Champagne
Champagne, the epitome of elegance and celebration, is widely regarded as the pinnacle of sparkling wines. As one of the most prestigious wine regions in the world, Champagne has captured the hearts of wine enthusiasts and connoisseurs with its exceptional quality, refined craftsmanship, and iconic vineyards.
Historically, Champagne has been dominated by some world-acclaimed Champagne House, which source grapes and harvest from Champagne growers. These famous Grandes Marques include Louis Roederer (Cristal), Dom Pérignon, Krug, Moët & Chandon, Veuve Clicquot, and Bollinger, all of them are revered for their notable names that display unrivalled winemaking prestige and pedigree.
In the recent decade, the emerging Grower Champagne trend in Champagne is shaking up the industry by challenging the dominance of the big Champagne houses. These small-scale producers, also known as "Récoltant-Manipulant" or RM, grow their own grapes and produce their own Champagne, showcasing the unique terroir and character of their vineyards. Jacques Selosse, Ulysse Collin, and Champagne Vilmart & Cie are among the most prominent names in this trend, producing some truly artisanal and terroir-driven Champagnes.
Champagne is primarily made from three main grape varieties: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier. These grapes are carefully selected and blended to create a harmonious and complex flavour profile. Chardonnay contributes elegance, freshness, and finesse, while Pinot Noir adds structure, depth, and fruitiness. Pinot Meunier brings a touch of roundness and vibrancy to the blend.
The region of Champagne is divided into several distinct sub-regions, including Montagne de Reims, Côte des Blancs, and Vallée de la Marne. Each sub-region has its unique terroir, characterized by variations in soil composition and microclimates, which influence the style and character of the wines produced.
Champagne offers various styles, from non-vintage blends to vintage cuvées and prestigious prestige cuvées. While Non-vintage Champagnes typically epitomise the house style, the vintage Champagnes are made from grapes harvested in one particular year (top vintages such as 1996, 2002, 2008 etc), in which these wines showcase the unique characteristics of the specific vintage.
The prestige cuvées, often the flagship wines of the renowned Champagne houses, are the pinnacle of excellence. These exceptional Champagnes are created using the finest grapes, the most meticulous winemaking techniques and often benefit from extended ageing to achieve unparalleled complexity and finesse.
Champagne is synonymous with celebration, elegance, and luxury. Its effervescent charm and timeless appeal have made it the drink of choice for countless special occasions and memorable moments. With its rich history, iconic vineyards, and unrivalled quality, Champagne continues to captivate wine enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike.
Champagne
| Product Name | Region | Qty | Score | Price | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Champagne | 6 | 17.5 (JR) |
Inc. VAT
£597.92 |
|||||
Jancis Robinson (17.5)Very pale tomato red. Aged tamarind notes with some smoky and rose-petal character – really intriguing! There is richness on the way to a dry, appetising finish. Substantial wine with a relatively full body for a champagne. This could stand up to many a main course. Persistent. Lots to explore here. |
|||||||||
|
|
Champagne | 4 | - |
Inc. VAT
£234.32 |
|||||
|
Immerse yourself in the exquisite elegance of the Regis Poissinet Cuvee Irizee Meunier Extra Brut 2014. Born in the revered vineyards of Champagne, France, this prestige cuvée is the sublime creation of the esteemed Regis Poissinet. Delivering an unparalleled expression of Pinot Meunier, this 2014 vintage, Extra Brut, is distinct in its depth and complexity. Undergoing traditional Champagne method fermentation, and aged for over 72 months, the wine achieves a remarkable finesse. Displaying seductive bubbles, the opulent acidity harmonises flawlessly with notes of crisp apple, pear, and subtly toasted brioche. On the palate, layered undertones of honey and toasted nuts create a tantalising decadence. The Regis Poissinet Cuvee Irizee Meunier Extra Brut 2014 is indeed a testament to the mastery of Champagne-making, promising an unmatched tasting experience that resonates with unadorned purity and sophistication. |
|||||||||
|
|
Champagne | 1 | 18 (JR) |
Inc. VAT
£597.04 |
|||||
Jancis Robinson (18)Apple skins and membrillo. Rain-bruised orange blossom and iced cardamom. On the palate, it's a dragonfly, like catching light and shadows. A tiny note of something sweet, almost nougat, that disappears without a trace in a second. Lemon-drizzle cake and then the bitter fragrant bite of grapefruit peel. And then, the wake of this constantly moving wine is chalk, soaked in rain and soaked in lemon and packed in white pepper and trace-etched with slightly green tobacco leaves. Like all these Coulon wines, almost impossible to pin down with words. Defiant and glorious. |
|||||||||
|
|
Champagne | 1 | 18 (JR) |
Inc. VAT
£353.44 |
|||||
Jancis Robinson (18)Another deep, sonorous nose. Edgy, but not for the sake of edgy. The depth to these Coulon wines is remarkable. Yes, it's toast and layers and fruit and spice and minerals in abundance, but the flavours are almost secondary to the anima of the wine. This is a wine that slams into your whole body; one sip; feel the reverberations. These wines are all about the energy, the resonance, the sheer life force of life. Like copper wires pulsing with electricity. Like a cello solo in the Carnegie Hall. You feel it more than you drink it. |
|||||||||
|
|
Champagne | 5 | - |
Inc. VAT
£286.24 |
|||||
|
Radiating aristocratic sophistication, the Roger Coulon Premier Cru Heri-Hodie Vrigny Extra Brut NV is a testament to eight generations of masterful vineyard cultivation. Located in Vrigny, in the heart of Champagne's prestigious Montagne de Reims, Roger Coulon meticulously maintains his vineyards, ensuring each grape's perfect ripening. This Premier Cru Extra Brut, a carefully selected blend of Pinot Meunier, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay, delivers a sensational spectrum of flavours. Hand-harvested and aged for a minimum of six years in oak barrels, the Roger Coulon Premier Cru Heri-Hodie Vrigny Extra Brut NV oscillates between refined elegance and invigorating vigour. Its delicate perlage reveals layers of crisp orchard fruits, subtle nutty undertones, and a vibrant lick of citrus. With its distinct minerality and extraordinarily long finish, this stimulating champagne is more than a celebratory fizz, it's a true connoisseur's elixir. |
|||||||||
|
|
Champagne | 9 | 92 (VN) |
Inc. VAT
£541.46 |
|||||
Vinous (92)(full malo; 9 g/l dosage; LAH9T): Light yellow-gold. Smoky citrus and orchard fruits on the deeply perfumed, mineral-tinged nose. Offers broad, toasty orange and pear skin flavors with an undercurrent of dusty minerals. Picks up floral and ginger nuances with air, along with hints of iodine and tarragon. Rich yet lively blanc de blancs with powerful back-end lift and finishing grip. |
|||||||||
|
|
Champagne | 8 | 92 (VN) |
Inc. VAT
£488.66 |
|||||
Vinous (92)(full malo; 9 g/l dosage; LAH9T): Light yellow-gold. Smoky citrus and orchard fruits on the deeply perfumed, mineral-tinged nose. Offers broad, toasty orange and pear skin flavors with an undercurrent of dusty minerals. Picks up floral and ginger nuances with air, along with hints of iodine and tarragon. Rich yet lively blanc de blancs with powerful back-end lift and finishing grip. |
|||||||||
|
|
Champagne | 1 | 90 (VN) |
Inc. VAT
£651.47 |
|||||
Vinous (90)The 1990 Dom Ruinart (original release) was also pretty, although it revealed a slightly flabby and unfocused personality compared to the more vibrant wines of the night. |
|||||||||
|
|
Champagne | 1 | 97+ (VN) |
Inc. VAT
£947.06 |
|||||
Vinous (97+)The 2006 Dom Ruinart Blanc de Blancs Brut is simply fabulous. In most vintages, Dom Ruinart is a big, ample Champagne that shows the structure of the Montagne de Reims Chardonnay in the blend. The 2006 has plenty of textural resonance and richness, and yet I am also struck by its tension. Both bottles I tasted point to a Dom Ruinart that is quite a bit more polished and sophisticated than it often is at this stage. |
|||||||||
|
|
Champagne | 1 | 100 (VN (AG)) |
Inc. VAT
£1,393.46 |
|||||
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (100)The 2010 Dom Ruinart (magnum) is a modern-day legend, one of the greatest wines ever made in Champagne. Ample and explosive, with stunning richness, the 2010 has it all, starting with captivating aromatics, beautifully delineated fruit, striking saline intensity and magnificent balance. In magnum, the 2010 offers that extra kick of palate presence that fills out the layers just a touch more than the standard 750ml bottle. Readers who can find it should not hesitate. In a very short time, this will be regarded as one of late Chef de Caves Frédéric Panaïotis' masterpieces. Dosage is 5 grams per liter. Disgorged in late 2024. |
|||||||||
|
|
Champagne | 3 | 97 (JS) |
Inc. VAT
£1,073.06 |
|||||
James Suckling (97)Oyster shell and a stony minerality on the nose, with salted butter and fresh croissants. Hints of white truffle, vanilla, white chocolate and vanilla-bean custard. Creamy, yet racy and very bright, with lively acidity and a long, structured finish. 5.5g/L dosage. Drink or hold. |
|||||||||
|
|
Champagne | 2 | 96 (WA) |
Inc. VAT
£1,322.66 |
|||||
Wine Advocate (96)Tasted from magnum and disgorged in December 2021 with a dosage of five grams per liter, the 2007 Dom Ruinart Rosé—the first vintage under Frédéric Panaïotis's guidance—is showing brilliantly. It offers a complex bouquet of mandarin, blood orange, red plum and wild raspberry, enriched by notes of roasted cocoa and a subtle smoky reduction. On the palate, it is full-bodied, vinous and elegantly muscular, with a flamboyant and layered core of fruit, bright acidity and a long, delicately perfumed finish. Slightly more tightly wound than the 2009 Dom Ruinart Rosé, the magnum format only enhances its energy and texture. The blend is 80% Chardonnay—predominantly from the Côte des Blancs—complemented by 20% Pinot Noir vinified as red wine from the house’s vineyard in Aÿ. |
|||||||||
|
|
Champagne | 5 | 97 (WA) |
Inc. VAT
£251.84 |
|||||
Wine Advocate (97)Disgorged in August 2018 with a dosage of four grams per liter, the 2009 Dom Ruinart Rosé is another standout in this cuvée’s lineage. It soars from the glass with a deep bouquet of blood orange, blackberry, Sichuan pepper and red blossoms, mingling with accents of cacao nibs and pastry. On the palate, it is full-bodied, vinous and muscular, with superb concentration and a luscious fruit core enlivened by a pillowy mousse and lively acidity that carries it to a long, perfumed finish where Pinot Noir phenolics assert themselves gracefully. At once harmonious and seductive, the blend is composed of 15% Pinot Noir from Aÿ vinified as red wine, with the remainder Chardonnay sourced from Cramant, Avize, Chouilly, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger and Sillery. Harvested in the latter part of September, this marks the final vintage matured under crown cap before the house’s transition to cork. |
|||||||||
|
|
Champagne | 1 | 97 (WA) |
Inc. VAT
£643.93 |
|||||
Wine Advocate (97)Disgorged in August 2018 with a dosage of four grams per liter, the 2009 Dom Ruinart Rosé is another standout in this cuvée’s lineage. It soars from the glass with a deep bouquet of blood orange, blackberry, Sichuan pepper and red blossoms, mingling with accents of cacao nibs and pastry. On the palate, it is full-bodied, vinous and muscular, with superb concentration and a luscious fruit core enlivened by a pillowy mousse and lively acidity that carries it to a long, perfumed finish where Pinot Noir phenolics assert themselves gracefully. At once harmonious and seductive, the blend is composed of 15% Pinot Noir from Aÿ vinified as red wine, with the remainder Chardonnay sourced from Cramant, Avize, Chouilly, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger and Sillery. Harvested in the latter part of September, this marks the final vintage matured under crown cap before the house’s transition to cork. |
|||||||||
|
|
Champagne | 1 | 97 (WA) |
Inc. VAT
£1,177.46 |
|||||
Wine Advocate (97)Disgorged in August 2018 with a dosage of four grams per liter, the 2009 Dom Ruinart Rosé is another standout in this cuvée’s lineage. It soars from the glass with a deep bouquet of blood orange, blackberry, Sichuan pepper and red blossoms, mingling with accents of cacao nibs and pastry. On the palate, it is full-bodied, vinous and muscular, with superb concentration and a luscious fruit core enlivened by a pillowy mousse and lively acidity that carries it to a long, perfumed finish where Pinot Noir phenolics assert themselves gracefully. At once harmonious and seductive, the blend is composed of 15% Pinot Noir from Aÿ vinified as red wine, with the remainder Chardonnay sourced from Cramant, Avize, Chouilly, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger and Sillery. Harvested in the latter part of September, this marks the final vintage matured under crown cap before the house’s transition to cork. |
|||||||||
|
|
Champagne | 39 | 17 (JR) |
Inc. VAT
£294.86 |
|||||
Jancis Robinson (17)Bready nose with some real interest. Solid stuff – something to get your teeth into, in a good way. Very clean and neat and tastes as though it had quite a bit of age on lees. |
|||||||||
|
|
Champagne | 3 | 93 (WS) |
Inc. VAT
£500.66 |
|||||
Wine Spectator (93)This deftly woven Champagne is all about finesse, offering a rich vein of smoky minerality and vivid acidity. The power is cloaked in a silky texture and notes of creamed pear, lemon confit, almond biscotti and fresh ginger. |
|||||||||
| Product Name | Region | Qty | Score | Price | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Champagne | 6 | 17.5 (JR) |
In Bond
£490.00 |
|||||
Jancis Robinson (17.5)Very pale tomato red. Aged tamarind notes with some smoky and rose-petal character – really intriguing! There is richness on the way to a dry, appetising finish. Substantial wine with a relatively full body for a champagne. This could stand up to many a main course. Persistent. Lots to explore here. |
|||||||||
|
|
Champagne | 4 | - |
In Bond
£187.00 |
|||||
|
Immerse yourself in the exquisite elegance of the Regis Poissinet Cuvee Irizee Meunier Extra Brut 2014. Born in the revered vineyards of Champagne, France, this prestige cuvée is the sublime creation of the esteemed Regis Poissinet. Delivering an unparalleled expression of Pinot Meunier, this 2014 vintage, Extra Brut, is distinct in its depth and complexity. Undergoing traditional Champagne method fermentation, and aged for over 72 months, the wine achieves a remarkable finesse. Displaying seductive bubbles, the opulent acidity harmonises flawlessly with notes of crisp apple, pear, and subtly toasted brioche. On the palate, layered undertones of honey and toasted nuts create a tantalising decadence. The Regis Poissinet Cuvee Irizee Meunier Extra Brut 2014 is indeed a testament to the mastery of Champagne-making, promising an unmatched tasting experience that resonates with unadorned purity and sophistication. |
|||||||||
|
|
Champagne | 1 | 18 (JR) |
In Bond
£481.00 |
|||||
Jancis Robinson (18)Apple skins and membrillo. Rain-bruised orange blossom and iced cardamom. On the palate, it's a dragonfly, like catching light and shadows. A tiny note of something sweet, almost nougat, that disappears without a trace in a second. Lemon-drizzle cake and then the bitter fragrant bite of grapefruit peel. And then, the wake of this constantly moving wine is chalk, soaked in rain and soaked in lemon and packed in white pepper and trace-etched with slightly green tobacco leaves. Like all these Coulon wines, almost impossible to pin down with words. Defiant and glorious. |
|||||||||
|
|
Champagne | 1 | 18 (JR) |
In Bond
£278.00 |
|||||
Jancis Robinson (18)Another deep, sonorous nose. Edgy, but not for the sake of edgy. The depth to these Coulon wines is remarkable. Yes, it's toast and layers and fruit and spice and minerals in abundance, but the flavours are almost secondary to the anima of the wine. This is a wine that slams into your whole body; one sip; feel the reverberations. These wines are all about the energy, the resonance, the sheer life force of life. Like copper wires pulsing with electricity. Like a cello solo in the Carnegie Hall. You feel it more than you drink it. |
|||||||||
|
|
Champagne | 5 | - |
In Bond
£222.00 |
|||||
|
Radiating aristocratic sophistication, the Roger Coulon Premier Cru Heri-Hodie Vrigny Extra Brut NV is a testament to eight generations of masterful vineyard cultivation. Located in Vrigny, in the heart of Champagne's prestigious Montagne de Reims, Roger Coulon meticulously maintains his vineyards, ensuring each grape's perfect ripening. This Premier Cru Extra Brut, a carefully selected blend of Pinot Meunier, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay, delivers a sensational spectrum of flavours. Hand-harvested and aged for a minimum of six years in oak barrels, the Roger Coulon Premier Cru Heri-Hodie Vrigny Extra Brut NV oscillates between refined elegance and invigorating vigour. Its delicate perlage reveals layers of crisp orchard fruits, subtle nutty undertones, and a vibrant lick of citrus. With its distinct minerality and extraordinarily long finish, this stimulating champagne is more than a celebratory fizz, it's a true connoisseur's elixir. |
|||||||||
|
|
Champagne | 9 | 92 (VN) |
In Bond
£434.00 |
|||||
Vinous (92)(full malo; 9 g/l dosage; LAH9T): Light yellow-gold. Smoky citrus and orchard fruits on the deeply perfumed, mineral-tinged nose. Offers broad, toasty orange and pear skin flavors with an undercurrent of dusty minerals. Picks up floral and ginger nuances with air, along with hints of iodine and tarragon. Rich yet lively blanc de blancs with powerful back-end lift and finishing grip. |
|||||||||
|
|
Champagne | 8 | 92 (VN) |
In Bond
£390.00 |
|||||
Vinous (92)(full malo; 9 g/l dosage; LAH9T): Light yellow-gold. Smoky citrus and orchard fruits on the deeply perfumed, mineral-tinged nose. Offers broad, toasty orange and pear skin flavors with an undercurrent of dusty minerals. Picks up floral and ginger nuances with air, along with hints of iodine and tarragon. Rich yet lively blanc de blancs with powerful back-end lift and finishing grip. |
|||||||||
|
|
Champagne | 1 | 90 (VN) |
In Bond
£536.00 |
|||||
Vinous (90)The 1990 Dom Ruinart (original release) was also pretty, although it revealed a slightly flabby and unfocused personality compared to the more vibrant wines of the night. |
|||||||||
|
|
Champagne | 1 | 97+ (VN) |
In Bond
£772.00 |
|||||
Vinous (97+)The 2006 Dom Ruinart Blanc de Blancs Brut is simply fabulous. In most vintages, Dom Ruinart is a big, ample Champagne that shows the structure of the Montagne de Reims Chardonnay in the blend. The 2006 has plenty of textural resonance and richness, and yet I am also struck by its tension. Both bottles I tasted point to a Dom Ruinart that is quite a bit more polished and sophisticated than it often is at this stage. |
|||||||||
|
|
Champagne | 1 | 100 (VN (AG)) |
In Bond
£1,144.00 |
|||||
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (100)The 2010 Dom Ruinart (magnum) is a modern-day legend, one of the greatest wines ever made in Champagne. Ample and explosive, with stunning richness, the 2010 has it all, starting with captivating aromatics, beautifully delineated fruit, striking saline intensity and magnificent balance. In magnum, the 2010 offers that extra kick of palate presence that fills out the layers just a touch more than the standard 750ml bottle. Readers who can find it should not hesitate. In a very short time, this will be regarded as one of late Chef de Caves Frédéric Panaïotis' masterpieces. Dosage is 5 grams per liter. Disgorged in late 2024. |
|||||||||
|
|
Champagne | 3 | 97 (JS) |
In Bond
£877.00 |
|||||
James Suckling (97)Oyster shell and a stony minerality on the nose, with salted butter and fresh croissants. Hints of white truffle, vanilla, white chocolate and vanilla-bean custard. Creamy, yet racy and very bright, with lively acidity and a long, structured finish. 5.5g/L dosage. Drink or hold. |
|||||||||
|
|
Champagne | 2 | 96 (WA) |
In Bond
£1,085.00 |
|||||
Wine Advocate (96)Tasted from magnum and disgorged in December 2021 with a dosage of five grams per liter, the 2007 Dom Ruinart Rosé—the first vintage under Frédéric Panaïotis's guidance—is showing brilliantly. It offers a complex bouquet of mandarin, blood orange, red plum and wild raspberry, enriched by notes of roasted cocoa and a subtle smoky reduction. On the palate, it is full-bodied, vinous and elegantly muscular, with a flamboyant and layered core of fruit, bright acidity and a long, delicately perfumed finish. Slightly more tightly wound than the 2009 Dom Ruinart Rosé, the magnum format only enhances its energy and texture. The blend is 80% Chardonnay—predominantly from the Côte des Blancs—complemented by 20% Pinot Noir vinified as red wine from the house’s vineyard in Aÿ. |
|||||||||
|
|
Champagne | 5 | 97 (WA) |
In Bond
£207.00 |
|||||
Wine Advocate (97)Disgorged in August 2018 with a dosage of four grams per liter, the 2009 Dom Ruinart Rosé is another standout in this cuvée’s lineage. It soars from the glass with a deep bouquet of blood orange, blackberry, Sichuan pepper and red blossoms, mingling with accents of cacao nibs and pastry. On the palate, it is full-bodied, vinous and muscular, with superb concentration and a luscious fruit core enlivened by a pillowy mousse and lively acidity that carries it to a long, perfumed finish where Pinot Noir phenolics assert themselves gracefully. At once harmonious and seductive, the blend is composed of 15% Pinot Noir from Aÿ vinified as red wine, with the remainder Chardonnay sourced from Cramant, Avize, Chouilly, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger and Sillery. Harvested in the latter part of September, this marks the final vintage matured under crown cap before the house’s transition to cork. |
|||||||||
|
|
Champagne | 1 | 97 (WA) |
In Bond
£528.00 |
|||||
Wine Advocate (97)Disgorged in August 2018 with a dosage of four grams per liter, the 2009 Dom Ruinart Rosé is another standout in this cuvée’s lineage. It soars from the glass with a deep bouquet of blood orange, blackberry, Sichuan pepper and red blossoms, mingling with accents of cacao nibs and pastry. On the palate, it is full-bodied, vinous and muscular, with superb concentration and a luscious fruit core enlivened by a pillowy mousse and lively acidity that carries it to a long, perfumed finish where Pinot Noir phenolics assert themselves gracefully. At once harmonious and seductive, the blend is composed of 15% Pinot Noir from Aÿ vinified as red wine, with the remainder Chardonnay sourced from Cramant, Avize, Chouilly, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger and Sillery. Harvested in the latter part of September, this marks the final vintage matured under crown cap before the house’s transition to cork. |
|||||||||
|
|
Champagne | 1 | 97 (WA) |
In Bond
£964.00 |
|||||
Wine Advocate (97)Disgorged in August 2018 with a dosage of four grams per liter, the 2009 Dom Ruinart Rosé is another standout in this cuvée’s lineage. It soars from the glass with a deep bouquet of blood orange, blackberry, Sichuan pepper and red blossoms, mingling with accents of cacao nibs and pastry. On the palate, it is full-bodied, vinous and muscular, with superb concentration and a luscious fruit core enlivened by a pillowy mousse and lively acidity that carries it to a long, perfumed finish where Pinot Noir phenolics assert themselves gracefully. At once harmonious and seductive, the blend is composed of 15% Pinot Noir from Aÿ vinified as red wine, with the remainder Chardonnay sourced from Cramant, Avize, Chouilly, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger and Sillery. Harvested in the latter part of September, this marks the final vintage matured under crown cap before the house’s transition to cork. |
|||||||||
|
|
Champagne | 39 | 17 (JR) |
In Bond
£228.50 |
|||||
Jancis Robinson (17)Bready nose with some real interest. Solid stuff – something to get your teeth into, in a good way. Very clean and neat and tastes as though it had quite a bit of age on lees. |
|||||||||
|
|
Champagne | 3 | 93 (WS) |
In Bond
£400.00 |
|||||
Wine Spectator (93)This deftly woven Champagne is all about finesse, offering a rich vein of smoky minerality and vivid acidity. The power is cloaked in a silky texture and notes of creamed pear, lemon confit, almond biscotti and fresh ginger. |
|||||||||
