Decanter (98)

What a magnificent bouquet for this Dom Pérignon 2012! Pastry, a hint of smoke and autolytic notes provide a compelling counterpart to eager yet elegant aromas of citrus (lime, tangerine and kumquat) joined by those of fresh fruit, herbs, liquorice, and menthol. There is even a refreshing note of ivy. The palate is tense, vibrant, and very fresh despite its impressive density, which meets its match with an unending finish. This 2012 incarnates the very essence of Dom Pérignon with such a concentrated degree of intensity, along with a capacity for ageing, that it is surely destined for a second life in a P2 edition.

Vinous (98)

The 2008 Dom Pérignon is a huge, powerful Champagne and also clearly one of the wines of the vintage. This is one of the most reticent bottles I have tasted. So much so that I am thinking about holding off opening any more bottles! The 2008 has always offered a striking interplay of fruit and structure. Today, the richness of the fruit is especially evident. Readers who own the 2008 should be thrilled, but patience is a must.

James Suckling (98)

A firm and vivid Champagne with a precise, focused palate. Full-bodied and dry. It’s very layered and bright with light pineapple, peach, praline, cooked-apple and stone aromas and flavors. It’s very subtle and focused at the end. Integrated with richness and high acidity. Good depth. Reminds me of the 1995. Very clean. Solid. Lovely to drink already, but will age nicely.

Vinous (94)

The 2006 Millésime Grand Cru is sourced from old vines in Ambonnay. Vinification and aging in oak shape the wine to a considerable degree, but Ambonnay has the natural breadth and shoulders to handle the oak. Brioche, spice, vanillin, dried orchard fruit and herbs all develop nicely in the glass. The 2006 is rich and resonant to the core, yet also impeccable in its overall balance. Dosage is 2 grams per liter. Disgorged: July 2015.

Jancis Robinson (16)

Ambonnay. Bottled spring 2014. 95% fermented in oak and 95% no malo. Contains five or six different vintages. Dosage 3.5 g/l. Rather light, inexpressive nose. Delicate, ‘sharp’ Chardonnay on the palate but this somehow lacks a bit of conviction and focus. The acidity is very notable and certainly at the moment it’s a bit too austere for me.

Jancis Robinson (17)

Ambonnay appears on all his front labels. 60% Pinot Noir, spring 2015 bottling of multi vintages back to 2009. Three years on lees. Dosage 4 g/l. Released February 2019. Very tight and harmonious. A very strong statement with massive life and vivacity. No hurry to drink.

Vinous (93)

Bright yellow-gold. An intriguingly perfumed nose evokes poached pear, orange zest, sweet butter and honey, along with a smoky quality and a chalky mineral overtone. Chewy, very deep citrus and orchard fruit flavors are complicated by suggestions of toasted brioche, white truffle and candied fig. Finishes very long and smoky, with resonating floral and mineral qualities. I'd serve this complex Champagne, which comprises wines from 15 different vintages dating back to 1995, with an indulgent, buttery poultry or shellfish dish.

James Suckling (97)

An edgy, lively Champagne with bread dough, dried apples and apricots. Toffee with caramel with a lifted sense. Light oxidation with some nuts and saltiness. Full-bodied and very layered with so much going on. Creme brulee, pie crust and zingy acidity. Minty and lively. Strawberries and oranges coming through. This is 80% pinot noir and 20% chardonnay, all fermented in wood, 60% new. Drink now.

Immerse yourself in the refined excellence of Jacquesson Cuvee 741 Degorgement Tardif NV, a sensational creation from the esteemed house of Jacquesson. Located in the coveted realm of Champagne, France, the illustrious house notedly prioritises quality over quantity with their limited but exquisite collections. The Cuvee 741 is crafted with meticulous precision, encompassing a sublime blend from the vineyards of Dizy, Ay, Avize, and Oiry. The delayed disgorgement, hence the 'Degorgement Tardif', contributes an unparalleled complexity and richness to the wine, intensify its flavour profile.

Jacquesson Cuvee 741 Degorgement Tardif NV's brilliance encapsulates an intricate bouquet of nuanced aromas, delicately bringing forth genteel whispers of inflorescence, green apple and brioche. Every sip is a true symphony, displaying a masterful equilibrium between intensity and finesse, Supported by an impressive length and a captivating minerality finish. Truly, this epitomises Champagne's brilliance and the collaboration of nature and master artisans. Treat your senses to a bottle of Jacquesson Cuvee 741 Degorgement Tardif NV for an unforgettable tasting journey.

Jeb Dunnuck (94)

Based on the 2018 vintage, which was an early solar ripe vintage, the NV Champagne Cuvée 746 sees two grams per liter of dosage and is about 50% Chardonnay, the rest Pinot Noir and Meunier, and approximately 25% reserve wine. It pours a highly reflective straw hue and is aromatically forward out of the gate, with savory appeal and notes of citrus oil as well as juicy ripe berries. The palate is juicy and inviting, with approachable silky fruit and a fine mousse. It has wonderful balance, with the warmth from the vintage, and immediacy as well as structure that should provide a good bit of longevity over the coming 10-15 years.

The Joseph Perrier Cuvee Royale Vintage 2012 is an exquisite choice for connoisseurs, reflecting the timeless excellence of the esteemed Joseph Perrier Champagne House, based in Châlons-en-Champagne, France. It derives its unique profile from the house's distinctive ageing process in chalk cellars. Selectively harvested from premier cru vineyards in Montagne de Reims, the blend presents an authentic taste of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir varieties. The Chardonnay gives it a vibrant, citrusy charm while the Pinot Noir adds a structured body and rich, fruity finish.

On the palate, the Joseph Perrier Cuvee Royale Vintage 2012 greets with a beautifully balanced acidity, underpins a fragrant bouquet of blossoms and white fruits, proceeding towards an impressive finish of almond and toasted brioche notes. With its beautifully designed bottle, it's more than just a wine; it's an homage to France's centuries-old viniculture tradition.

Wine Spectator (98)

A very youthful '95. Delicate. Intense aromas of ginger, citrus, candied berry and multigrain bread turn to honey, roasted almonds and graphite on the palate. It's all underscored by a precise structure and creamy texture. Its structure keeps it persistent through the long finish. A picture of precision and intensity. Drink now through 2025. 1,700 cases imported. -BS

Jancis Robinson (19)

ID 113015. Disgorged winter 2012-13. 46% Pinot Noir, 29% Chardonnay, 25% Pinot Meunier. Named ‘Vivacious Radiance’ at Krug. A truly unique year with particularly challenging circumstances. The first harvest was on 23 August, the earliest since 1822. Pale gold. Pungent nose. Very tight. Hint of putty on the nose. Opens out on the palate. Masses to chew on. Real concentration. Perfect for drinking now. Dry but complete. Intellectual and great balance. Very impressive.

Wine Advocate (96+)

Compared to Krug's 160th edition, the bright golden-yellow colored NV Grande Cuvée 166ème Édition (ID117010) is still a baby that shows the chalky and fruity features of a young white Burgundy intermixed with notes of Schwarzwälder Kirsch (dark cherries with black chocolate) and floral (ammonia) flavors on the pure, fresh and elegant yet intense and still yeasty brioche nose with its ripe apple aromas and refreshingly bright (lemon juice) overtones. Round, wide and very elegant yet also straight and tense on the palate, this 2010-dominated cuvée is very delicate, fresh and chalky but also dense and lush in its vinous texture. The finish is well-structured, fresh and persistent, indicating great complexity and vibrancy. However, I would wait at least another three years, during which time the 166th edition will gain even more finesse and quiet. The 166ème Édition is composed of 140 wines from 13 different harvests between 1998 and 2010, and it's a blend of 45% Pinot Noir with 39% Chardonnay and 16% Pinot Meunier, the latter of which provides the vivacity that the Chardonnay from the Côte des Blancs surprisingly didn't have in 2010, a vintage that was marked by its "tumultuous climate," as Eric Lebel writes.

Jancis Robinson (19)

A blend of 198 wines from 11 different years, with the youngest the acclaimed 2012, back to a precious, powerfully aromatic lot of Verzenay Pinot Noir 1996. The final blend – 52% Pinot Noir, 35% Chardonnay and 13% Meunier – was bottled in 2013 and aged for seven years in Krug’s cellars in Reims. Yields in 2012 were 20% lower than usual because of a succession of meteorological events including frost, rain, storms and hail in winter and spring 2012, followed by the driest ripening season since 1974. Notably intense aroma with crème pâtissière dominant. Masses of extract and remarkable acidity underpinned by great depth of flavour and beautiful balance on the finish. I think this is going to be a really great, glamorous Krug Grande Cuvée that will continue to develop in bottle for many years to come. I suspect it will be even more enjoyable from the end of 2020. The length on the palate is remarkable. This is magnificently precise, a great tribute to the work of the old cellarmaster Eric Lebel, who is still in the background, and a wonderful welcome to his successor Julie Cavil, who has been learning from him since 2006.

Wine Advocate (96+)

Based on the 2013 vintage and complemented by some 40% reserve wines dating back to 2000, Krug's newly released NV Grande Cuvée 169ème Édition is showing very nicely, unfurling in the glass with notes of citrus oil, buttered toast, dried apricot, warm biscuits and marmalade. Medium to full-bodied, deep and incisive, it's a tauter, more chiseled rendition of Grande Cuvée by comparison with the richer, more textural and more demonstrative 168ème Édition (based on the 2012 vintage) that preceded it; but its bright spine of acidity is nicely cloaked in fruit. Concluding with a long and sapid finish, this is a very classically balanced Champagne that will reward bottle age

Wine Advocate (96+)

The Larmandier family excelled in this cooler vintage, so it's unsurprising that the 2013 Extra-Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Vieille Vigne du Levant has turned out beautifully. Wafting from the glass with notes of crisp yellow orchard fruit, brioche, white flowers, oyster shell and honeycomb, it's medium to full-bodied, deep, layered and incisive, with a tangy spine of acidity, terrific tension and a long, racy finish.

Vinous (94)

The NV Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs Latitude 1er Cru is bright, punchy and full of mineral-driven intensity. Crushed flowers, lemon peel, sage, mint and crushed rocks build as this potent, intensely saline Champagne opens in the glass. This is impressive. As always, the Latitude is a Champagne built on textural breadth and volume, typical of wines from the southern sector of Vertus. This release is based on 2019 and 40% a perpetual reserve that goes back to 2004. Dosage is 3 grams per liter. Disgorged: February, 2022.

Vinous (94)

The NV Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs Longitude 1er Cru is a blend taken from parcels in Vertus, Avize, Cramant and Oger that lie on the same longitudinal axis. Crushed rocks, jasmine, mint, white pepper and lemon peel race out of the glass. This taut, beautifully sculpted yet airy Champagne from Larmandier-Bernier is a winner. This release is based on 2019 and 40% a perpetual reserve that goes back to 2004. Dosage is 3 grams per liter. Disgorged: February, 2022.

Vinous (95)

The NV (2016) Extra Brut Rosé de Saignée is a classy, gorgeous wine. Bright, sculpted and finely chiseled, the 2016 has so much to offer. Chalk, mint, white pepper and crushed rocks perk up the red berry fruit. Sweet floral notes emerge with a bit of time in the glass. In this vintage, the Rosé is wonderfully translucent and so expressive. The NV Rosé is 100% Pinot Noir from 45-50 year-old vines in Vertus, done in steel. Dosage is 3 grams per liter. Disgorged: January, 2020.

Vinous (92)

The 2015 Brut Nature Blanc de Blancs Terre de Vertus 1er Cru is a brilliant wine that combines textural richness and energy. The aromatics are a bit muted today, but that should not be an issue in a few months. All the 2015 needs is time. The Terre de Vertus is a blend of parcels in the Barillers and Faucherests lieux-dits. As always, the Terre de Vertus is vinified in neutral oak of various sizes. Bottled with no dosage. Disgorged: April, 2021.

Wine Spectator (92)

An elegant Champagne in an aperitif style, with flavors of crushed blackberry, biscuit, spring blossom and Meyer lemon zest riding the finely detailed bead, underscored by a streak of salinity that emerges on the fresh finish.

James Suckling (94)

Dried-lemon, apricot, green-apple, salted-almond, walnut and light caramel notes. Vinous and layered, with small and tight bubbles. Excellent focus and intensity. Based on 2018, with reserve wines going back to 2009. Dosage 8g/L. Drink now.

Jeb Dunnuck (97)

The 2009 Cristal is a beauty, with incredible richness as well as elegance, which are the hallmarks of this cuvée. Always a rough blend of 60/40 Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from estate vineyards, it has a toasty, yet pure bouquet of stone fruits, rising bread, white flowers, and toasted bread, as well as a terrific sense of chalky minerality. While it’s not built around sheer richness and power (à la Krug), it’s perfectly balanced, has a fine, fine mousse, and shines for its class and purity. Bravo! It’s going to keep for another two decades.

An exquisite product of the Champagne region, the Marie Noelle Ledru Grand Cru Cuvee Goulte Blanc Noirs Brut 2007 is a testament to the unique mastery of its revered producer. One of the few female vignerons in the region, Marie Noelle Ledru meticulously cultivates a small set of vineyards, applying traditional and sustainable practices.

Crafted solely from dark-skinned Pinot Noir grapes, this Blanc de Noirs champagne imbues a golden clarity. The wine exemplifies the terroir with its expressive aromas and flavours. Raspberry and apple notes softened by brioche undertones result from its meticulous méthode champenoise. Fermented in oak, the wine spends an impressive 9 years on lees before disgorging. Its remarkable complexity and depth are reflections of this extended maturation.

A testament to the elegance of Ledru's style, the Marie Noelle Ledru Grand Cru Cuvee Goulte Blanc Noirs Brut 2007 personifies both power and grace, offering a distinctive and rewarding gustatory experience.

Wine Advocate (92)

Disgorged in February 2018 with five grams per liter dosage, Moët's 2012 Extra Brut Grand Vintage is showing well, unfurling in the glass with an expressive bouquet of ripe yellow orchard fruit, peaches, toasted nuts, warm bread and honeycomb. On the palate, the wine is medium to full-bodied, broad and fleshy, with a tangy but ripe core of fruit, nicely integrated acids and a pinpoint mousse, concluding with an attractively fruit-driven finish. The 2012 reflects both the concentration of the vintage and Moët's push for riper fruit, and it is already quite accessible.