James Suckling (96)

James Suckling (96)

Wine Advocate (98)

Garnering immeasurable prestige in the world of fine wines, the Bereche et Fils Cote Selectionnes 2016 emanates from the celebrated Bereche et Fils' vineyards, nestled in the heart of Champagne, France. A testament to skilled craftsmanship, this grand cru is meticulously created through meticulous selection, rigorous vinification, and distinguished ageing process. Sublime Arab-style windows overlook the captivating landscape, reflecting the insight and tradition that imbue every drop of this exquisite champagne.

The Bereche et Fils family, steeped in tradition, possess an expert understanding of terroir, permitting the true essence of the vineyard to shine through in their wines consistently. Bereche et Fils Cote Selectionnes 2016 is no exception—it is an enchanting symphony of aromas, with an invigorating palate boasting of ripe fruits, accented by silky texture and delicate effervescence. Imbued with an artful balance, it is a sublime epitome of sophistication, truly mirroring the excellence Bereche et Fils pour into every bottle.

Vinous (94)

Vinous (97)

Vinous (97)

Vinous (95)

Hure Freres 4 Elements Pinot Noir 2016 embodies excellence. This delectable wine hails from France's Champagne region, renowned for pristine-quality grapes. Hand-picked to ensure supreme quality, the 100% Pinot Noir grapes, are meticulously processed, paying respect to each of the four elements: earth, fire, air and water. Hure Freres, the esteemed family vineyard, expertly harnesses their years of winemaking heritage, beautifully infusing these elements into each bottle. Savour the intense fragrance of ripe cherry and plum with an echoing smoky note.

On the palate, Hure Freres 4 Elements Pinot Noir 2016 is a sensuous delight. It unveils complex layers of red fruit and spice, intertwined with subtle wood nuances, balanced by an invigorating acidity. Aged for 12 months in French oak barrels, this wine flaunts a sophisticated silkiness that lingers on the palate. Reflecting its regal lineage, this wine stands testament to refined winemaking, making Hure Freres 4 Elements Pinot Noir 2016 a coveted choice for the discerned palate.

Indulge in the sublime taste of Jean-Marc Seleque Partition 7 Parcelles Extra Brut 2016, an exceptional Champagne by a distinguished producer. Crafted with precision and passion in the hailed terroir of Pierry, a highly revered commune in the Côte des Blancs sub-region of Champagne, France. This extraordinary Champagne is a symphony of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier grapes meticulously cultivated from seven select parcels, hence the name 'Partition 7 Parcelles'. The 2016 vintage was marked by optimal conditions that produced a perfect harmony of acidity and ripeness. Jean-Marc Seleque, a producer famed for his unwavering commitment to sustainable viticulture, employs traditional vinification methods and elevates the wine in oak barrels, lending it intricate buttery and toasted notes. This extra brut exudes elegance and complexity, with a well-balanced finish that lingers on the palate. Savour the Jean-Marc Seleque Partition 7 Parcelles Extra Brut 2016's delightful nuances of crisp apple, ripe peach, and toasted brioche. An absolute must for discerning Champagne aficionados.

The Jean-Marc Seleque Soliste Pinot Noir Les Gayeres Premier Cru 2016 is a fine testament to Franche Champagne craftsmanship. Produced by esteemed winemaker Jean-Marc Seleque in Pierry, a picturesque Premier Cru village, this Pinot Noir embodies the exceptional savoir-faire and years of family vineyard expertise. Utilising organic and sustainable methods, Seleque’s dedication to uncompromising quality is evident in this vintage.

The 2016 Soliste, matured for 18 months in 35% new oak, boasts a captivating aroma. A triumphant harmony of wild strawberries, cherries, forest floor and subtle spice linger on the nose, promising an impeccable tasting journey. On the palate, here's finesse; a silken texture met with bright acidity, and a satisfying, lingering finish. This poised, elegant red offers notes of red fruits and a touch of spice, mirrored from the bouquet.

A true delicacy for enthusiasts, the Jean-Marc Seleque Soliste Pinot Noir Les Gayeres Premier Cru 2016 won't fail to enchant.

Steeped in sophistication, the Jean-Marc Seleque, Les Gouttes d'Or Premier Cru, Pierry 2016 is an epitome of exquisite French handiwork. Crafted in the reputed vineyards of the Pierry terroir, nested in Champagne, this first-class blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier has received Premier Cru designation, affirming its exceptional quality. The grapes, handpicked during the harvest peak of 2016, underwent meticulous vinification in oak casks, imbuing the wine with its distinct character. The result embraces you with delicate citrus notes, elegantly balanced by a tantalising underpinning of minerality and a refined, persistent finish.

Produced by the talented Jean-Marc Seleque, it reflects his unwavering commitment to ecological vineyard management, low-intervention winemaking and a personal artistry that has been honed over seven generations. The Jean-Marc Seleque, Les Gouttes d'Or Premier Cru, Pierry 2016 offers discerning enthusiasts a captivating experience of the traditional Champagne method through a compelling modern lens.

Immerse yourself in the unique narrative of the Jerome Prevost La Closerie Fac Simile Extra Brut Rose 2016, an exceptional rosé from the Champagne region. Crafted in the small village of Gueux, near Reims, this wine showcases the skill and devotion of artisan producer, Jerome Prevost. Interestingly, La Closerie is a micro-domaine of mere 2.2 hectares. This limited production and Prevost's well-honed techniques, focusing on low intervention and organic farming, result in a wine of stunning complexity and nuance.

The varietal, Pinot Meunier, sourced from 50-year old vines, is handled with utmost respect, undergoing a gentle press and natural fermentation. The 2016 vintage boasts enticing red fruit aromas, balanced by a lively acidity and an unforgettable chalky minerality. With fewer than 3 grams of sugar per litre, this Extra Brut offers an authentic, exhilarating taste of the terroir, making Jerome Prevost La Closerie Fac Simile Extra Brut Rose 2016 a must for discerning wine enthusiasts.

Indulge in the exquisite Larmandier-Bernier Chemins d'Avize Extra Brut Grand Cru 2016, a product of meticulous cultivation from a family-operated vineyard in the illustrious Champagne region. This grand cru is crafted purely from Chardonnay grapes grown on old vines in the Avize terroir, imbuing it with the unmistakable uniqueness of this esteemed microclimate. Employing biodynamic farming techniques, the producer takes extreme care, ensuring an optimal expression of Avize's signature minerality.

Elevated by traditional 'methode champenoise' with a low dosage, this Extra Brut reveals persistent, elegant bubbles, an impressive balance and a captivating complexity. Its radiant layered citrus notes interplay with subtle brioche accents, whispering hints of tertiary evolution. Created by the renowned Larmandier-Bernier, this extraordinary expression of terroir heralds the sophistication and precision they're celebrated for.

Vouched for by pre-eminent international wine critics, the Larmandier-Bernier Chemins d'Avize Extra Brut Grand Cru 2016 stands as a summation of grand cru Oenology at its finest.

Vinous (96)

Exhibiting the true elegance of French viticulture, Les Monts Fournois Cote Grand Cru 2016 is an exquisite delight for connoisseurs. This grand cru originates from the revered Les Monts Fournois estate, a bastion of viniculture nestled against the Cote d'Or's rolling hills. The 2016 vintage excels, masterfully delivering a sophisticated blend of depth and intensity. Grapes were handpicked, meticulously sorted, then aged in French oak to contour their natural flavour profile. The result is a red wine of enrapturing complexity, boasting layered notes of ripened berries, subtle spices, and a lingering, velvety finish. Les Monts Fournois remains committed to sustainability, a philosophy evident in their minimal intervention approach during production. Renowned wine critic, James Suckling, lauded the Les Monts Fournois Cote Grand Cru 2016, underscoring its rich, multifaceted palate. Discover this captivating vignette of the touring French terroir, a testament to the ceaseless pursuit of vinous perfection.

Vinous (90)

Immerse yourself in the luxurious experience of the Philippe Lancelot Chouilly Grand Cru Extra Brut Fine Fleur 2016. A truly distinguished wine, it embodies the credentials of Champagne’s reputable Chouilly region, where its grandeur shines through the small yet highly distinguished domaine of Philippe Lancelot. Cultivated with deep respect for the calcareous Chardonnay terroir, its biodynamic practices echo through each sip. Producing less than 3,000 cases annually, this excellent creation demonstrates the exquisite finesse achieved through the 2016 vintage. Hand-selected and rigorously sorted, the grape clusters are carefully pressed to extract the desired purity and elegance that defines it. Its beautiful gleaming gold colour, accompanied by the invigorating freshness of citrus fruit, intricate minerality layered with a finish of brioche hints, makes the Philippe Lancelot Chouilly Grand Cru Extra Brut Fine Fleur 2016 a truly exceptional companion for your distinguished gatherings or serene evenings. Relish the vivacious embodiment of Champagne's finest offerings.

Expertly crafted in the Grand Cru village of Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, the Pierre Peters Les Chetillons Cuvee Speciale Blanc de Blancs 2016 reflects meticulous viniculture. Skillfully overseen by the esteemed Pierre Peters family, who boast over a century of experience in winemaking, this Champagne is an embodiment of heritage and craftsmanship.

Created exclusively from Chardonnay, harvested from a single vintage and fermented with indigenous yeasts, the result is a wine of remarkable complexity and finesse. Thoroughly aged for six years in cellars, it develops robust flavours of crisp apple, lemon zest, and almond brioche, complemented by an energetic mineral finish. Fine bubbles contribute to its rich texture, as well as its impressive longevity and potential for further maturation.

Invest in the Pierre Peters Les Chetillons Cuvee Speciale Blanc de Blancs 2016, a delectable representation of French terroir; an ideal choice for sophisticated gatherings and special occasions.

Jancis Robinson (17)