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
-
Introducing the superb Domaine Les Monts Fournois Montagne Verzenay Grand Cru 2014. A specialist in the production of premium Champagne, the acclaimed Monts Fournois vineyard sits in the legendary Grand Cru village of Montagne de Reims, noted for its illustrious Pinot Noir growth. This 2014 vintage is graced with exceptional balance and complexity. Prolonged aging in their traditional Champagne cellars enriches its depth of flavours.
Crafted by the passionate winemaker Jean-Pierre Craplet, Domaine Les Monts Fournois is recognised for his meticulous vinification process. The Grand Cru 2014 showcases his expertise, with striking notes of pear, toasted almond, citrus and a hint of minerality, transporting your palate straight to the renowned terroir. A bright, robust acidity prolongs the exquisite finish, making this a vintage of great stature.
Celebrate all of life’s significant moments with the distinguished Domaine Les Monts Fournois Montagne Verzenay Grand Cru 2014. A journey into the heart of Champagne's illustrious history awaits you.
Inc. VAT£730.40 -
Delighting the discerning palate, Domaine Les Monts Fournois, Montagne Grand Cru, Mailly-Champagne 2014 is a testament to the mastery of Champagne production. Sourced from the illustrious slopes of Montagne de Reims in the Champagne region of France, this tantalising vintage is expertly crafted by the reputable house of Domaine Les Monts Fournois. Showcasing characteristic sophistication from the Grand Cru village of Mailly-Champagne, the 2014 vintage is a blend of 100% Pinot Noir, aged patiently on lees for a refined complexity.
The precise vinification methods enhance the wine's luminous golden hue, fine mousse, and the ideal balance of ripe fruit and crispy acidity. Expressing opulent aromas and flavours of red berries, brioche, and subtle minerality, the Domaine Les Monts Fournois, Montagne Grand Cru, Mailly-Champagne 2014 is indeed a bottle of elegant maturity and timeless finesse, making it a quintessential choice for collectors and enthusiasts alike.
Inc. VAT£1,152.62 -
(6x75cl) 2018Inc. VAT£511.24 -
Wine Advocate (90)
Based on the 2021 vintage, complemented with 50% reserve wines from 2018 and 2020, the third edition of Domaine Vincey’s NV Blanc de Blancs Interlude, disgorged in May 2024 without dosage, is the only non-vintage Champagne from the grower. Derived from three old-vine plots planted with massal selection Chardonnays, which Vincey also bottles separately as standalone cuvées, it is composed of Le Grand Jardin in Oger and Chemin de Châlons and Auge in Le Mesnil-sur-Oger. Soaring from the glass with aromas of dried white flowers, lemon zest and toasted bread, it combines the bright, incisive structure of the 2021 vintage with the more mature, round fruit of its predecessors, informed by long maturation on the lees in barrels.Inc. VAT£369.86 -
Wine Advocate (95)
The 2012 Extra-Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru, disgorged in May 2020 with two grams per liter of dosage, is aging gracefully, rising from the glass with aromas of pear, peach and mirabelle plum mingled with dried apricot and orange oil, overlaid by a subtle dried-fruit top note. On the palate, it is full-bodied, with a rich core of fruit and vibrant acidity, its generous and demonstrative profile flowing into a citrus-inflected finish heightened by the cuvée’s non-malolactic style. Predominantly derived from holdings in Avize, it is complemented by fruit from Oger, Cramant and Le Mesnil-sur-Oger.Inc. VAT£726.64 -
Inc. VAT£372.29 -
Wine Advocate (96+)
Disgorged in January 2021 with two grams per liter dosage, the 2015 Extra-Brut Premier Cru Clos de l'Abbaye has turned out brilliantly. Wafting from the glass with aromas of citrus oil, warm bread and honeycomb that are still a little reserved after its recent disgorgement, this is a full-bodied, layered and concentrated Champagne that's vinous and textural, displaying notable depth and mid-palate amplitude that's framed by lively acids and an enlivening pinpoint mousse, concluding with a long resonant finish. As I've written before, this cuvée derives from a walled 0.4-hectare plot of 60-year-old cordon-pruned vines just behind the winery in Vertus, and only the first and second "serres" of the press are used.Inc. VAT£170.11 -
Wine Advocate (96+)
Disgorged in January 2021 with two grams per liter dosage, the 2015 Extra-Brut Premier Cru Clos de l'Abbaye has turned out brilliantly. Wafting from the glass with aromas of citrus oil, warm bread and honeycomb that are still a little reserved after its recent disgorgement, this is a full-bodied, layered and concentrated Champagne that's vinous and textural, displaying notable depth and mid-palate amplitude that's framed by lively acids and an enlivening pinpoint mousse, concluding with a long resonant finish. As I've written before, this cuvée derives from a walled 0.4-hectare plot of 60-year-old cordon-pruned vines just behind the winery in Vertus, and only the first and second "serres" of the press are used.Inc. VAT£859.84 -
Wine Advocate (98)
Disgorged over a year ago with 0.8 grams per liter dosage, the 2008 Extra-Brut Grand Cru Les Lumières is a striking Champagne, unwinding in the glass with scents of pear, citrus oil, freshly baked bread, mandarin orange, almonds and buttery pastry. Full-bodied, deep and multidimensional, it's layered and muscular, with an immensely concentrated core of fruit, racy acids and a long, resonant finish. As I've written before, this cuvée is a blend of first-press juice: two-thirds Chardonnay from Mesnil-sur-Oger and one-third Pinot Noir from prime holdings in Aÿ.Inc. VAT£375.31 -
Wine Advocate (98)
Disgorged over a year ago with 0.8 grams per liter dosage, the 2008 Extra-Brut Grand Cru Les Lumières is a striking Champagne, unwinding in the glass with scents of pear, citrus oil, freshly baked bread, mandarin orange, almonds and buttery pastry. Full-bodied, deep and multidimensional, it's layered and muscular, with an immensely concentrated core of fruit, racy acids and a long, resonant finish. As I've written before, this cuvée is a blend of first-press juice: two-thirds Chardonnay from Mesnil-sur-Oger and one-third Pinot Noir from prime holdings in Aÿ.Inc. VAT£1,939.24 -
(6x75cl) 2002Inc. VAT£816.64 -
(1x150cl) 2008Jancis Robinson (18)
Creamy and seductive on the nose, just gently yeasty. Orange and mandarin. Utterly gorgeous balance between richness and freshness, so satisfying and yet elegant. Fabulous balance and richness allied to crisp precision. Lovely lemon intensity and purity, fabulous length. Utterly mouth-watering. Rich and elegant at the same time. Opens up in the glass to more creamy apple. So seductive. This was the only one of the three pairs of wines where I preferred the cellar-aged version.Inc. VAT£275.21 -
Wine Advocate (95)
In 2012, severe weather conditions posed significant challenges for the Drappier family; hail impacted almost 70% of their village, and frost hit 20% of the La Grande Sendrée plot. This resulted in a limited yield of the 2012 Brut Grande Sendrée, which has a delicate, deep bouquet with aromas of pear, peach, orchard fruit, baked bread and spices. Medium to full-bodied, dense and concentrated, it’s a layered and structured, tension-filled but ethereal Champagne with racy acidity. Although already thoroughly enjoyable, it should age well over the next 10 years. This is a blend of 55% Pinot Noir and 45% Chardonnay, disgorged with 4.9 grams per liter dosage.Inc. VAT£506.44 -
(6x75cl) 1996Experience the sublime Duval Leroy Brut 1996, a Champagne that exudes pure grandeur. Hailing from Vertus, in the heart of France’s prestigious Champagne region, Duval Leroy is renowned for their tradition of using only the best Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes. This opulent vintage is a laudable expression of that meticulous craftsmanship.
Aged in the bottle for a considerable period, the Duval Leroy Brut 1996 showcases an intricate blend of biting acidity and rich, mature flavours. On the palate, expect vibrant notes of lemon, green apple, and brioche married with nuanced undertones of toasted hazelnut and white flowers. The effervescence of this medium-to-full bodied Champagne lends it a crisp, sophisticated finish, worthy of its elite pedigree.
Collectors and discerning drinkers alike will appreciate the Duval Leroy Brut 1996 for its exceptional balance and complexity, a testament to Duval Leroy’s devotion to perfection. Experience the precision, quality, and allure of French Champagne at its finest.
Inc. VAT£1,132.02 -
(3x150cl) 1996Revel in the opulent luxury of the Duval Leroy Femme de Champagne Grand Cru 1996, an exquisite vintage meticulously crafted to perfection. The heart of the Champagne region bares this exceptional Grand Cru, a testament to Duval Leroy's outstanding savoir-faire, widely acknowledged for their uncompromising dedication to quality. This vintage employs 100% Chardonnay grapes, harvested from the finest vineyards, encapsulating the terroir's quintessence. Duval Leroy's painstaking viticulture and traditional métodos champenoises see this cuvée age for more than twenty years in their cellar, imparting unparalleled complexity.
The Duval Leroy Femme de Champagne Grand Cru 1996 emanates elegance, offering a majestic bouquet of fresh orchard blossoms and honeyed brioche. This medium-to-full bodied Champagne boasts a rich, refined palate; fresh citrus notes adorned with hints of toast and truffle. Its shine doesn't fade with a lingering, mineral-laced finish. A coveted gem amongst aficionados, the Duval Leroy Femme de Champagne Grand Cru 1996 is a sublime testament to Champagne's grandeur.
Inc. VAT£2,355.04 -
The Duval Leroy Femme de Champagne Grand Cru 2002 is an exceptional indulgence for the discerning wine connoisseur. Originating from the renowned French champagne house of Duval Leroy, this prestige cuvée is meticulously crafted from the finest Grand Cru vineyards. Developing over a decade, its assembly encompasses 95% Chardonnay and 5% Pinot Noir grapes, infusing exquisite complexity.
This vintage Champagne is revered for its impressive finesse and delicate effervescence. The palate vaunts ripe, sun-drenched fruits, subtle brioche nuances, and a refined minerality that exudes elegance. Aging in chalk cellars imparts an unrivalled depth of flavour and creamy, persistent finish.
As a testament to its superior quality, Duval Leroy Femme de Champagne Grand Cru 2002 has clinched prestigious global accolades, firmly establishing its place among the finest champagnes. Toast your special occasions with this hallmark of luxury, promising a taste of ultimate sophistication.
Inc. VAT£623.20 -
Inc. VAT£1,998.26 -
Inc. VAT£2,186.29
-
Inc. VAT£2,108.29
-
James Suckling (94)
Fresh flowers flow out of the glass with honeysuckle and jasmine as well as strawberries and spices. Medium- to full-bodied with lots of fruit and a long, long finish. So many lemons and green apples. 70% chardonnay, 15% pinot noir and 15% pinot meunier. Three years on the lees. Dosage 3 g/L. Drink now.Inc. VAT£503.06 -
Wine Advocate (98)
Year after year, Egly’s NV Blanc de Noirs Grand Cru Les Crayères remains one of the most compelling and reliable wines from the Montagne de Reims. Sourced from a south-facing lieu-dit in Ambonnay that was planted between 1946 and 1947 on shallow chalk soils with just 30 centimeters of topsoil, it was disgorged in October 2024 with a dosage of one gram per liter. This release blends the richer 2017 vintage with the taut, incisive character of 2016. Notably, prior to 2000, Francis Egly produced this cuvée as a single-vintage expression, only later opting for a two-vintage blend to buffer against the variability of any given season. The wine ascends from the glass with a bouquet of remarkable complexity—aromas of acacia, ripe pear, orange zest, toasted nuts and patisserie elements unfurl. Full-bodied, concentrated and layered, with ample chalky structuring extract and mouthwatering acidity, it concludes with a long, saline finish. While I often vacillate between Les Crayères and the Millésime as to which I favor, this year, Les Crayères stands as the most captivating wine in the cellar. It offers immense youthful appeal yet promises to evolve beautifully with age. Readers would be wise not to hesitate—it fully lives up to its reputation, and I’d gladly secure bottles for my own cellar.Inc. VAT£904.33 -
Wine Advocate (98)
Year after year, Egly’s NV Blanc de Noirs Grand Cru Les Crayères remains one of the most compelling and reliable wines from the Montagne de Reims. Sourced from a south-facing lieu-dit in Ambonnay that was planted between 1946 and 1947 on shallow chalk soils with just 30 centimeters of topsoil, it was disgorged in October 2024 with a dosage of one gram per liter. This release blends the richer 2017 vintage with the taut, incisive character of 2016. Notably, prior to 2000, Francis Egly produced this cuvée as a single-vintage expression, only later opting for a two-vintage blend to buffer against the variability of any given season. The wine ascends from the glass with a bouquet of remarkable complexity—aromas of acacia, ripe pear, orange zest, toasted nuts and patisserie elements unfurl. Full-bodied, concentrated and layered, with ample chalky structuring extract and mouthwatering acidity, it concludes with a long, saline finish. While I often vacillate between Les Crayères and the Millésime as to which I favor, this year, Les Crayères stands as the most captivating wine in the cellar. It offers immense youthful appeal yet promises to evolve beautifully with age. Readers would be wise not to hesitate—it fully lives up to its reputation, and I’d gladly secure bottles for my own cellar.Inc. VAT£1,155.86 -
(1x150cl) 2002Wine Advocate (99)
The 2002 Brut Grand Cru Millésime is spectacular today, soaring from the glass with a complex bouquet of smoky pear, lemon, mandarin orange and peach mingled with smoke, praline, crushed mint and hints of wet chalk. Full-bodied, layered and seamless, it's deep and strikingly complete, with a textural attack that segues into a concentrated core framed by a vibrant spine of acidity and buttressed by chalky extract. Long and penetrating, this is one of the finest vintages Francis Egly has produced to date.Inc. VAT£1,848.41 -
(6x75cl) 2005Vinous (90)
The 2005 Brut Grand Cru Millésime is soft, forward and quite expressive. There is plenty of freshness in the glass, but the wine's mid-weight personality and overall lack of complexity vis-à-vis the best wines here both make me think it is a wine to drink now and over the next handful of years. The lithe, delicate finish is attractive, if a bit out of character for Egly-Ouriet, where the wines are usually richer. Candied lemon, dried apricot, white flowers and mint are some of the signatures. Disgorged: July 2014.Inc. VAT£4,565.06 -
(1x75cl) 2006Vinous (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.Inc. VAT£604.44 -
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.Inc. VAT£3,253.46 -
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.Inc. VAT£3,799.46 -
Wine Spectator (94)
A vinous version, featuring a delicate mousse and mouthwatering acidity, this is reminiscent of aged white Burgundy, with hints of toasted hazelnut, coffee liqueur and straw accenting baked cherry, mineral and crystalized honey flavors. Smoke and saline notes linger on the finish. Disgorged October 2017. Drink now through 2027. 100 cases imported.Inc. VAT£890.09 -
(3x150cl) 2008Wine Advocate (100)
Francis Egly and I tasted a bottle trial disgorgement of the 2008 Brut Grand Cru Millésime that saw six grams per liter dosage, and the wine surpassed even my high expectations. Wafting from the glass with scents of crisp orchard fruit, Meyer lemon, praline, warm bread and walnuts, it's full-bodied, deep and multi-dimensional, with an immensely layered, concentrated core that cloaks its racy but ripe spine of acidity, abundant but refined structuring dry extract and an incredibly long, precise and sapid finish. It represents the confluence of a great vigneron at the peak of his powers with a historic vintage, and it's unquestionably the finest 2008 Champagne that I've tasted to date. Egly and I agreed that it might be even better with only five grams per liter dosage, but we'll see what he finally decides when he disgorges the wine later this year. What is clear is that the the 2008 Brut Grand Cru Millésime will be worth any and every effort to seek out once it arrives on the market.Inc. VAT£4,813.46 -
Wine Advocate (100)
Francis Egly and I tasted a bottle trial disgorgement of the 2008 Brut Grand Cru Millésime that saw six grams per liter dosage, and the wine surpassed even my high expectations. Wafting from the glass with scents of crisp orchard fruit, Meyer lemon, praline, warm bread and walnuts, it's full-bodied, deep and multi-dimensional, with an immensely layered, concentrated core that cloaks its racy but ripe spine of acidity, abundant but refined structuring dry extract and an incredibly long, precise and sapid finish. It represents the confluence of a great vigneron at the peak of his powers with a historic vintage, and it's unquestionably the finest 2008 Champagne that I've tasted to date. Egly and I agreed that it might be even better with only five grams per liter dosage, but we'll see what he finally decides when he disgorges the wine later this year. What is clear is that the the 2008 Brut Grand Cru Millésime will be worth any and every effort to seek out once it arrives on the market.Inc. VAT£4,819.46
-
Introducing the superb Domaine Les Monts Fournois Montagne Verzenay Grand Cru 2014. A specialist in the production of premium Champagne, the acclaimed Monts Fournois vineyard sits in the legendary Grand Cru village of Montagne de Reims, noted for its illustrious Pinot Noir growth. This 2014 vintage is graced with exceptional balance and complexity. Prolonged aging in their traditional Champagne cellars enriches its depth of flavours.
Crafted by the passionate winemaker Jean-Pierre Craplet, Domaine Les Monts Fournois is recognised for his meticulous vinification process. The Grand Cru 2014 showcases his expertise, with striking notes of pear, toasted almond, citrus and a hint of minerality, transporting your palate straight to the renowned terroir. A bright, robust acidity prolongs the exquisite finish, making this a vintage of great stature.
Celebrate all of life’s significant moments with the distinguished Domaine Les Monts Fournois Montagne Verzenay Grand Cru 2014. A journey into the heart of Champagne's illustrious history awaits you.
In Bond£588.00 -
Delighting the discerning palate, Domaine Les Monts Fournois, Montagne Grand Cru, Mailly-Champagne 2014 is a testament to the mastery of Champagne production. Sourced from the illustrious slopes of Montagne de Reims in the Champagne region of France, this tantalising vintage is expertly crafted by the reputable house of Domaine Les Monts Fournois. Showcasing characteristic sophistication from the Grand Cru village of Mailly-Champagne, the 2014 vintage is a blend of 100% Pinot Noir, aged patiently on lees for a refined complexity.
The precise vinification methods enhance the wine's luminous golden hue, fine mousse, and the ideal balance of ripe fruit and crispy acidity. Expressing opulent aromas and flavours of red berries, brioche, and subtle minerality, the Domaine Les Monts Fournois, Montagne Grand Cru, Mailly-Champagne 2014 is indeed a bottle of elegant maturity and timeless finesse, making it a quintessential choice for collectors and enthusiasts alike.
In Bond£943.30 -
(6x75cl) 2018In Bond£410.00
-
Wine Advocate (90)
Based on the 2021 vintage, complemented with 50% reserve wines from 2018 and 2020, the third edition of Domaine Vincey’s NV Blanc de Blancs Interlude, disgorged in May 2024 without dosage, is the only non-vintage Champagne from the grower. Derived from three old-vine plots planted with massal selection Chardonnays, which Vincey also bottles separately as standalone cuvées, it is composed of Le Grand Jardin in Oger and Chemin de Châlons and Auge in Le Mesnil-sur-Oger. Soaring from the glass with aromas of dried white flowers, lemon zest and toasted bread, it combines the bright, incisive structure of the 2021 vintage with the more mature, round fruit of its predecessors, informed by long maturation on the lees in barrels.In Bond£291.00 -
Wine Advocate (95)
The 2012 Extra-Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru, disgorged in May 2020 with two grams per liter of dosage, is aging gracefully, rising from the glass with aromas of pear, peach and mirabelle plum mingled with dried apricot and orange oil, overlaid by a subtle dried-fruit top note. On the palate, it is full-bodied, with a rich core of fruit and vibrant acidity, its generous and demonstrative profile flowing into a citrus-inflected finish heightened by the cuvée’s non-malolactic style. Predominantly derived from holdings in Avize, it is complemented by fruit from Oger, Cramant and Le Mesnil-sur-Oger.In Bond£589.00 -
In Bond£291.00
-
Wine Advocate (96+)
Disgorged in January 2021 with two grams per liter dosage, the 2015 Extra-Brut Premier Cru Clos de l'Abbaye has turned out brilliantly. Wafting from the glass with aromas of citrus oil, warm bread and honeycomb that are still a little reserved after its recent disgorgement, this is a full-bodied, layered and concentrated Champagne that's vinous and textural, displaying notable depth and mid-palate amplitude that's framed by lively acids and an enlivening pinpoint mousse, concluding with a long resonant finish. As I've written before, this cuvée derives from a walled 0.4-hectare plot of 60-year-old cordon-pruned vines just behind the winery in Vertus, and only the first and second "serres" of the press are used.In Bond£139.00 -
Wine Advocate (96+)
Disgorged in January 2021 with two grams per liter dosage, the 2015 Extra-Brut Premier Cru Clos de l'Abbaye has turned out brilliantly. Wafting from the glass with aromas of citrus oil, warm bread and honeycomb that are still a little reserved after its recent disgorgement, this is a full-bodied, layered and concentrated Champagne that's vinous and textural, displaying notable depth and mid-palate amplitude that's framed by lively acids and an enlivening pinpoint mousse, concluding with a long resonant finish. As I've written before, this cuvée derives from a walled 0.4-hectare plot of 60-year-old cordon-pruned vines just behind the winery in Vertus, and only the first and second "serres" of the press are used.In Bond£700.00 -
Wine Advocate (98)
Disgorged over a year ago with 0.8 grams per liter dosage, the 2008 Extra-Brut Grand Cru Les Lumières is a striking Champagne, unwinding in the glass with scents of pear, citrus oil, freshly baked bread, mandarin orange, almonds and buttery pastry. Full-bodied, deep and multidimensional, it's layered and muscular, with an immensely concentrated core of fruit, racy acids and a long, resonant finish. As I've written before, this cuvée is a blend of first-press juice: two-thirds Chardonnay from Mesnil-sur-Oger and one-third Pinot Noir from prime holdings in Aÿ.In Bond£310.00 -
Wine Advocate (98)
Disgorged over a year ago with 0.8 grams per liter dosage, the 2008 Extra-Brut Grand Cru Les Lumières is a striking Champagne, unwinding in the glass with scents of pear, citrus oil, freshly baked bread, mandarin orange, almonds and buttery pastry. Full-bodied, deep and multidimensional, it's layered and muscular, with an immensely concentrated core of fruit, racy acids and a long, resonant finish. As I've written before, this cuvée is a blend of first-press juice: two-thirds Chardonnay from Mesnil-sur-Oger and one-third Pinot Noir from prime holdings in Aÿ.In Bond£1,600.00 -
(6x75cl) 2002In Bond£664.00
-
(1x150cl) 2008
Jancis Robinson (18)
Creamy and seductive on the nose, just gently yeasty. Orange and mandarin. Utterly gorgeous balance between richness and freshness, so satisfying and yet elegant. Fabulous balance and richness allied to crisp precision. Lovely lemon intensity and purity, fabulous length. Utterly mouth-watering. Rich and elegant at the same time. Opens up in the glass to more creamy apple. So seductive. This was the only one of the three pairs of wines where I preferred the cellar-aged version.In Bond£224.00 -
Wine Advocate (95)
In 2012, severe weather conditions posed significant challenges for the Drappier family; hail impacted almost 70% of their village, and frost hit 20% of the La Grande Sendrée plot. This resulted in a limited yield of the 2012 Brut Grande Sendrée, which has a delicate, deep bouquet with aromas of pear, peach, orchard fruit, baked bread and spices. Medium to full-bodied, dense and concentrated, it’s a layered and structured, tension-filled but ethereal Champagne with racy acidity. Although already thoroughly enjoyable, it should age well over the next 10 years. This is a blend of 55% Pinot Noir and 45% Chardonnay, disgorged with 4.9 grams per liter dosage.In Bond£405.50 -
(6x75cl) 1996
Experience the sublime Duval Leroy Brut 1996, a Champagne that exudes pure grandeur. Hailing from Vertus, in the heart of France’s prestigious Champagne region, Duval Leroy is renowned for their tradition of using only the best Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes. This opulent vintage is a laudable expression of that meticulous craftsmanship.
Aged in the bottle for a considerable period, the Duval Leroy Brut 1996 showcases an intricate blend of biting acidity and rich, mature flavours. On the palate, expect vibrant notes of lemon, green apple, and brioche married with nuanced undertones of toasted hazelnut and white flowers. The effervescence of this medium-to-full bodied Champagne lends it a crisp, sophisticated finish, worthy of its elite pedigree.
Collectors and discerning drinkers alike will appreciate the Duval Leroy Brut 1996 for its exceptional balance and complexity, a testament to Duval Leroy’s devotion to perfection. Experience the precision, quality, and allure of French Champagne at its finest.
In Bond£922.68 -
(3x150cl) 1996
Revel in the opulent luxury of the Duval Leroy Femme de Champagne Grand Cru 1996, an exquisite vintage meticulously crafted to perfection. The heart of the Champagne region bares this exceptional Grand Cru, a testament to Duval Leroy's outstanding savoir-faire, widely acknowledged for their uncompromising dedication to quality. This vintage employs 100% Chardonnay grapes, harvested from the finest vineyards, encapsulating the terroir's quintessence. Duval Leroy's painstaking viticulture and traditional métodos champenoises see this cuvée age for more than twenty years in their cellar, imparting unparalleled complexity.
The Duval Leroy Femme de Champagne Grand Cru 1996 emanates elegance, offering a majestic bouquet of fresh orchard blossoms and honeyed brioche. This medium-to-full bodied Champagne boasts a rich, refined palate; fresh citrus notes adorned with hints of toast and truffle. Its shine doesn't fade with a lingering, mineral-laced finish. A coveted gem amongst aficionados, the Duval Leroy Femme de Champagne Grand Cru 1996 is a sublime testament to Champagne's grandeur.
In Bond£1,946.00 -
The Duval Leroy Femme de Champagne Grand Cru 2002 is an exceptional indulgence for the discerning wine connoisseur. Originating from the renowned French champagne house of Duval Leroy, this prestige cuvée is meticulously crafted from the finest Grand Cru vineyards. Developing over a decade, its assembly encompasses 95% Chardonnay and 5% Pinot Noir grapes, infusing exquisite complexity.
This vintage Champagne is revered for its impressive finesse and delicate effervescence. The palate vaunts ripe, sun-drenched fruits, subtle brioche nuances, and a refined minerality that exudes elegance. Aging in chalk cellars imparts an unrivalled depth of flavour and creamy, persistent finish.
As a testament to its superior quality, Duval Leroy Femme de Champagne Grand Cru 2002 has clinched prestigious global accolades, firmly establishing its place among the finest champagnes. Toast your special occasions with this hallmark of luxury, promising a taste of ultimate sophistication.
In Bond£509.00 -
In Bond£1,648.00
-
In Bond£1,804.00
-
In Bond£1,739.00
-
James Suckling (94)
Fresh flowers flow out of the glass with honeysuckle and jasmine as well as strawberries and spices. Medium- to full-bodied with lots of fruit and a long, long finish. So many lemons and green apples. 70% chardonnay, 15% pinot noir and 15% pinot meunier. Three years on the lees. Dosage 3 g/L. Drink now.In Bond£402.00 -
Wine Advocate (98)
Year after year, Egly’s NV Blanc de Noirs Grand Cru Les Crayères remains one of the most compelling and reliable wines from the Montagne de Reims. Sourced from a south-facing lieu-dit in Ambonnay that was planted between 1946 and 1947 on shallow chalk soils with just 30 centimeters of topsoil, it was disgorged in October 2024 with a dosage of one gram per liter. This release blends the richer 2017 vintage with the taut, incisive character of 2016. Notably, prior to 2000, Francis Egly produced this cuvée as a single-vintage expression, only later opting for a two-vintage blend to buffer against the variability of any given season. The wine ascends from the glass with a bouquet of remarkable complexity—aromas of acacia, ripe pear, orange zest, toasted nuts and patisserie elements unfurl. Full-bodied, concentrated and layered, with ample chalky structuring extract and mouthwatering acidity, it concludes with a long, saline finish. While I often vacillate between Les Crayères and the Millésime as to which I favor, this year, Les Crayères stands as the most captivating wine in the cellar. It offers immense youthful appeal yet promises to evolve beautifully with age. Readers would be wise not to hesitate—it fully lives up to its reputation, and I’d gladly secure bottles for my own cellar.In Bond£745.00 -
Wine Advocate (98)
Year after year, Egly’s NV Blanc de Noirs Grand Cru Les Crayères remains one of the most compelling and reliable wines from the Montagne de Reims. Sourced from a south-facing lieu-dit in Ambonnay that was planted between 1946 and 1947 on shallow chalk soils with just 30 centimeters of topsoil, it was disgorged in October 2024 with a dosage of one gram per liter. This release blends the richer 2017 vintage with the taut, incisive character of 2016. Notably, prior to 2000, Francis Egly produced this cuvée as a single-vintage expression, only later opting for a two-vintage blend to buffer against the variability of any given season. The wine ascends from the glass with a bouquet of remarkable complexity—aromas of acacia, ripe pear, orange zest, toasted nuts and patisserie elements unfurl. Full-bodied, concentrated and layered, with ample chalky structuring extract and mouthwatering acidity, it concludes with a long, saline finish. While I often vacillate between Les Crayères and the Millésime as to which I favor, this year, Les Crayères stands as the most captivating wine in the cellar. It offers immense youthful appeal yet promises to evolve beautifully with age. Readers would be wise not to hesitate—it fully lives up to its reputation, and I’d gladly secure bottles for my own cellar.In Bond£946.00 -
(1x150cl) 2002
Wine Advocate (99)
The 2002 Brut Grand Cru Millésime is spectacular today, soaring from the glass with a complex bouquet of smoky pear, lemon, mandarin orange and peach mingled with smoke, praline, crushed mint and hints of wet chalk. Full-bodied, layered and seamless, it's deep and strikingly complete, with a textural attack that segues into a concentrated core framed by a vibrant spine of acidity and buttressed by chalky extract. Long and penetrating, this is one of the finest vintages Francis Egly has produced to date.In Bond£1,535.00 -
(6x75cl) 2005
Vinous (90)
The 2005 Brut Grand Cru Millésime is soft, forward and quite expressive. There is plenty of freshness in the glass, but the wine's mid-weight personality and overall lack of complexity vis-à-vis the best wines here both make me think it is a wine to drink now and over the next handful of years. The lithe, delicate finish is attractive, if a bit out of character for Egly-Ouriet, where the wines are usually richer. Candied lemon, dried apricot, white flowers and mint are some of the signatures. Disgorged: July 2014.In Bond£3,787.00 -
(1x75cl) 2006
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.In Bond£501.03 -
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.In Bond£2,694.00 -
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.In Bond£3,149.00 -
Wine Spectator (94)
A vinous version, featuring a delicate mousse and mouthwatering acidity, this is reminiscent of aged white Burgundy, with hints of toasted hazelnut, coffee liqueur and straw accenting baked cherry, mineral and crystalized honey flavors. Smoke and saline notes linger on the finish. Disgorged October 2017. Drink now through 2027. 100 cases imported.In Bond£736.00 -
(3x150cl) 2008
Wine Advocate (100)
Francis Egly and I tasted a bottle trial disgorgement of the 2008 Brut Grand Cru Millésime that saw six grams per liter dosage, and the wine surpassed even my high expectations. Wafting from the glass with scents of crisp orchard fruit, Meyer lemon, praline, warm bread and walnuts, it's full-bodied, deep and multi-dimensional, with an immensely layered, concentrated core that cloaks its racy but ripe spine of acidity, abundant but refined structuring dry extract and an incredibly long, precise and sapid finish. It represents the confluence of a great vigneron at the peak of his powers with a historic vintage, and it's unquestionably the finest 2008 Champagne that I've tasted to date. Egly and I agreed that it might be even better with only five grams per liter dosage, but we'll see what he finally decides when he disgorges the wine later this year. What is clear is that the the 2008 Brut Grand Cru Millésime will be worth any and every effort to seek out once it arrives on the market.In Bond£3,994.00 -
Wine Advocate (100)
Francis Egly and I tasted a bottle trial disgorgement of the 2008 Brut Grand Cru Millésime that saw six grams per liter dosage, and the wine surpassed even my high expectations. Wafting from the glass with scents of crisp orchard fruit, Meyer lemon, praline, warm bread and walnuts, it's full-bodied, deep and multi-dimensional, with an immensely layered, concentrated core that cloaks its racy but ripe spine of acidity, abundant but refined structuring dry extract and an incredibly long, precise and sapid finish. It represents the confluence of a great vigneron at the peak of his powers with a historic vintage, and it's unquestionably the finest 2008 Champagne that I've tasted to date. Egly and I agreed that it might be even better with only five grams per liter dosage, but we'll see what he finally decides when he disgorges the wine later this year. What is clear is that the the 2008 Brut Grand Cru Millésime will be worth any and every effort to seek out once it arrives on the market.In Bond£3,999.00
