouthwatering Champagne, while the plush, creamy mousse carries flavors of poached quince, tangerine sorbet, candied ginger and brioche. Long and minerally on the well-cut and re- freshing finish. Pinot Noir, Meunier and Chardonnay.

James Suckling 91 Points | A silky Champagne with aromas of apricot pie, shortcrust, croissants, lemon curd and seashells. Very fine, soft bubbles. Gentle salinity underneath the pastry notes, with a soft finish. Drink now.

Memo Summary Notes

The Perrier-Jouët Grand Brut is the signature, non-vintage blend of this prestigious Champagne house, famous for its delicate floral notes and Art Nouveau-inspired bottle design.

Its balanced nature and subtle floral notes make it a phenomenal aperitif, but it also pairs beautifully with lighter, more delicate dishes.

• Seafood: Oysters (a classic pairing), shrimp/prawns, or fish carpaccio.

• Poultry: Oven-fried chicken or braised chicken with lemon and thyme.

• Appetizers: Crisp vegetables, tofu dishes, or delicate pastries.

Expert Reviews

Decanter 94 Points | A distinctly red-berry nose – all red currants and small forest fruit. Red Delicious apple has such a telltale Pinot scent. The palate has pure, bright apple fruit, a lemony verve, and a very delicate mousse backed by gently salty autolysis. Vanilla oak comes through, like the custard on an apple crumble, carrying freshness and flavour until the lingering finish.

The Wine Enthusiast 93 Points | The nonvintage cuvée from this producer, based on the southern slopes of the Montagne de Reims, is beautifully judged. It is rich while also showing great freshness from citrus fruit flavors.

James Suckling 93 Points | Complex and smoky nose with orange blossom, green apple, licorice, chalky minerality and toasted bread. Refined palate with pinprick mousse, crisp acidity and a tight, tense and clean aftertaste. 65% pinot noir, 32% chardonnay and 3% pinot meunier.

Jeb Dunnuck 92 Points | The NV Champagne Reserve Perpetuelle Brut is a bright straw color and is from the 2021 base vintage. Beginning with this release, they have changed the name of this cuvée to better reflect the method of production, which utilizes their perpetual reserve as a key component in the blend, although it’s the same as it’s always been. Made from 66% Pinot Noir, 32% Chardonnay, and the rest Meunier, the nose is inviting and pure, with gorgeous red fruits that shine brightly in this release, and while it has intensity, it’s approachable and pretty, with notes of almond, peaches, red berries, and fresh bread. The mousse is elegant and integrates nicely into the wine.

The Wine Spectator 92 Points | A baseline of chalky minerality supports juicy pear and white cherry fruit, lemon peel and pickled ginger alongside rich accents of crystallized honey and biscuit in this sleek and creamy Champagne. Harmonious and finely knit, with good length through the lightly spiced finish. Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier.

The Wine Advocate 90 Points | Comprising 44% wine from the 2021 vintage and 56% reserve wines held in perpetual reserve, Philipponnat’s NV Réserve Perpétuelle Brut—formerly known as Brut Royale Réserve—opens with an inviting bouquet of ripe peach, red berries, pear and pastry. On the palate, it is medium- to full-bodied, broad-shouldered and textural, delivering a generous, enveloping style energized by racy acidity. While the base vintage is vinified primarily in stainless steel, the reserve wines are stored in oak, and the wine undergoes partial malolactic fermentation. This bottling was disgorged in December 2024 with a dosage of eight grams per liter.

Memo Summary Notes

The Philipponnat Réserve Perpétuelle Brut NV represents a significant rebranding of the house's flagship "Royale Réserve." The new name reflects the "perpetual reserve" (solera) system started in 1946, where older wines are refreshed with younger ones to ensure a consistent, complex house style.

Based primarily on the 2021 vintage (with over 50% reserve wines), this Champagne is a Pinot Noir-heavy powerhouse that emphasizes the "vinous" (wine-like) character typical of the Mareuil-sur-Ay terroir.

This is a "gastronomic" Champagne, meaning it has enough body to handle a full meal:

• Seafood: Scallops in butter sauce, lobster, or even grilled oily fish like mackerel.

• Meats: Excellent with white meats such as roasted poultry or premium charcuterie (Prosciutto di Parma).

• Japanese Cuisine: Its acidity and minerality pair exceptionally well with high-quality sushi and sashimi.

  
  

   

Expert Review

The Wine Advocate by Kristaps Karklins 92 Points | Paillard’s NV Bouzy Grand Cru Les Parcelles XX hails from the 2020 vintage and, in keeping with the tradition, incorporates 20% reserve wines. It embodies the signature blend of 80% Pinot Noir and 20% Chardonnay, sourced exclusively from the sun-drenched, south-facing slopes of Bouzy. The bouquet is expressive, unfolding with aromas of pear, ripe citrus and warm spices, mingling with nuances of toasted bread and orange zest. On the palate, it is medium- to full-bodied, showcasing a livelier, more luminous fruit profile than its predecessor, driven by racy acidity and finishing with a pronounced saline finish. True to the estate’s approach, maturation take place in 350-liter oak barrels, with the final cuvée composed from a mosaic of approximately 25 distinct parcels across Bouzy. The dosage is set at two grams per liter. 

Winemaker Description 

Les Parcelles is a precise expression of Bouzy terroir vinified by the Paillard brothers; the powerful Pinot Noir from south-facing slopes is balanced by the finesse of the chalky subsoil. Produced mainly from the 2020 harvest, with 20% reserve wines, this cuvée is composed of 80% pinot noir and 20% chardonnay. Fermented in oak, it is cellared for three years on lees before disgorgement. Dosage: 2 gr/l. 

Expert Reviews

Decanter Magazine by Simon Field MW writes 93 Points |  Made up, half and half, of base wine from the sunny 2018 harvest, and reserve wine from Rodolphe’s Perpetual Reserve which goes back to 1988, this is one of the most consistently excellent NV wines on the market. Its current iteration is especially impressive, floral, chalky, upstanding, and very complex; the palate sharing notes of dried apricot, plum and lemon pith with more developed intimations of sour honey and patisserie. An exemplary wine with real purity and precision on the finish. 

The Wine Spectator by Alison Napjus writes 91 Points | Sleek and mouthwatering, with a fine, satiny mousse and a fresh panoply of crunchy pear, grapefruit sorbet, pickled ginger and spring blossom notes. Bright and finely knit, with rich hints of toast and mineral echoing on the finish. Disgorged November 2019. Drink now through 2025.

Winemaker Descriptions

Discover the elegance and purity of Pierre Peters Cuvée de Réserve Blanc de Blancs, a non-vintage Champagne crafted exclusively from Chardonnay grapes. This refined Champagne offers delicate aromas of citrus, white flowers, and brioche, with a crisp acidity and a long, elegant finish.

Memo Summary Notes

Produced by Rodolphe Péters, this wine is celebrated for its precision, chalky minerality, and the unique use of a "perpetual reserve" system that dates back to 1988.

Its high acidity and saline finish make it a perfect match for raw oysters, sushi, or creamy risotto.

Expert Reviews

Jeb Dunnuck 91 Points | The NV Champagne Sauvage Brut Rosé is the first wine I tasted that Emilien produced from start to finish. It is elegant and floral, with rose petal, smoky incense, and candied peach. The palate is dry and inviting, with a fine mousse and refreshing acidity and tension. It is a versatile wine to enjoy alone or at the table. Drink 2022-2032.  - Jeb Dunnuck 91

The Wine Advocate | A blend of 50% Pinot Noir (15% red wine), 25% Pinot Meunier and 25% Chardonnay with a dosage of eight grams per liter, Piper-Heidsieck NV Brut Rosé Sauvage has aromas of strawberry, wild strawberry, orange peel and spices. The palate lacks consistency and depth but remains fresh and fruity. 

Expert Reviews 

92 Points Wine Spectator:  A vivacious Champagne, this shows flavors of black cherry, toast point, white peach puree and salted almond set on a finely detailed mousse. Creamy and mouthwatering on the spiced finish. Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay. Drink now.

92 Points Decanter:  Racy nose of real finesse appeals instantly. A well-hewn palate with bright florals and red fruit notes with delicate flavours of honey. Blend : 20% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot Meunier, 50% Pinot Noir

90 Points Wine Enthusiast | The Champagne is 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.

90 Points Wine & Spirits | Clean Champagne, green-gold in color with the flavor of peaches just coming into ripeness, this wine’s cool mineral savor brings to mind grapes sautéed in butter, as in sole Véronique, with which this wine would partner well.

90 Points James Suckling | This has 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. Drink now.

Winemaker Description

The 2008 Rare Rosé is Piper-Heidsieck's second ever prestige cuvée rosé. This extremely premium and rare offering has been 11 years in the making. The legendary eye of Régis Camus saw a rare opportunity in the 2008 champagne vintage, a beautifully complex and eccentric vintage. It is an audacious wine, born of intuition, vision and aspiration – the very definition of Rosé.

Following an attack that is both elegant and generous the velvety texture unfurls to offer minerality and subtlety. Initially, the exuberant vitality of dark fruits and citrus is followed by vibrancy, smoky notes of star anise and violets. 

Expert Reviews 

Wine Spectator 97 Points | A vibrant Champagne, ballet-slipper pink in color, featuring intense flavors of nectarine, ripe raspberry, grilled nut, espresso and graphite, with a touch of dried sage, all riding the finely detailed mousse. Like a ballerina, this offers power in a graceful form. A beautiful skein of spice unravels on the lasting finish. Drink now through 2033.

Jeb Dunnuck 98 Points | The 2008 Champagne Rare Rosé is straight-up sensational. Only the second time they’ve produced this cuvée, it offers a deep, full-bodied, powerful yet chiseled and laser-focused style carrying loads of wild strawberry fruit as well as notes of orange blossom, spice, and crushed rocks. Backward, austere, yet simply loaded with potential, it needs a solid 4-5 years of bottle age and will drink brilliantly for two decades or more. 

Winemaker Description

The Pommery Brut Royal shows a pale yellow color with light green accents. On the nose, it is vivacious and cheerful, fresh, easy, fine, delicate, and open. It has notes of citrus and white flowers combined with small berry notes. Elegant and vibrant in the mouth, it opens with initial notes of berries. 

The wine is round, ample, and delicate, with a nice finish. Clear end notes without any dryness. This wine is harmonious and never grows tiresome to the palate.

Enjoy it at any time of day or night.

Expert Reviews

Lettie Teague writes:  Champagne Pommery Brut Royal  - Although I’m generally not big on glossy Champagne boxes, the groovy Pommery package with its paisley design was pretty eye-catching; happily, the wine inside was good too. A lithesome, compulsively drinkable dry sparkler with notes of citrus and pear and a long minerally finish, the non-vintage wine is a blend of three main Champagne grapes—Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier—in equal amounts.  Corporate-owned Pommery Champagne claims to have introduced the first successful dry “Brut” style Champagne to the world in 1874—it’s certainly a style they do well. A terrific aperitif.  - Wall St. Journal, Dec. 16-17, 2023

James Suckling writes:  Peach, lemon, grapefruit, biscuit and some honey on the nose. Creamy and round with a juicy, peachy and lightly off-dry palate. Sleek bubbles. One third each of chardonnay, pinot noir and pinot meunier. Base vintage 2018. 9-10g/L dosage. Drink now.  - James Suckling 92

Simon Field MW, Tim Hall, Anne Krebiehl MW write:  Seductive nose of verbena, plum and summer flowers. Lovely shortbread depth and buttery richness on the palate with impressive finish.  Drinking 2020 -2025.  - Decanter 92

Winemaker Description

Created as a tribute to Louise Pommery, Cuvée Louise is an absolutely pure wine which quintessentially conveys the wine-making expertise of the Pommery champagne house. 

The wine has a yellow, slightly golden color with an exceptional brightness and limpidity. The effervescence is fine and delicate.

This 2005 is marked by floral notes in all their complexity. Owing to the long aging, notes of linden, hawthorn and vineyard peach. With its high purity, the bouquet is delicately blended with buttery notes. After aeration, the Pinot Noir expresses itself and the wine gains aromas of roasted hazelnuts and mild tobacco.

This wine is like a caress, its texture is velvety and creamy. The attack is frank, without asperity and imbalance. With incredible harmony and minerality, the heart of the tasting is intensive and structured. The finale, with the gentleness of honey and lemon, comes to punctuate this wine and provides the vintage with signature delicate flavor, noble bitterness and structure.

Expert Reviews

97 Points James Suckling | Grilled bread with flowers, pears and apples. Lots of perfumes. Lavender and some herbs and nutmeg. The palate is tight and solid with fine phenolics and a long, intense finish. Pure and extremely linear and lively. Sophisticated and thought-provoking.

92 Points Wine Spectator | A fresh and lacy Champagne, with a pleasing, creamy range of golden apple, blanched almond and lemon pound cake underscored by a streak of minerally saline and brine.

92 Points Wine & Spirits | A ghost of chardonnays past, this tastes like white grapefruit without the acidity, as if a grapefruit could age past its acidity and still remain fresh. From three estate parcels— chardonnay from Avize and Cramant, pinot noir from Aÿ—this is an elegant Champagne at a peak moment of maturity, flinty and airy with a deep leesy savor.