Champagne (Type: Sparkling)

Champagne Geoffroy · Empreinte Millésime 2018 · Blanc de Noirs Extra Brut

Geoffroy Empreinte 2018 is a pure expression of Pinot Noir from Cumières Premier Cru in the Vallée de la Marne. Sourced from three midslope plots, this vintage Blanc de Noirs combines depth and richness with a lively, fresh palate, making it a Champagne with a place at the dinner table as well as the opening toast.

Producer & Terroir

The Geoffroy family’s roots in Cumières date to the 17th century, with vineyards passed from generation to generation. Roger and Julienne Geoffroy began producing their own bottles in the early 1950s. Jean-Baptiste joined the estate at the end of the 1980s, and in 2008 he and his wife Karine moved the winemaking and commercial operations to Aÿ.

Empreinte is fermented and aged in demi-muids and barrels, without malolactic fermentation. A further 66 months on the lees adds depth, while a dosage of 3 g/L completes its Extra Brut style.

Producer Tasting Note

Champagne Geoffroy: On the nose, a complex bouquet of aromas of red fruit, baked apple and hints of dried fruit. Airy, lively and nervous on the palate. With its balance of richness and freshness, this Champagne stands out. It has the depth and complexity to accompany a gourmet meal. A fine match for roast poultry or mature cheeses.

Serving & Pairing Suggestions

Serve chilled with roast poultry or mature cheeses, as recommended by the producer. Its balance of richness and freshness makes it a thoughtful choice for a gourmet meal.

Wine Details

• Producer: Champagne Geoffroy
• Cuvée: Empreinte Millésime
• Vintage: 2018
• Origin: Cumières Premier Cru, Vallée de la Marne, Champagne, France
• Grape: 100% Pinot Noir
• Style: Blanc de Noirs Extra Brut
• Vineyards: Three midslope plots
• Fermentation and aging: Demi-muids and barrels
• Malolactic fermentation: None
• Lees aging: 66 months
• Dosage: 3 g/L
• Bottle size: 750ml

A food-friendly vintage Champagne that pairs Pinot Noir depth with freshness.

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

Lallier Brut Réflexion R.021 — Aüy-en-Champagne, France

The Brut Réflexion R.021 is the signature non-vintage cuvée of Lallier — a grower-focused Champagne house based in Aüy-en-Champagne, one of the appellation's most prized Grand Cru villages. Blended from Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Meunier, the R.021 is built on the house's philosophy of precision and transparency: each release is numbered to reflect the blend year, and each bottle is crafted to express the purity of the terroir rather than the weight of oak or dosage. James Suckling awarded it 92 points. Restrained, citrusy, and beautifully precise.

The nose opens with vibrant lime and mandarin, lifted by elegant floral touches and mature hints of brioche and fresh hazelnut. On the palate, the mousse is frothy and light-bodied with remarkable purity and freshness — a delicate salty sensation balanced by the structure of Pinot Noir and the soft roundness of Meunier. The finish is long, deep, and aromatic, with a youthful crispness that rewards both immediate drinking and short-term cellaring.

“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.” — James Suckling, 92 Points (2021)

• Producer: Lallier, Aüy-en-Champagne, France
• Release: R.021 (Non-Vintage)
• Appellation: Champagne AOC — Grand Cru
• Blend: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Meunier
• Style: Brut
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Lime, mandarin, brioche, hazelnut, floral, salty minerality, crisp finish
• Best Paired With: Oysters, grilled fish, soft cheeses, charcuterie, or as a refined aperitif

A 92-point Grand Cru Champagne built on precision and terroir — Lallier's Brut Réflexion is the benchmark for what grower-focused, non-vintage Champagne can be.

Gaston Chiquet | Tradition | Premier Cru Brut | Vallée de la Marne, Champagne | NV

Wine Spectator: 90 Points — Vibrant and balanced, with flavors of nectarine, candied orange peel, slivered almond and oyster shell set on a lacy texture. Fragrant hints of white blossoms and lemon thyme show on the finish. #86 Wine Spectator Top 100 Wines of 2022.

Jeb Dunnuck: 90 Points — Golden yellow hue, packed with yeasty aromas of fresh bread dough, golden peach, chamomile and ginger. A youthful and fluffy mousse fills the palate, leaning toward a full-bodied style, with a rich texture, well-balanced mid-palate and a broad-shouldered finish.

The Wine Advocate: 90 Points — An inviting bouquet of crisp yellow orchard fruit, fresh peach, honeycomb, Meyer lemon and warm biscuits. Medium to full-bodied, fleshy and charming, with a youthfully frothy but refined mousse, a succulent core of fruit and ripe but racy balancing acidity. Already drinking well.

Gaston Chiquet is one of Champagne’s most storied grower-producers. In 1919, brothers Fernand and Gaston Chiquet became pioneers among the region’s independent growers by producing and selling Champagne from their own fruit — a tradition now carried forward by eighth-generation Nicolas Chiquet from the Premier Cru village of Dizy in the Vallée de la Marne. Tradition is the house’s flagship non-vintage Brut, a classic three-grape blend that has defined the Chiquet style for generations and earned a place on Wine Spectator’s Top 100 list.

The blend is led by Pinot Noir, with Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay, drawn entirely from Premier Cru vineyards in Dizy, Hautvillers, Mareuil-sur-Ay and Ay. The vines are rooted in clay and limestone soils over the region’s underlying chalk. Grapes are harvested by hand and vinified entirely in stainless steel, preserving the purity of fruit and the character of each vineyard site. Malolactic fermentation is completed in full. Following secondary fermentation in bottle, Tradition spends more than 48 months aging on its lees, developing a fine, persistent mousse and layers of fresh bread, biscuit and toasted nut complexity. Finished at a dosage of approximately 6 grams per liter.

Golden yellow in the glass, the wine opens with aromas of dried apricot, golden peach, fresh citrus and a hint of honeycomb, followed by warm biscuit, chamomile and ginger. The palate is lively and richly textured — nectarine, candied orange peel, white peach and slivered almond are carried by a lacy mousse and bright, racy acidity through a long, fragrant finish of white blossoms and lemon thyme.

Serve well chilled at 46–50°F. Pairs beautifully with oysters, shrimp, smoked salmon, sushi, roast chicken, pork, charcuterie, fried appetizers, mushroom dishes and moderately aged cheeses.

• Producer: Gaston Chiquet
• Cuvée: Tradition
• Classification: Premier Cru Brut
• Appellation: Champagne, France
• Region: Vallée de la Marne
• Villages: Dizy, Hautvillers, Mareuil-sur-Ay and Ay
• Grape Varieties: Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, Chardonnay
• Farming: Sustainable
• Soils: Clay and limestone over chalk
• Vinification: Stainless steel
• Malolactic Fermentation: Yes
• Lees Aging: 48+ months
• Dosage: ~6 g/L
• Bottle Size: 750ml

As a non-vintage Champagne, base vintages, reserve wine proportions, dosage, lees aging period and disgorgement dates may vary by release. Critic ratings may apply to different disgorgements of the same cuvée.

Gosset · Grande Réserve Brut NV · Champagne AOC · France

Gosset is the oldest wine house in Champagne — established in Aÿ in 1584, when Pierre Gosset, alderman and winegrower, founded the house that bears his name. Nearly five centuries of Champagne-making later, Gosset remains one of the region’s most distinctive producers: a house defined by richness, Pinot Noir texture, extended cellaring, and an unwavering commitment to the Grande Réserve style. The NV Grande Réserve is the house’s signature Champagne — a blend of 45% Chardonnay, 45% Pinot Noir, and 10% Meunier from premier villages including Aÿ, Bouzy, Ambonnay, and Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, aged a minimum of four years in the cellar before disgorgement, then rested a further six months to assimilate the dosage (8 g/L). Rated 94 points by Decanter and 93 by Wine Spectator.

Luminous golden hue with a fine, persistent mousse. The nose opens with fresh lemon meringue pie, yellow apple, Mirabelle plum, and white peach, deepening with warmth into honeyed, toasted notes. On the palate, a spine of chiseled acidity structures a vivid, creamy texture — Asian pear, baked pineapple, lemon curd, toasted brioche, and roasted almond, with a minerally underpinning of smoke, brine, and wet stone. Elegant, long, and absolutely fresh from first bubble to finish.

Expert Reviews

“Elegance, length and absolute freshness are inherent and quietly convincing. Beautifully subtle autolysis on the palate, deepening into notes of creamy apple crumble, Golden Delicious and Mirabelle plum.”
— Decanter · 94 Points

“A spine of chiseled acidity structures this vivid, creamy Champagne, which has a minerally underpinning of smoke and brine and flavors of Asian pear, baked pineapple, lemon curd, toasted brioche and roasted almond.”
— Wine Spectator · 93 Points

“Pure and inviting aromas of white peach, fresh flowers, and wet stone. A fresh pillowy mousse and a delicate saline finish — a wonderful calling card for the freshness of the house style.”
— Jeb Dunnuck · 92 Points

“Lemon tart, spiced apples, almonds and pastries. Fresh, lively and very precise, with fine bubbles and a light, chalky undertone.”
— James Suckling · 92 Points

• Producer: Gosset, Aÿ, Champagne, France (est. 1584 — oldest wine house in Champagne)
• Style: Brut NV Champagne
• Blend: 45% Chardonnay, 45% Pinot Noir, 10% Meunier
• Base Vintage: 2018 | Cellaring: 4+ years minimum
• Dosage: 8 g/L
• Villages: Aÿ, Bouzy, Ambonnay, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Villers-Marmery
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Lemon meringue, Mirabelle plum, Asian pear, brioche, roasted almond, smoke, brine, chiseled acidity
• Pairings: Grilled fish, lobster, oysters, scallops, soft cheeses, aperitif

D:94 · WS:93 · JD:92 · JS:92 · Champagne AOC — the oldest wine house in Champagne, since 1584. Rich, creamy, and built for the long haul.

Pierre Paillard Les Parcelles Extra Brut Grand Cru — Bouzy NV

Pierre Paillard’s Les Parcelles is the definitive expression of Bouzy Grand Cru — a mosaic cuvée assembled from approximately 25 distinct parcels across the village’s sun-drenched, south-facing slopes. The blend is 80% Pinot Noir and 20% Chardonnay, based on the 2020 harvest with 20% reserve wines, and it captures everything that makes Bouzy one of Champagne’s most celebrated Grand Cru villages: power, structure, and a chalky subsoil that keeps the wine focused and precise. Fermented in 350-liter oak barrels and cellared three years on the lees before disgorgement, the wine is dosed at just 2 g/L — Extra Brut in spirit and in fact. Rated 92 points by The Wine Advocate.

The bouquet is expressive and layered: pear, ripe citrus, and warm spices mingle with toasted bread, orange zest, and a whisper of brioche. On the palate, the wine is medium- to full-bodied with a lively, luminous fruit profile driven by racy acidity. The Pinot Noir from Bouzy’s south-facing slopes delivers depth and structure, while the Chardonnay adds finesse and brightness. The finish is long and pronounced, with a saline, chalky mineral drive that is the hallmark of great Bouzy terroir.

Wine Advocate 92 — “Livelier, more luminous fruit… racy acidity and a pronounced saline finish. A precise expression of Bouzy terroir.”

• Producer: Pierre Paillard, Bouzy, Montagne de Reims, Champagne, France
• Appellation: Champagne Grand Cru
• Village: Bouzy (south-facing slopes)
• Blend: 80% Pinot Noir, 20% Chardonnay
• Base Vintage: 2020 (with 20% reserve wines)
• Parcels: ~25 distinct parcels across Bouzy
• Style: Extra Brut
• Vinification: 350-liter oak barrels
• Lees Aging: 3 years before disgorgement
• Dosage: 2 g/L
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Pear, ripe citrus, warm spices, toasted bread, orange zest, brioche, racy acidity, saline chalky finish
• Best Paired With: Oysters, grilled fish, roast chicken, duck, charcuterie, aged cheeses, mushroom dishes

92 points from The Wine Advocate. 25 parcels. 3 years on the lees. 2 g/L dosage. Pierre Paillard’s Les Parcelles is Bouzy Grand Cru Champagne at its most precise and compelling.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2014 

Vinous 98 Points | Bollinger’s 2014 La Grande Année is a great way to start the evening as guests mill around Wheeler Farms. It is early evening in Napa, but there is still plenty of action in the winery, where various lots are being pressed under the watchful eye of winemaker Nigel Kinsman. There are some moments where I would very much like to be a civilian, a regular person enjoying the night, but I am more concerned with our guests having a great night, so I quickly go back to check on our wines. The Bollinger 2014 is everything I expected; bright, focused and full of all the energy this late-ripening vintage conferred to the best wines. 

Producer Description 

La Grande Année: The Great Year. This Champagne is the embodiment of everything that makes Bollinger the producer that stands apart in Champagne. La Grande Année symbolizes the word “hand-crafted” so strongly that an overused word suddenly becomes the appropriate definition. 

La Grande Année is only produced in the most outstanding of vintages, where ripeness and acidity reach a perfect balance and aging potential is excellent.

Philipponnat Champagne Rose Royal NV · Champagne, France

Producer Description

“Rosé” is the new name of the House’s Royale Réserve Rosé cuvée. This simple, clear choice is designed to convey the natural elegance and purity of expression of this Champagne. This name affirms the wine’s unique identity, combining finesse, freshness and authenticity.

For a long time part of the “Royale Réserve” trio alongside the Brut and the Non Dosé, Rosé is now fully distinct from it, embracing its singular character and asserting its special place within the range.

The Rosé cuvée strikes a refreshing balance between colour and fruit. This rosé Champagne is made from the same blend as the Réserve Perpétuelle cuvées. In addition, there is a small proportion of the most mature possible red Champagne wine from our very best vineyards. This wine is concentrated by saignée and gains in intensity without becoming overloaded with tannins or vegetal characteristics, instead developing aromas of red and black fruit.

Most of the Pinot Noir and the small proportion of the Chardonnay used to make Rosé come from Premiers and Grands Crus. Only the first presses are selected, guaranteeing finesse and concentration. The blend includes 53% reserve wines, matured in oak, which bring complexity and depth to the wine, while preserving the freshness essential to its balance.

The House

Apvril Le Philipponnat (the ‘Le’ was subsequently dropped during the French Revolution) was the earliest member of the family to settle in Champagne. Captain of a Swiss military unit from the canton of Fribourg, he joined the French military during the war between Francis I and Italy. He is known to have married Marie d’Ambonnay, through whom he owned vineyards in Mareuil and Ay. The House dates its establishment in the Champagne region from 1522. Apvril is mentioned as the owner of Ay on this date in the will of Dom Jean Royer, the last Regular Abbot of Hautvillers.

In 1696, Apvril’s descendants, who were often ‘Royal Mayors’ of Ay, registered the family coat of arms in the Armorial de France. Today, this same coat of arms adorns all the House’s bottles. The labels of Philipponnat, vineyard owners and wine merchants, were among the first to bear the signature of sparkling Champagnes as early as the mid-19th century. Later, in 1910, Auguste and Pierre Philipponnat gave the family business a broader and more modern scope by creating their own company and acquiring the Château de Mareuil cellars.

Over the course of its long history, the House of Philipponnat has developed twenty hectares of vineyards of Premiers and Grands Crus, ideally located in the heart of the Champagne region, while maintaining special relationships with their partner viticulturists, who entrust the House with their output. They supply grapes for a broad but very balanced range of Champagnes that are both rich and distinctive.

Bold and refined, the Rosé cuvée reveals a beautiful aromatic intensity. Its generous red fruit aromas are enhanced by a hint of spice. Thanks to the quality of its blend, Rosé offers excellent ageing potential, evolving nobly over the years. Produced in brut, this Champagne goes perfectly with characterful dishes and reveals all its liveliness when served chilled. Rosé is the ideal wine for summer evenings.

Expert Reviews

James Suckling, 92 Points — Good reserve and freshness to this Champagne, which shows peonies, rose petals, bread crumbs and cinnamon and spice. A vertical palate follows, where tangy acidity punctuates integrated and creamy bubbles and carries subtle stone fruit medium-long. Drink now.

The Wine Advocate, 91 Points — Based on the 2015 vintage with 40% reserve wines, the NV Brut Rosé Royale Réserve was disgorged in August 2019 with nine grams per liter dosage. Revealing a lovely bouquet of red apples, honeycomb, cherries, peach and beeswax, it’s medium to full-bodied, fleshy and gourmand, with a generous core of fruit, lively acids and a refined mousse.

The Wine Spectator, 90 Points — Dry and sharp, with a mix of berry and biscuit flavors accented with citrus and spice. Persistent from beginning to end, starting off with a fine mousse and finishing with a squeeze of lemon.

Details

• Bottle Size: 750ml
• Region: Champagne, France
• Grapes: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir
• Type: Sparkling
• Style: Brut

The benchmark rosé Champagne. The one every other measures itself against.

Billecart-Salmon Le Rosé has been setting the standard since 1830 — born in the prestigious cellars of Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, crafted with a precision and elegance that is simply unmatched. This is not just Champagne. This is a moment.

In the Glass
A luminous salmon-pink with fine, persistent bubbles. The nose opens with fresh strawberry, wild raspberry, and a whisper of citrus blossom, lifted by a subtle warmth of brioche. On the palate — pliant, creamy, and strikingly expressive. Pomegranate and grapefruit weave into a brisk, finely cut finish. There is a vinous depth here, a sense that behind the Champagne, there is a real wine — effortlessly fresh, impossibly delicate.

The Blend
40% Chardonnay · 30% Pinot Noir · 30% Pinot Meunier (~7% still red wine)
NV base: 2020 · 46% reserve wines dating to 2014 · Dosage: 4.7 g/L

"At any time, it's like a ray of sunlight that transcends the beauty of the moment."
— Pierre Hermé, Legendary Pastry Chef

Expert Reviews

🍷 Antonio Galloni, Vinous — 91 pts | Pliant, creamy and super-expressive. Pomegranate and grapefruit laced into the brisk, finely cut finish. Drinking 2024–2030.

🍷 Tim Hewson, Decanter — 92 pts | Fragrant, crunchy redcurrant, red cherry and orange fruit with an alluring hibiscus-like floral lift. A rosé of immediacy and charm. Drinking 2024–2027.

Expert Review - Vintage 2015

Alison Napjus of the Wine Spectator writes 97 Points |  Like a racing spinnaker, this is tightly trimmed yet voluminous in character. Toasty notes of roasted almond and vanilla wafer are deftly integrated with sun-dried black cherry, baked peach, blood orange sorbet and candied ginger flavors, all well-defined by racy acidity and a subtle streak of salinity. This is long and fragrant, with pain d'épices, graphite and tea rose notes playing on the finish. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Disgorged February 2024. Drink now through 2040.

William Kelley of the Wine Advocate writes 96 Points | Bollinger's 2015 Brut La Grande Année Rosé was disgorged in May last year with seven grams per liter dosage. Offering up deep aromas of orchard fruits, blood orange, mandarin rind and peach mingled with nuances of coffee, praline and fino sherry, it's medium to full-bodied, pillowy and layered, with a broad attack that segues into a vinous palate framed by high levels of structuring dry extract that makes its presence felt on the sapid, nutty and penetrating finish. Given the skin maturity and inherent structure of the year, the Bollinger team elected to include only 4.5% of still red wine in the blend, a comparatively low percentage.

Moët & Chandon · Grand Vintage · 2016 · Extra Brut

The 77th vintage Champagne in the history of Moët & Chandon, Grand Vintage 2016 reflects the Cellar Master’s personal interpretation of a challenging year. The blend combines 48% Chardonnay, 34% Pinot Noir, and 18% Meunier, with six years of cellar aging and at least six months of aging after disgorgement.

Vintage & Character

The supplied notes describe a turbulent growing season followed by well-ripened fruit. Baked bread, hazelnut, orange blossom, and fine minerality shape the wine’s layered profile, while a round, supple palate is framed by structure and tension. A dosage of 5 g/L completes its Extra Brut style.

Winemaker Description

Moët & Chandon · Supplied 2016 Notes
The 2016 Grand Vintage Extra Brut is the 77th vintage Champagne released by Moët & Chandon. Comprising 34% Pinot Noir, 48% Chardonnay and 18% Meunier, it was aged for six years prior to disgorgement. It will offer complex, layered aromas and flavours, including baked bread, hazelnut, orange blossoms, and fine minerality, all framed by superb structure and tension. A classic in every sense.

Each Grand Vintage is unique, expressing Moët & Chandon’s Cellar Master's personal interpretation of the year. In Champagne, 2016 was a year of turbulent weather, full of twists and turns at the whim of nature.

The serenity after the storm, Moët & Chandon Grand Vintage 2016 expresses grace and peace, harmony born from masterful winemaking and six years resting in the cellars. The 77th vintage in the history of the House, Grand Vintage 2016 is a radiant champagne with a round and supple palate.

The grape harvest of 2016 in Champagne reflects the region's traditional unpredictability. Winter was wet and a cool causing some mildew and grape loss, followed by a rainy spring and a summer that dried the vineyards but also led to water stress and further fruit loss.

Despite these challenges, the remaining grapes ripened well, especially the Meuniers and Pinots Noirs.

Serving & Pairing

Serve chilled in a tulip-shaped or white-wine glass. Suggested pairings include roast chicken, seared scallops, or a mushroom dish, complementing the wine’s bread, hazelnut, and mineral notes.

Details

• Producer: Moët & Chandon
• Cuvée: Grand Vintage
• Vintage: 2016
• Origin: Champagne, France
• Style: Extra Brut
• Blend: 48% Chardonnay, 34% Pinot Noir, 18% Meunier
• Cellar aging: Six years
• Aging after disgorgement: At least six months
• Dosage: 5 g/L
• Bottle size: 750ml

A layered vintage Champagne balancing a supple palate with structure and tension.

Laherte Frères Ultradition Brut NV — Champagne

Laherte Frères is a benchmark grower-producer in Chavot, farming biodynamically and organically across 10 hectares in the Côte des Blancs and Vallée de la Marne. The Ultradition is their signature cuvée — a multi-vintage blend anchored by old-vine Pinot Meunier, built to express terroir transparency and minimal intervention. Wine Spectator awarded it 92 points, calling it “vivid” and “clean-cut and minerally on the finish.” John Gilman added 92+ points, praising its “superb soil signature, refined mousse, and a very long, complex, dancing finish.” At this price, it is one of the most compelling values in grower Champagne.

The nose opens with white peach, spring flowers, chalky soil tones, gentle smokiness, and a dollop of brioche. On the palate it is full-bodied and extremely elegant — pure, with a fine core, refined mousse, and a long, dancing finish of citrus and mineral. Pinot Meunier at its most expressive.

Wine Spectator 92 • Vinous 92 • John Gilman 92+ — “Pure, full-bodied, and extremely elegant, with a very long, complex and dancing finish.”

• Producer: Laherte Frères, Chavot, Champagne, France
• Style: Brut NV
• Blend: 60% Pinot Meunier, 30% Chardonnay, 10% Pinot Noir
• Appellation: Champagne AOC
• Dosage: 6–8 g/L
• Farming: Biodynamic, Organic
• Format: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: White peach, spring flowers, chalk, brioche, citrus, mineral finish
• Best Paired With: Oysters, lobster, sushi, aged Comté, roast chicken, caviar

A 92-point biodynamic grower Champagne at an honest price — Laherte Frères’ Ultradition is the benchmark for what Pinot Meunier-driven Champagne can be.

Billecart-Salmon Brut Réserve — Champagne, France · NV

Billecart-Salmon Brut Réserve is a nonvintage Champagne made from wines selected across more than twenty top vineyards in the Marne department. The winemaker describes a blend of 40% Pinot Meunier, 30% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay, a composition said to have changed little over nearly fifty years.

Its persistent, fine mousse accompanies a straw-colored profile of ripe pear and cut hay. Tasting notes from critics add dried lemon, grapefruit, salted almonds, Asian pear, star fruit, pastry and honey, with creamy bubbles and mouthwatering acidity.

James Suckling · 92 Points · NV
Dried lemon, grapefruit, croissants and salted almonds here, with a flavorful palate. Creamy bubbles. Layered and delicious NV. 40% pinot meunier, 30% chardonnay and 30% pinot noir. Drink now.

Wine Spectator · 91 Points · historical review
A harmonious Champagne that's satiny in texture, framing flavors of Asian pear, star fruit, pastry and honey with mouthwatering acidity. Offers a fine and creamy finish. Drink now through 2021.

Jeb Dunnuck · 90 Points · 2016-vintage release
The first wine tasted in a short vertical to highlight the evolution of the NV Champagne Brut over the past several years, this release is from the 2016 vintage and is composed of 44% Meunier and 28% each Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, with 64% reserve wine, with 4% cask aging. Pouring a rich straw hue, it opens to generous and lightly toasty aromas of ripe red berries, caramel, and honeycomb. Medium to full-bodied, it’s ripe, rounded, expressive, and approachable, although it feels the touch of dosage in its texture as well as the suggestion of sweetness. Its fruit is ripe and long on the palate, with a hint of walnut skin on the long finish. It is certainly the classic, old school style, and compared to the other wines, has a bit broader shoulders. Its toasty touch likely comes from the malolactic fermentation that was permitted as opposed to oak.

Winemaker Description
Fine bubbles which rise slowly, persistent mousse. Straw-colored. A nose of ripe pear with some touches of cut hay. Full fruit, but clean in the mouth. This cuvée contains 40% Pinot Meunier, 30% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay. All wines from the best sites in the department of the Marne, from more than twenty top vineyards in Champagne. The overall composition of this cuvée has not changed much for almost fifty years. Fresh and long tasting, the Brut Réserve may be drunk on all occasions.

• Producer: Billecart-Salmon
• Cuvée: Brut Réserve
• Vintage: Nonvintage (NV)
• Appellation: Champagne, France
• Blend (winemaker description): 40% Pinot Meunier, 30% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay
• Style: Brut sparkling wine
• Size: 375ml half bottle
• Serving: Chilled, as an aperitif or with seafood and light dishes

Fine, persistent bubbles and a generous, balanced profile bring classic Champagne character to this half bottle.

Expert Reviews 

Alison Napjus of the Wine Spectator writes 92 Points | The fine and creamy bead of this elegant rosé carries an attractive mix of white cherry, peach, blood orange granita and biscuit flavors, enlivened by a firm frame of mouthwatering acidity.

Audrey Frick of Jeb Dunnuck writes 90 Points | The NV Champagne Grand Brut Rosé pours a medium salmon hue and is equal parts Chardonnay and Pinot Noir (8% of which is red wine). It is juicy with ripe raspberry, crushed flowers, and sweet citrus. The palate is ripe with apricot, sweet tangerine, and a soft texture. It is ready to drink now or over the next 6-8 years.

Winemaker Description 

This Grand Rosé has a high percentage of Chardonnay, which creates freshness and precision, complemented by Pinot Noir with delivers very fine and crunchy fruit. With 4 years minimum ageing in the cellars, this Rosé balances between freshness and fruit without masking the wine’s character and purity. The nose reveals aromas of citrus and strawberries with subtle notes of red berries and spice. The palate is well-built with a constant balance between the tension of the acidity and the smoothness of the fruit, while the finish shows a nice roundness and lovely minerality.

Explore the Excellence of Henriot Champagne

Winemaker Description 

The Brut Souverain is the most historical cuvée in the region, as it was the first cuvée Apolline Henriot produced in 1808. Apolline aspired to put the light on her vineyards through the expression of a champagne. According to her, one year was not enough to tell the story of the terroirs, so she decided to put wines in reserve each year to incorporate them into a future blend.

Therefore, she founded the House by creating a Champagne that would have blending as its fundamental principle. The House respects this philosophy today and uses every terroir in this multi-cru, multi-vintage cuvée. It was named Brut Souverain by Ernest Henriot, Apolline's grandson, when the House was appointed the official champagne supplier to the Courts of the King of Holland and of the Emperor of Austria-Hungary.

Expert Reviews

Wine Spectator 92 Points | This vivid Champagne is tightly meshed, with a firm spine of acidity married to notes of poached apricot, toast point, preserved lemon and white cherry. Minerally through the creamy, focused finish.

James Suckling 91 Points | This has aromas of chopped apples, biscuits, croissants, walnuts, praline and lemon pie. Dry, tasty and toasty, with a medium body, fine bubbles and bright acidity. All in balance. 48% pinot noir, 42% chardonnay, 10% meunier. Base 2016, with 38% reserve wine.

Wine Enthusiast 90 Points | The nonvintage Champagne from this producer is beautifully textured, its white fruits lightly touched by a more steely edge. A fine Champagne to drink now.

Henriot Champagne is a remarkable choice for those seeking an exquisite sparkling wine experience. The Brut Souverain NV, in a 750ml bottle, showcases the distinctive characteristics of this prestigious Champagne house. With over two centuries of winemaking expertise, Henriot creates a blend that reflects the best of the terroir, appealing to both casual drinkers and connoisseurs alike. This iconic wine is renowned for its balance of freshness and complexity, making it an ideal option for celebrations or intimate gatherings.

The Henriot Champagne Brut Souverain NV features a delightful blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes, sourced from some of the finest vineyards in the Champagne region. This harmonious combination results in a Champagne that is both lively and refined. The crisp acidity and vibrant citrus notes complement the wine’s sumptuous flavor profile, which includes hints of white fruits and delicate floral aromas. It’s not just a drink; it’s an experience that encapsulates the essence of traditional French Champagne.

Perfect for food pairings, Henriot Champagne can elevate any dining occasion. Whether you’re savoring it alongside seafood, poultry, or light pastries, this Champagne enhances the flavors of your meal. Its versatility makes it suitable for a range of events, from weddings and anniversaries to casual dinners and picnics. With each sip, the Brut Souverain NV transports you to the scenic vineyards of Champagne, offering a taste of luxury that is unmatched. Embrace the spirit of celebration with Henriot Champagne.

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.

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

Forbes Magazine | Almost 54 years ago, Robert “Kool” Bell along with his younger brother and childhood friends, started a band. The iconic band Kool & The Gang is now one of the longest non-stop touring bands in industry. An avid lover of Champagne, Kool had always envisioned having his own brand out of Europe. For many years, he sought out Grand Cru Vineyards from owners that have been selling for generations and decided to work with Paul Berthelot, a Multi-Vintage Grand Cru Producer since 1884.

Winemaker Description

A 'Blanc de Blancs' champagne is a type of champagne that is made exclusively from white grape varieties, typically Chardonnay. This style of champagne is known for its elegance, finesse, and bright acidity.

Winemaker Description

We are Le Kool The Celebration Champagne! Straight from the heart of Champagne, France... Ready for the world. For many years, Robert "Kool" Bell, Leader of Kool & The Gang, sought out Grand Cru vineyards from owners that have been selling for generations He decided to work with Maison Paul Berthelot, a Multi-Vintage Grand Cru, Premier Cru Producer since 1884. Le Kool Rosé is the House's Signature Champagne, which is guaranteed to satisfy the most discerning palate.

Estate bottled a minimum of 3 Years in the cellar, it embodies the brand's legendary association with women and Ladies Nights around the globe. Perfect for sharing with your significant other, or just a great excuse to Celebrate Good Times... Come On! Le Kool Rosé 60% Pinot Noir 25% Chardonnay 15% Red Champagne Wine Color: Perfectly pink wine - Beautiful salmon dress adorned with a ring of fine pearls. 

Bouquet: Intense, smoky notes, this champagne offers us a basket of red fruits, raspberries, cherries, and morello cherries. Palate: Beautiful liveliness, smooth palate in harmony with the olfactory impressions of red fruit and blackberry jams. The finish is long. Food Pairings: Aperitif or grilled meat Any dessert made from fresh red fruits.

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

Perrier-Jouët · Belle Epoque Brut Vintage 2016 · Champagne Gift Set · 750ml

Perrier-Jouët Belle Epoque 2016 combines vintage Champagne with a presentation made for gifting. The supplied listing describes a gift box containing one 750ml bottle and two signature flutes, ready for a special occasion or a shared celebration.

Character & Style

The supplied notes describe a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier, with white blossom, pear, honeyed citrus, brioche, and almond. Tastings.com highlights a creamy yet racy palate, silky bubbles, and a long finish layered with citrus, fruit, and pastry notes.

Expert Review

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.

Gift Presentation

Gift box with two signature flutes, as described in the supplied product information. A thoughtful option for an anniversary, milestone, or celebratory dinner.

Serving & Pairing Suggestions

Serve chilled. Enjoy as an aperitif or consider lobster, scallops, roast poultry, or a delicate mushroom dish.

Wine & Set Details

• Producer: Perrier-Jouët
• Cuvée: Belle Epoque
• Vintage: 2016
• Style: Brut Champagne
• Origin: Champagne, France
• Grapes listed: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier
• Bottle size: 750ml
• Presentation listed: Gift box with two signature flutes
• Supplied rating: Tastings.com, 96 points

Experience the pinnacle of champagne craftsmanship with Krug Grande Cuvée 172nd Edition, an exceptional prestige cuvée presented in an elegant gift box. This iconic champagne represents the artistry of blending 146 separately vinified wines from 11 different vintages, with the 2016 vintage as its foundation.

Why Choose Krug Grande Cuvée 173rd Edition?

• Exceptional Ratings: 98 points Wine Enthusiast, 97 points Decanter & James Suckling, 96 points Wine Spectator
• Perfect for Gifting: Arrives in a luxurious presentation gift box
• Masterful Blend: 51% Pinot Noir, 38% Chardonnay, 11% Pinot Meunier
• Aging Potential: Drink now through 2040 or cellar for 5-10 years

Tasting Profile

Discover a symphony of flavors including toasted brioche, lemon curd, dried apricot, hazelnut, and hints of ginger and white flowers. The palate is rich yet refined, with vivacious bubbles, bright acidity, and an exceptionally long, elegant finish with notes of salted butter and roasted nuts.

Expert Reviews - 172nd Edition

Wine Enthusiast 98 Points | This is the most recent bottling of this iconic Champagne. There is a touch of toast as well as enticing apple and citrus aromas. On the palate, this wine is rich, intense, poised between maturity and ripe white fruits.

Decanter 97 Points | The 172ème édition, based around the 2016 vintage, is a delicate, floral and saline Grande Cuvée at this early stage in its life. The palate it taut, tightly wound, gradually unfurling into toasted fruit bread, rye bread and roasted nuts, wrapped around an intricate and taut lemon core. It's exceptionally long, spicy, rounded and spherical in shape.

James Suckling 97 Points | Beautiful notes of dried citrus fruit, lemon curd and dried apples with hints of spices, dried flowers and subtle brioche. I like the polished and caressing texture and steady, refreshing acidity. It's fresh and even austere, with notes of ground spices. So vertical and firm. Structured and long.

Wine Spectator 96 Points | This classy Champagne waltzes across the palate with fluid poise and grace. The mousse's pointillismlike beads and a vivid frame of acidity buoy the detailed range of aromas and flavors, including chopped cherry, dried apricot, tangerine peel and plum cake notes, plus fragrant hints of grated ginger, lime blossoms, ground coffee and grilled nuts.

The Wine Advocate 95 Points | Outstanding. It reveals a complex, slightly spicy bouquet of white fruits, beeswax, marzipan, hazelnuts, dried herbs, ripe orchard fruits and white flowers. Medium to full-bodied, rich and concentrated on the palate, it has a subtly spicy entry, an enrobing and layered texture and a fleshy core of fruit framed around a perfectly balanced, fresh and mineral finish.

Perfect Pairings

Elevate your dining experience by pairing this prestigious champagne with oysters, caviar, aged Comté cheese, roasted poultry, or creamy risotto. Its complexity and structure make it ideal for special celebrations or as a sophisticated aperitif.

About Krug Champagne

Since 1843, Krug has been synonymous with the finest champagne in the world. Each Grande Cuvée is a unique blend that showcases the house's commitment to excellence and the art of blending across multiple vintages.

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. 

Expert Reviews

94 Points Wine Specator | A classy rosé that glides across the palate, with flavors of raspberry coulis, yellow peach, chamomile and blanched almond that expand on the creamy mousse and linger on the lightly spiced finish, powered by mouthwatering acidity. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Drink now through 2026.

90 Points Robert Parker |  The latest rendition of Ruinart's NV Brut Rosé is a pretty, vibrant wine that offers up inviting aromas of tangerine, blood orange, plum and freshly baked bread. Medium to full-bodied, fleshy and precise, with tangy acids and a pretty mousse, it's ca harming, comparatively vinous wine that is already showing well.

92 Points James Suckling | The appeal of this excellent rosé Champagne begins with the nose of red berries, ripe nectarine, coriander and red roses. Striking balance of delicate tannins, animating freshness and just a touch of creaminess. Long, very clean and dry finish. The cuvée is 55% pinot noir from Aÿ (some fermented as red wine) and 45% chardonnay. Drink now.

Winemaker Description

The Extra Brut Solessence Nature unwinds in the glass with scents of white flowers, crisp green apple, spring blossom and almond paste. Medium to full-bodied, ample and precise, it's a bright, vibrant wine with chalky structure and a long, saline finish.

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.

About La Grande Dame Jacquemus Artist Series

La Grande Dame 2018 Artist Series by Jacquemus is a stunning collaboration between two icons of French elegance — Veuve Clicquot and the celebrated fashion house Jacquemus. This limited-edition bottle features exclusive artwork by Jacquemus, making it as visually striking as it is exceptional in the glass. La Grande Dame has been Veuve Clicquot's prestige cuvée since its inauguration in 1972, crafted only in the finest vintages from eight Grands Crus of Champagne.

Tasting Notes

The 2018 vintage delivers a beautifully balanced expression of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Expect aromas of ripe stone fruit, brioche, and toasted hazelnuts, with a creamy, full-bodied palate of peach, citrus zest, and subtle minerality. Elegant and long-finishing with exceptional structure and aging potential.

Food Pairings

Perfect with lobster, scallops, foie gras, aged Comté, and fine charcuterie. An exceptional celebratory Champagne for milestone occasions.

Product Details

Bottle Size: 750ml
Vintage: 2018
Region: Champagne, France
Appellation: Champagne AOC
Grape Varieties: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay
Style: Brut Vintage Champagne
Edition: Artist Series — Jacquemus Limited Edition

Leclerc Briant Réserve Extra Brut — Épernay, Champagne, France NV

Leclerc Briant is one of Champagne's most celebrated and pioneering grower-producers — a historic house based in Épernay with roots going back to 1872, and today one of the region's most committed advocates for biodynamic viticulture. Under the stewardship of the Lignac family, Leclerc Briant farms its vineyards according to strict biodynamic principles — certified by Demeter — believing that the health of the soil is the foundation of great Champagne. The estate works with the lunar calendar, uses only natural preparations, and practices minimal intervention in the cellar, allowing the terroir of their Marne Valley and Côte des Blancs vineyards to express itself with clarity and precision. The Réserve Extra Brut is the house's signature non-vintage cuvée — a blend of 40% Pinot Noir, 40% Pinot Meunier, and 20% Chardonnay, based on the 2019 harvest, with reserve wines adding depth and complexity. Extra Brut in style, it is drier and more precise than a standard Brut, allowing the terroir and the fruit to speak without the softening effect of dosage.

The color is bright pale yellow with a fine, lively mousse. The nose is complex and inviting: wet asphalt, ripe white peach, fresh redcurrant, pear, verbena, lime, herbs, and a touch of menthol — the signature of biodynamic Champagne. On the palate, it is medium-bodied and approachable with a rounded mid-palate, chalky and pithy texture, and sleek acidity animating flavors of chopped raspberry, nectarine, preserved lemon, and oyster shell. The finish is persistent, lightly spiced, and mouthwatering — clean, energetic, and long.

Jeb Dunnuck 92 — "Wet asphalt, ripe white peach, and fresh redcurrant. Rounded mid-palate, chalky and pithy texture with a lively yet fine mousse. Attractive and balanced with a clean finish."

Wine Spectator 92 — "Lithe and graceful, 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."

Wine Advocate 90 — "Lively, fresh bouquet of pear, verbena, lime tree, herbs and menthol. Vinous and energetic with an incisive mid-palate and a mouthwatering, fresh finish."

• Producer: Leclerc Briant, Épernay, Champagne, France (est. 1872)
• Style: Extra Brut NV
• Blend: 40% Pinot Noir / 40% Pinot Meunier / 20% Chardonnay
• Base Vintage: 2019
• Farming: Certified Biodynamic (Demeter)
• Dosage: Extra Brut (very low dosage)
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: White peach, redcurrant, raspberry, nectarine, preserved lemon, oyster shell, wet asphalt, chalky texture, persistent spiced finish
• Style: Precise, energetic, terroir-driven
• Best Paired With: Oysters, sushi, grilled fish, lobster, soft cheeses, charcuterie, caviar

Biodynamic Champagne from one of Épernay's most celebrated grower-producers — Leclerc Briant Réserve Extra Brut is precise, energetic, and triple 90+ point rated.

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.

Pascal Agrapart · Complantée Extra Brut · Grand Cru

Six-Grape Field Blend · Avize, Champagne, France · 750ml

Producer & Terroir

Established by Arthur Agrapart in 1894, the family domaine has bottled under its own label since its inception. Based in Avize in the Côte des Blancs, its approach centers on expressing village terroirs and a steadfast commitment to organic viticulture. Ambroise Agrapart joined his father Pascal with the 2018 vintage.

Complantée brings together Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, Pinot Blanc, Arbane and Petit Meslier, co-planted as a field blend. The retained reviews describe different releases, so their base-vintage, disgorgement and dosage details should not be assumed to identify the bottle currently offered.

Tasting Character

The reviews below describe floral and citrus aromas, pear, almond and mineral notes, with fine bubbles and a persistent finish. Individual releases vary, from the airy depth described by Vinous to the more austere, high-acid expression reviewed by Wine Advocate.

Expert Reviews

James Suckling, 94 Points, reviewed June 2022: This has a pretty nose of white flowers, daffodils, blanched almonds, lemons, white grapefruit and salted peanuts. Bright and full of personality with very fine bubbles. Open and vibrant. Made from a field blend of 6 varieties, co-fermented in barriques.

Vinous, 94 Points, reviewed December 2024, release described as 2020: The NV Extra Brut Complantée Grand Cru is terrific. It’s bright and persistent, with terrific balance. The blend of Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, Pinot Blanc, Arbane, Petit Meslier and Chardonnay, all co-planted, works so well in adding what the vintage itself is missing. White pear, jasmine, crushed rocks, mint and sage all take shape in the glass. Airy and light on its feet, with terrific depth, the 2020 is superb. (AG)

Wine Advocate, 92 Points, reviewed December 2024, 2021-based release disgorged August 2024: The NV Extra Brut Grand Cru Complantée, disgorged in August 2024 with a dosage of three grams per liter, derives from a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, Pinot Blanc, Arbanne and Petit Meslier, all planted (in 2003 and 2015) within the same three plots in Avize. The maturity of each grape variety is different; however, they are harvested on the same day. Based on the 2021 vintage with just 10% reserve wines from 2020, it’s a wine with a chiseled, rather austere personality, marked by the cool season and defined by its vegetal material. Unfurling from the glass with scents of elderflower, lychee, mint and lemon zest, it’s medium-bodied with screeching acidity, concluding with a long, precise finish. Right now, it expresses the grape varieties more strongly than the place, but Ambroise hopes that, as the vines grow older, “it will be easier to read the terroir.” Stylistically, it could not be more different from Avizoise. (KK

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Pairing & Serving Suggestions

Try chilled with oysters, delicate seafood or a simple fish dish. A white-wine glass is a useful option for exploring the field blend’s aromatic detail.

Wine Details

• Producer: Pascal Agrapart
• Cuvée: Complantée
• Appellation: Champagne
• Village: Avize
• Classification: Grand Cru
• Style: Extra Brut
• Country: France
• Grapes: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, Pinot Blanc, Arbane and Petit Meslier
• Viticulture: Organic practices, as described in the existing estate notes
• Bottle Size: 750ml

Drappier · Carte d’Or Brut NV · Champagne, France

Drappier Carte d’Or is a Pinot Noir-led Champagne with aromatic richness, stone-fruit character and a vinous palate. White peach, spice and quince jelly give it a generous personality, equally suited to an apéritif or a place at the dinner table.

Expert Reviews

James Suckling · 92 Points: Attractive aromas of white peach, dried orange, blanched almond and brioche with subtle hints of dried raspberries and crushed stones. Medium- to full-bodied palate with a creamy texture and delicate mousse. Long and even. A blend of 80% pinot noir, 15% chardonnay and 5% pinot meunier. Dosage 6.5g/L.

Wine Advocate · 91 Points: As always, the NV Brut Carte d'Or is a classic, well-executed and perfumed Champagne. It evokes aromas of white peach, ripe orchard fruits, pastry and spices. Medium-bodied, round and enrobing, it's delicately vinous and framed by an elegant mousse, with a lovely, mouthwatering, ripe orchard fruits-inflected finish. This blend of 80% Pinot Noir, 15% Chardonnay and 5% Pinot Meunier was disgorged with 6.5 grams per liter dosage.

Wine Spectator · 90 Points: A bright Champagne in an aperitif style, with a pleasing range of ripe currant and raspberry, lime blossoms and orange peel set on a zesty bead. Creamy finish. Drink now.

Winemaker Description

Drappier: The Carte d'Or cuvée is the very expression of the Drappier style. With its very high proportion of Pinot Noir, one is almost tasting a Blanc de Noirs. Champagne with a fine aromatic richness, it opens with aromas of stoned fruits such as white vineyard peach. A spicy hint announces a powerful complex palate. A vinous Champagne of lovely complexity with a characteristic note of quince jelly.

Ideal as an apertif. At the table, it goes with white meats, rolled fish fillets, Chaource cheese.

Blend: 75% Pinot Noir, 15% Chardonnay, 10% Meunier

About Champagne Drappier

The Gallo-Romans planted the first vines in Urville around 2,000 years ago. In 1152, Saint Bernard, founder of Clairvaux Abbey, had cellars built into the land. The Drappier family estate was established in 1808 around the preserved medieval Abbey, and the cellars continue to provide a home for storing and aging the house's wines.

Pinot Noir is central to Drappier's identity in Urville. The house describes managing its vineyards according to organic and natural practices, while preserving heirloom varieties including Fromenteau, Arbanne, Petit Meslier and Blanc Vrai. Its approach emphasizes terroir, low sugar dosage and moderate use of sulfites; the separate Brut Nature Sans Soufre cuvée is a particular expression of that philosophy.

Tasting Notes

White vineyard peach and stone-fruit aromas lead into a spicy, complex palate, with a vinous character and a distinctive note of quince jelly.

Food Pairings & Serving

Serve chilled as an apéritif, or follow the producer's suggestions of white meats, rolled fish fillets and Chaource cheese.

Wine Details

• Producer: Champagne Drappier
• Cuvée: Carte d’Or
• Vintage: Nonvintage
• Style: Brut Champagne
• Origin: Champagne, France
• Grapes: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Meunier
• Bottle size: 750ml
• Reviews: James Suckling 92; Wine Advocate 91; Wine Spectator 90

A rich, Pinot Noir-led Champagne for an aperitif or a leisurely meal.

Billecart-Salmon Demi-Sec is a beautifully refined expression of the sweeter side of Champagne, combining richness and generosity with the remarkable finesse for which this historic family-owned house is renowned. Rather than simply emphasizing sweetness, the cuvée achieves an impressive balance between dosage, freshness and acidity, resulting in a Champagne that is lush and expressive while remaining elegant and remarkably easy to drink.

The blend is identical to that of Billecart-Salmon’s celebrated Brut Réserve, but with a higher dosage that gives the wine additional roundness, texture and richness. It is composed of approximately 40% Meunier, 30% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay, drawing fruit from several of Champagne’s important growing areas, including the Montagne de Reims, Grande Vallée de la Marne, Vallée de la Marne and selected Chardonnay crus throughout the region. A substantial proportion of reserve wines adds depth, consistency and complexity to the final blend.

In the glass, the Champagne displays a luminous pale-gold color with a persistent stream of very fine bubbles. The bouquet is lively and inviting, opening with delicate white flowers before developing richer notes of buttered brioche, pastry and ripe orchard fruit. On the palate, it is generous and creamy, with a fine mousse and an appealing sweetness beautifully counterbalanced by Champagne’s natural acidity. The result is harmonious rather than overtly sugary, with the richness of the fruit and dosage carried by freshness and an elegant, lingering finish.

Billecart-Salmon vinifies the wine primarily in stainless-steel tanks, with partial malolactic fermentation helping preserve freshness while adding suppleness. The current house specifications indicate approximately 50–60% reserve wines, around 30 months of aging on the lees, and a dosage of approximately 40 g/L.

Although Demi-Sec Champagne is traditionally associated with dessert, this cuvée is remarkably versatile at the table. It is particularly delicious with fruit tarts, pastries, brioche, lemon meringue tart and chocolate cake, where its combination of sweetness and acidity can complement rather than overwhelm the dessert. It can also create an intriguing sweet-and-savory pairing with richer foods such as foie gras or toasted brioche.

Serve well chilled at approximately 46°F / 8°C.

Blend

40% Meunier · 30% Pinot Noir · 30% Chardonnay

Tasting Notes

Color: Pale gold with fine, persistent bubbles
Aromas: White flowers, buttered brioche, pastry and ripe fruit
Palate: Rich and full-flavored, with creamy texture, fine bubbles and beautifully balanced sweetness and acidity
Finish: Smooth, elegant and lingering

Food Pairings

Fruit tarts · Lemon meringue tart · Chocolate cake · Pastries · Brioche · Shortbread · Foie gras

Winemaking

Approximately 50–60% reserve wines · Stainless-steel vinification · Partial malolactic fermentation · Approximately 30 months on the lees · 40 g/L dosage.

Billecart-Salmon Demi-Sec is an elegant choice for those who enjoy Champagne with greater richness and sweetness, yet still want the freshness, precision and sophisticated house style that define Billecart-Salmon.

Pommery Champagne Brut Royal NV — Half Bottle (375ml)

Pommery is one of Champagne’s most storied and innovative houses, founded in 1836 and famously credited with introducing the first successful dry “Brut” style Champagne to the world in 1874 — a style they have been perfecting ever since. Based in Reims, Pommery is known for its elegant, refined approach and its iconic Art Nouveau cellars, carved deep into the chalk beneath the city. Brut Royal is the house’s signature non-vintage expression: an equal blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier, crafted to showcase the balance, finesse, and minerality that define the Pommery style. Now available in a 375ml half-bottle.

The Wall Street Journal’s Lettie Teague describes it as “a lithesome, compulsively drinkable dry sparkler with notes of citrus and pear and a long minerally finish” — and calls it “a terrific aperitif.” The nose is civilized and elegant, with apple, lemon, peach, grapefruit, biscuit, and dried fruit. The palate is creamy and round, with citric balance, real poise, and a refreshing bite of citrus on the finish. Sleek bubbles throughout.

Decanter — 93 points

“Civilised apple, lemon and dried fruit nose. There’s a nice lift in the mouth with citric balance and real poise. Full of character.”

James Suckling — 92 points

“Peach, lemon, grapefruit, biscuit and some honey on the nose. Creamy and round with a juicy, peachy palate. Sleek bubbles. Base vintage 2018.”

Wine Enthusiast — 90 points

“A reference in the region. Fine balance, rich but with good touches of minerality and crisp white fruits. The finish with its bite of citrus is attractively refreshing.”

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.”

Food Pairings

Oysters, smoked salmon, sushi, soft cheeses, and light appetizers. Perfect as an aperitif or to open any celebration.

Blend: Equal parts Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier
Appellation: Champagne AOC, France
Style: Brut NV (base vintage 2018, 9–10 g/L dosage)
Format: 375ml (Half Bottle)
Scores: 93 pts Decanter | 92 pts James Suckling | 90 pts Wine Enthusiast

Winemaker Description 

When Edmond de AYALA founded the House in 1860, he focussed on crafting a champagne with a distinct and recognisable style, known today as AYALA Brut Majeur. A pure and balanced champagne which showcases the diverse personalities of Champagne’s different Terroirs.

Crafted with a unique diversity of crus from Champagne’s vineyard, this cuvée is a multi-cru and multi-vintage blend with Chardonnay as main grape variety.

To preserve this pure style, the House brings its expertise and meticulous approach to the micro-vinification process, always with a minimum of intervention on wines.