Matured within the esteemed Maison De Venoge's centuries-old wine cellars in the heart of Champagne, France, comes the exquisite De Venoge Cordon Bleu Brut 2002. As a highly respected blend of 50% Chardonnay, 25% Pinot Noir, and 25% Pinot Meunier grapes, it showcases the superior craftsmanship of De Venoge's winemakers. Each grape is meticulously selected from Premier and Grand Cru vineyards within the Montagne de Reims and Côtes de Blancs regions, thus guaranteeing exceptional quality.

The De Venoge Cordon Bleu Brut 2002 unveils an aromatic symphony of honeyed apricot and brioche, harmonized with a sublime buttery character. The palette is further tantalised with nuances of fresh almonds and pear, elevating the complexity of this divine vintage. A captivating cascade of finely tuned bubbles and luminous golden hues, it elegantly embodies the timeless sophistication of De Venoge's Champagne legacy.

Wine Advocate (95)

The finest young wine I've encountered from Delamotte, the 2008 Blanc de Blancs unfurls in the glass with an expressive bouquet of freshly baked bread, lemon oil, green apple, oyster shell and mandarin. On the palate, it's medium to full-bodied, textural but incisive, with superb concentration and depth at the core and a long, penetrating finish. Less autolytic in style than the 2004, some 60,000 bottles were produced, around a third less than in an average vintage. This bottle was disgorged a year ago with seven grams per liter dosage.

Wine Advocate (94+)

A worthy successor to the super 2008, Delamotte's 2012 Blanc de Blancs is performing very well—despite the fact that it was disgorged as recently as June 2019. Opening in the glass with aromas of citrus oil, dried white flowers, smoke and wheat toast, it's medium to full-bodied, deep and concentrated, with a bright girdle of acidity, well-integrated dosage and a fine mousse, the muscularity of the vintage rendered with uncommon finesse. While this is quite expressive for such a recently disgorged vintage Delamotte, the rewards of even only a few years' patience will be considerable.

Wine Advocate (94)

Delamotte's just-released 2014 Blanc de Blancs has turned out very well indeed, opening in the glass with scents of citrus zest, crisp orchard fruit, fresh bread and wet stones. Medium to full-bodied, chiseled and incisive, with excellent depth at the core, racy acids and a chalky finish, this isn't as muscular as the 2008 or 2012, but it has real cut and persistence and should age very gracefully indeed.

The Champagne Guide (98)

65% Pinot mostly from Aÿ, Bouzy, Ambonnay and Verzenay; 32% chardonnay mostly from Avize and Le Mesnil-sur-Oger; 3% meunier mostly from Pierry; 9.5g/L dosage. The finest vintages of William Deutz display profound contrasts and contradictions, juxtaposing the exacting precision of the house with the intensity of the pinot noir, and it is in the most energetic vintages that this accord finds its most alluring expression. No season exemplifies this more magnificently than 2008. It is built around depth and breadth, charged with an incredible display of the freshness of Deutz, and elevated and energised by ulta-fine, chalk-rich minerality that attains new heights of expression in this profound season. For all of its contrasts, it crucially maintains seamless persistance and breathtaking lightness. Youthful endurance is declared in vibrant lemon zest and young summer-fruit freshness, quietly touched with depth of brioche, ginger, vanilla nougat and toast. A prominent, mouth-enveloping, silky cloud of chalk dust is the grand highlight of a mesmerising finish, riding a laser-line of acidity of the utmost elegance. In a full bottle, it will live for decades, but in a half, it's irrestible right away. One of the greatest Deutz cuvees of the modern era.

Envelop your palate in the taste of premium champagne with Diebolt-Vallois Fleur de Passion Brut 2012. This exceptional bottle emanates from the famed Champagne region of France, meticulously crafted by the prestigious Diebolt-Vallois winery. A family-run venture, Diebolt-Vallois's illustrious heritage dates back to the 15th century, and their expertise is truly reflected in this vintage.

The Diebolt-Vallois Fleur de Passion Brut 2012 is made using 100% Chardonnay grapes, purely selected from the house's oldest vines — a testament to the meticulous attention to quality and detail. The result is the embodiment of elegance: a profound golden hue, a bouquet brimming with sublime harmony, and a palate offering hints of ripe fruits and toasted almonds, making this vintage a symphony for the senses. Its vibrant acidity, perfectly complemented by an expressive minerality, showcases the beautiful complexity of this champagne.

This is a wine for true connoisseurs, offering a remarkable tasting experience that encapsulates the legacy of Diebolt-Vallois.

Vinous (98)

The 2002 Dom Pérignon is unforgettable. Rich, sumptuous and flamboyant to the core, the 2002 captures all of the radiance of a year in which ripeness in the Chardonnays was pushed to the edge. The 2002 is oily and viscous on the palate, with tremendous textural resonance in all of its dimensions. Tropical fruit, pastry and exotic floral notes all build as the 2002 opens up with air. I can still remember the first time I tasted the 2002, here in the Hautvillers cloister, with former Chef de Caves Richard Geoffroy. It was thrilling back then, and is every bit as memorable today.

Vinous (98)

The 2004 Dom Pérignon is a totally different beast. It is the product of a very long and cool growing season marked by heavy summer rains in some sectors of the region and then ideal conditions through to harvest. After a brutally torrid 2003, the vines responded by setting a huge crop. In fact, 2004 remains the most abundant vintage in the history of Champagne. The best wines, though, well, they have always impressed with their laser-like cut and focus. That’s exactly what comes through in the 2004 Dom Pérignon. Tasted from magnum, the 2004 shows all the linear energy and crystalline precision of the year, but with that extra magic that comes from fermentation and longer aging in the big bottle. The 2004 has long been one of my favorite Dom Pérignons. From magnum, it is especially captivating.

Vinous (98)

The 2004 Dom Pérignon is a totally different beast. It is the product of a very long and cool growing season marked by heavy summer rains in some sectors of the region and then ideal conditions through to harvest. After a brutally torrid 2003, the vines responded by setting a huge crop. In fact, 2004 remains the most abundant vintage in the history of Champagne. The best wines, though, well, they have always impressed with their laser-like cut and focus. That’s exactly what comes through in the 2004 Dom Pérignon. Tasted from magnum, the 2004 shows all the linear energy and crystalline precision of the year, but with that extra magic that comes from fermentation and longer aging in the big bottle. The 2004 has long been one of my favorite Dom Pérignons. From magnum, it is especially captivating.

Vinous (98)

The 2008 Dom Pérignon is once again stunning. More than anything else, I am surprised by how well the 2008 drinks given all the tension and energy it holds. Then again, that is precisely what makes 2008 such a unique vintage namely that the best wines are so chiseled and yet not at all austere. Lemon peel, almond, mint, smoke and crushed rocks are all finely sculpted, but it is the wine’s textural feel, drive and persistence that elevate it into the realm of the sublime. The 2008 will be even better with time in the cellar, but it is absolutely phenomenal even today, in the early going. Three recent bottles have all been nothing short of magnificent.

Vinous (98)

The 2008 Dom Pérignon is once again stunning. More than anything else, I am surprised by how well the 2008 drinks given all the tension and energy it holds. Then again, that is precisely what makes 2008 such a unique vintage namely that the best wines are so chiseled and yet not at all austere. Lemon peel, almond, mint, smoke and crushed rocks are all finely sculpted, but it is the wine’s textural feel, drive and persistence that elevate it into the realm of the sublime. The 2008 will be even better with time in the cellar, but it is absolutely phenomenal even today, in the early going. Three recent bottles have all been nothing short of magnificent.

Vinous (98)

The 2008 Dom Pérignon is once again stunning. More than anything else, I am surprised by how well the 2008 drinks given all the tension and energy it holds. Then again, that is precisely what makes 2008 such a unique vintage namely that the best wines are so chiseled and yet not at all austere. Lemon peel, almond, mint, smoke and crushed rocks are all finely sculpted, but it is the wine’s textural feel, drive and persistence that elevate it into the realm of the sublime. The 2008 will be even better with time in the cellar, but it is absolutely phenomenal even today, in the early going. Three recent bottles have all been nothing short of magnificent.

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.

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 (100)

This shows amazing freshness and depth of fruit while remaining agile and very clean. Full body, dense and layered on the palate. Goes on for minutes with each sip. Lots of mineral and chalk character too. A fabulous Champagne. A blend of half Pinot Noir and half Chardonnay.

James Suckling (99)

A mind-blowing wine. This is super subtle and intense with aromas of peaches, light strawberry and cream. Also shows rose petal and cooked peaches. Medium to full body, with ultra-fine tannins that feel like fine silk. The finish goes on for mintutes. It floats across the palate. The winemaker says the closet vintage to this is the 1990, but I think this is better.

Decanter (98)

The Dom Perignon Rosé 2006 is simply amazing. Notes of raspberry, spices and mint jump from the glass in a seductive combination. The texture in the mouth is of precise, crystalline, laser-like tannins in an opulent style. A very great success in a vintage that was not always easy in Champagne.

James Suckling (99)

Such a wide spectrum of super fine yellow-fruit aromas and a floral note that you struggle to take it in all at once. So sensual and silky that descriptors like “full” and “light” become redundant. Then the finish literally takes your breath and leaves you breathless for a long time. From organically grown grapes with Fair'n Green certification. Drink or hold.

James Suckling (95)

Dense, grapefruit and sage aromas, then a wonderful combination of great power and stunning vibrancy on the palate. Very long, smoky-mineral finish with great clarity. From organically grown grapes with Fair'n Green certification. Drink or hold.

James Suckling (94)

Wonderful yellow-fruit aromas, ranging from very ripe lemons to mangoes. Fullish body in this context, but this is a properly dry wine with a distinct, chalky texture that stands out at the bold finish. From organically grown grapes with Fair'n Green certification. Drink or hold.

Wine Advocate (97)

The 2019 Riesling Auslese Niederhäuser Hermannshöhle is crystalline and flinty on the precise, ethereal and bright nose that represents the terroir of the Hermannshöhle beautifully and irresistibly. On the palate, this is a highly finessed, filigreed, playful and delicate Auslese with stimulating piquancy and salinity on the weightless and frisky but elegant finish. This is a fascinating Auslese with great detail and precision. Personally, I even prefer this clear and bright version (AP 17 20) to the richer, sweeter and more concentrated one that will be auctioned (AP 19 20) and possibly has the greater aging potential. However, both will live longer than I will anyway. Tasted in May 2020.

James Suckling (99)

What a nose! This smells like essence of peach with a delicate, floral-honey overtone. Seems to vibrate on the palate, thanks to the staggering minerality and totally vibrant acidity. Extremely complex and energetic finish that goes on and on. Very limited production. From organically grown grapes with Fair'n Green certification. Drink or hold.

Vinous (95)

From an old parcel in the Hermannshöhle whose vines are still single post-trained, this auctioned bottling (representing the contents of a 600-liter Halbstück) delivers a highly aromatic and luscious amalgam of white peach, pink grapefruit and Persian melon not unlike that familiar from its A.P. #12 counterpart. Suggestions of nut pastes complemented by candied citrus rind are also present. But this boasts a yet creamier texture, greater delicacy, and a more complex and mouthwatering mineral savor, allied to raw scallop-like sweetness and salinity.

James Suckling (100)

Hit me with a flower! This starts very delicately with an incredibly subtle nose of fresh and dried flowers. Then comes the enormously concentrated yet totally filigree palate, which dazzles the senses with its thousand nuances and almost endless, super-silky finish. Decades of aging potential. From organically grown grapes with Fair'n Green certification. Drink or hold.

Wine Advocate (96)

The 2018 Oberhäuser Brücke Riesling Auslese is perfectly clear and fresh but still intense and concentrated on the spicy and complex nose. Lush and piquant on the palate, this is a fresh, stunningly pure and playful Brücke that is singing and dancing on the knife's edge. Fabulous in its purity, tension and finesse. Nevertheless, there is the ripeness you can expect from an Auslese. Tasted in July 2019.

James Suckling (98)

So pure, cool and refined on the nose and a spectacular interplay of ripeness and crystalline brilliance on the palate. Super crisp, super long finish that's so delicate. From organically grown grapes with Fair'n Green certification. Wait, if you can, for this to really open up in 2023 or 2024. Drink or hold.

James Suckling (97)

If you dream of the great German rieslings of the 1970s and 1980s, then this is a wine for you, even though it is riper and more concentrated than those icons of the past. In spite of the abundant generosity, this has a very long, distinctly cool finish. From organically grown grapes with Fair'n Green certification. Drink or hold.