Champagne Wine

Gosset · Grande Réserve Brut NV · Champagne AOC · France

Gosset is the oldest wine house in Champagne — established in Aÿ in 1584, when Pierre Gosset, alderman and winegrower, founded the house that bears his name. Nearly five centuries of Champagne-making later, Gosset remains one of the region’s most distinctive producers: a house defined by richness, Pinot Noir texture, extended cellaring, and an unwavering commitment to the Grande Réserve style. The NV Grande Réserve is the house’s signature Champagne — a blend of 45% Chardonnay, 45% Pinot Noir, and 10% Meunier from premier villages including Aÿ, Bouzy, Ambonnay, and Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, aged a minimum of four years in the cellar before disgorgement, then rested a further six months to assimilate the dosage (8 g/L). Rated 94 points by Decanter and 93 by Wine Spectator.

Luminous golden hue with a fine, persistent mousse. The nose opens with fresh lemon meringue pie, yellow apple, Mirabelle plum, and white peach, deepening with warmth into honeyed, toasted notes. On the palate, a spine of chiseled acidity structures a vivid, creamy texture — Asian pear, baked pineapple, lemon curd, toasted brioche, and roasted almond, with a minerally underpinning of smoke, brine, and wet stone. Elegant, long, and absolutely fresh from first bubble to finish.

Expert Reviews

“Elegance, length and absolute freshness are inherent and quietly convincing. Beautifully subtle autolysis on the palate, deepening into notes of creamy apple crumble, Golden Delicious and Mirabelle plum.”
— Decanter · 94 Points

“A spine of chiseled acidity structures this vivid, creamy Champagne, which has a minerally underpinning of smoke and brine and flavors of Asian pear, baked pineapple, lemon curd, toasted brioche and roasted almond.”
— Wine Spectator · 93 Points

“Pure and inviting aromas of white peach, fresh flowers, and wet stone. A fresh pillowy mousse and a delicate saline finish — a wonderful calling card for the freshness of the house style.”
— Jeb Dunnuck · 92 Points

“Lemon tart, spiced apples, almonds and pastries. Fresh, lively and very precise, with fine bubbles and a light, chalky undertone.”
— James Suckling · 92 Points

• Producer: Gosset, Aÿ, Champagne, France (est. 1584 — oldest wine house in Champagne)
• Style: Brut NV Champagne
• Blend: 45% Chardonnay, 45% Pinot Noir, 10% Meunier
• Base Vintage: 2018 | Cellaring: 4+ years minimum
• Dosage: 8 g/L
• Villages: Aÿ, Bouzy, Ambonnay, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Villers-Marmery
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Lemon meringue, Mirabelle plum, Asian pear, brioche, roasted almond, smoke, brine, chiseled acidity
• Pairings: Grilled fish, lobster, oysters, scallops, soft cheeses, aperitif

D:94 · WS:93 · JD:92 · JS:92 · Champagne AOC — the oldest wine house in Champagne, since 1584. Rich, creamy, and built for the long haul.

Expert Reviews 

Alison Napjus of the Wine Spectator writes 92 Points | The fine and creamy bead of this elegant rosé carries an attractive mix of white cherry, peach, blood orange granita and biscuit flavors, enlivened by a firm frame of mouthwatering acidity.

Audrey Frick of Jeb Dunnuck writes 90 Points | The NV Champagne Grand Brut Rosé pours a medium salmon hue and is equal parts Chardonnay and Pinot Noir (8% of which is red wine). It is juicy with ripe raspberry, crushed flowers, and sweet citrus. The palate is ripe with apricot, sweet tangerine, and a soft texture. It is ready to drink now or over the next 6-8 years.

Winemaker Description 

This Grand Rosé has a high percentage of Chardonnay, which creates freshness and precision, complemented by Pinot Noir with delivers very fine and crunchy fruit. With 4 years minimum ageing in the cellars, this Rosé balances between freshness and fruit without masking the wine’s character and purity. The nose reveals aromas of citrus and strawberries with subtle notes of red berries and spice. The palate is well-built with a constant balance between the tension of the acidity and the smoothness of the fruit, while the finish shows a nice roundness and lovely minerality.

92 Points — Wine Spectator
91 Points — Vinous

Pinot Noir from the heart of Aÿ. Henri Goutorbe's Cuvée Prestige is the signature non-vintage Brut of one of the Vallée de la Marne's most respected family estates — a grower Champagne built around the richness, depth and vinous character that Aÿ Premier Cru Pinot Noir delivers better than almost anywhere else in Champagne. Rich yet lively, layered with vanilla, pastry cream, brioche, blackberry and blood orange zest, it is an excellent introduction to the Goutorbe house style: fruit-forward, structured and generous, with enough acidity to keep the wine elegant and fresh.

The Place

Henri Goutorbe is based in Aÿ, one of Champagne's most celebrated Premier Cru villages and the historic heartland of Pinot Noir in the Vallée de la Marne. Aÿ's south-facing slopes, deep chalk soils and warm mesoclimate allow Pinot Noir to achieve exceptional ripeness and concentration, producing wines with body, ripe red fruit and a distinctly vinous character that sets them apart from the lighter, more delicate styles of the Montagne de Reims or Côte des Blancs.

The Goutorbe family has farmed vines in Aÿ for generations, and the estate's identity is inseparable from the village. Their vineyards are planted predominantly on the chalk-rich slopes that give Aÿ Champagne its characteristic combination of richness and mineral freshness.

The Blend

Cuvée Prestige is led by approximately 70% Pinot Noir, with 25% Chardonnay and a small proportion of Pinot Meunier. Pinot Noir contributes body, ripe red and dark fruit, and the vinous depth that defines the Goutorbe style. Chardonnay brings freshness, lift and precision. Meunier adds aromatic charm and suppleness to the blend.

The assemblage draws on reserve wines from multiple vintages, giving Cuvée Prestige consistency and complexity beyond what a single harvest could provide.

Winemaking

The grapes are harvested by hand and carefully sorted. Vinification follows traditional Champagne methods, with fermentation in temperature-controlled tanks and extended lees aging in bottle to develop the wine's creamy mousse and subtle notes of brioche, pastry and toasted almond.

The dosage is calibrated to complement the wine's natural fruit and acidity without masking its character — keeping Cuvée Prestige firmly in the Brut category while preserving the generosity and approachability that define it.

Tasting Notes

The wine opens with aromas of ripe pear, red apple, blackberry and citrus, followed by notes of toasted brioche, pastry cream, honey, roasted almond and subtle spice. The palate is broad and creamy, supported by a fine, persistent mousse and bright acidity. Flavors of orchard fruit, blood orange, salted nuts and warm toast lead into a balanced, harmonious finish.

Wine Spectator describes it as rich yet lively, with layered notes of vanilla, pastry cream and brioche joined by blackberry, salted almond and blood orange zest, carried through a harmonious finish by fine acidity and texture.

Professional Ratings

92 Points — Wine Spectator: Rich yet lively, with layered notes of vanilla, pastry cream and brioche, joined by blackberry, salted almond and blood orange zest. Fine acidity and texture carry the wine through a harmonious finish.

91 Points — Vinous: A Pinot Noir-driven Champagne with generous fruit, attractive richness and the structure typical of the estate's home village of Aÿ.

The Producer

Henri Goutorbe is a historic family grower-producer based in Aÿ, one of Champagne's most prestigious Premier Cru villages. The estate has farmed its own vineyards for generations and produces a range of Champagnes that reflect the depth, richness and mineral character of Aÿ terroir. The Goutorbe style is built around ripe Pinot Noir, careful vineyard work and traditional winemaking — producing Champagnes that are expressive, structured and age-worthy.

Food Pairing

Cuvée Prestige is an excellent aperitif and a versatile food Champagne. Serve with oysters, smoked salmon, shellfish, roast chicken, creamy pasta, mushroom risotto, soft cheeses or lightly seasoned pork. Its body and red-fruit character also make it a natural partner for charcuterie and poultry dishes with cream or mushroom sauces.

Serving and Cellaring

Serve well chilled at approximately 46–50°F in a tulip-shaped Champagne glass or white-wine glass. Ready to drink now and will continue to develop over the next three to five years.

Producer: Henri Goutorbe
Cuvée: Cuvée Prestige
Country: France
Region: Champagne
Subregion: Vallée de la Marne
Village: Aÿ Premier Cru
Classification: Premier Cru
Style: Non-Vintage Brut Champagne
Blend: Approximately 70% Pinot Noir, 25% Chardonnay, 5% Pinot Meunier
Farming: Family estate vineyards
Harvest: Hand harvested
Wine Type: Dry sparkling wine
Bottle Size: 750ml

94 Points — Vinous

The prestige bottling. The finest vintage. The most celebrated designation in grower Champagne. Henri Goutorbe's 2015 Cuvée Special Club is the house at its most refined and expressive — a Pinot Noir-driven vintage Champagne from Aÿ Grand Cru, produced under the Special Club designation reserved for top members of the Club Trésors de Champagne. Disgorged October 2024 after nearly a decade in the cellar, it captures both the personality of the generous 2015 vintage and the pedigree of one of Champagne's most celebrated villages.

The Special Club Designation

The Club Trésors de Champagne is an association of elite grower-producers committed to expressing individual terroir and village character. Members may only release a Special Club bottling in years they deem exceptional, and each wine must pass a blind tasting panel before it can carry the designation. The distinctive embossed bottle is a guarantee of quality, provenance and the producer's highest ambitions for that vintage.

The Place: Aÿ Grand Cru

Henri Goutorbe is based in Aÿ, one of Champagne's 17 Grand Cru villages and the historic heartland of Pinot Noir in the Vallée de la Marne. Aÿ's south-facing slopes, deep chalk soils and warm mesoclimate allow Pinot Noir to achieve exceptional ripeness and concentration, producing wines with body, ripe red and dark fruit, and a distinctly vinous character. The village's chalk-rich geology preserves freshness and mineral tension, preventing the wines from becoming heavy or overripe.

The Blend

The 2015 Special Club is composed of 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay, sourced from the estate's finest Grand Cru parcels in Aÿ. Pinot Noir provides the wine's structure, depth and ripe red-fruit character; Chardonnay contributes freshness, lift and the mineral precision that gives the wine its elegant, long-lived profile.

The 2015 Vintage

The warm, generous 2015 growing season produced concentrated, expressive fruit throughout Champagne. In Aÿ, Pinot Noir achieved excellent ripeness while retaining the acidity and structure necessary for extended aging. The vintage delivered the depth and personality required for a Special Club bottling — a wine designed to reward patience and develop complexity over many years in the cellar.

Winemaking and Aging

The grapes are harvested by hand and carefully sorted. Vinification follows traditional methods, with fermentation in temperature-controlled tanks and extended aging on the lees in bottle. The wine was disgorged in October 2024 — nearly a decade after the harvest — allowing it to develop the layered complexity, refined mousse and subtle oxidative depth that define a mature prestige Champagne.

Tasting Notes

The 2015 Special Club opens with layered aromas of kirsch, cinnamon, dried flowers, ginger, citrus confit and marzipan. With air, notes of ripe orchard fruit, baked apple, toasted brioche, roasted nuts and subtle pastry cream emerge, underscored by delicate mineral tension.

The palate is broad and vinous yet precise, with fine mousse, impressive concentration and a long, elegant finish marked by pear, lemon curd, spice and chalky tension. Vinous describes the finish as deceptively long and understated — a thing of beauty — and notes that the wine has been gently shaped by the passage of time in a way that reveals the essence of Aÿ in a ten-year-old Champagne.

Professional Ratings

94 Points — Vinous (December 2025): The 2015 Special Club is a very pretty, expressive wine that captures the essence of Aÿ in a ten-year-old Champagne. Kirsch, cinnamon, dried flowers, ginger, citrus confit and marzipan all caress the palate. Readers looking for a Champagne that has been gently shaped by the passage of time will find that here. The deceptively long, understated finish is a thing of beauty. This is one of the finest Champagnes I have tasted from Goutorbe in some time. Disgorged October 2024.

The Producer

Henri Goutorbe is a historic family grower-producer based in Aÿ Grand Cru. The estate has farmed its own vineyards for generations and produces a range of Champagnes that reflect the depth, richness and mineral character of Aÿ terroir. The Goutorbe style is built around ripe Pinot Noir, careful vineyard work and traditional winemaking — producing Champagnes that are expressive, structured and age-worthy.

Food Pairing

Rich enough to enjoy on its own, the Special Club pairs beautifully with lobster, scallops, roast chicken, truffle dishes, foie gras, creamy cheeses and elegant seafood preparations. Its depth and Pinot Noir structure also make it an excellent partner for duck, veal and mushroom-based dishes.

Serving and Cellaring

Serve at approximately 50–54°F in a generous tulip-shaped Champagne glass or white-wine glass. Already showing beautifully, the 2015 has the structure and concentration to develop additional complexity through the early 2030s.

Producer: Henri Goutorbe
Cuvée: Cuvée Special Club
Vintage: 2015
Country: France
Region: Champagne
Subregion: Vallée de la Marne
Village: Aÿ Grand Cru
Classification: Grand Cru
Style: Vintage Brut Champagne
Blend: 70% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay
Disgorgement: October 2024
Harvest: Hand harvested
Wine Type: Dry sparkling wine
Bottle Size: 750ml

Explore the Excellence of Henriot Champagne

Winemaker Description 

The Brut Souverain is the most historical cuvée in the region, as it was the first cuvée Apolline Henriot produced in 1808. Apolline aspired to put the light on her vineyards through the expression of a champagne. According to her, one year was not enough to tell the story of the terroirs, so she decided to put wines in reserve each year to incorporate them into a future blend.

Therefore, she founded the House by creating a Champagne that would have blending as its fundamental principle. The House respects this philosophy today and uses every terroir in this multi-cru, multi-vintage cuvée. It was named Brut Souverain by Ernest Henriot, Apolline's grandson, when the House was appointed the official champagne supplier to the Courts of the King of Holland and of the Emperor of Austria-Hungary.

Expert Reviews

Wine Spectator 92 Points | This vivid Champagne is tightly meshed, with a firm spine of acidity married to notes of poached apricot, toast point, preserved lemon and white cherry. Minerally through the creamy, focused finish.

James Suckling 91 Points | This has aromas of chopped apples, biscuits, croissants, walnuts, praline and lemon pie. Dry, tasty and toasty, with a medium body, fine bubbles and bright acidity. All in balance. 48% pinot noir, 42% chardonnay, 10% meunier. Base 2016, with 38% reserve wine.

Wine Enthusiast 90 Points | The nonvintage Champagne from this producer is beautifully textured, its white fruits lightly touched by a more steely edge. A fine Champagne to drink now.

Henriot Champagne is a remarkable choice for those seeking an exquisite sparkling wine experience. The Brut Souverain NV, in a 750ml bottle, showcases the distinctive characteristics of this prestigious Champagne house. With over two centuries of winemaking expertise, Henriot creates a blend that reflects the best of the terroir, appealing to both casual drinkers and connoisseurs alike. This iconic wine is renowned for its balance of freshness and complexity, making it an ideal option for celebrations or intimate gatherings.

The Henriot Champagne Brut Souverain NV features a delightful blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes, sourced from some of the finest vineyards in the Champagne region. This harmonious combination results in a Champagne that is both lively and refined. The crisp acidity and vibrant citrus notes complement the wine’s sumptuous flavor profile, which includes hints of white fruits and delicate floral aromas. It’s not just a drink; it’s an experience that encapsulates the essence of traditional French Champagne.

Perfect for food pairings, Henriot Champagne can elevate any dining occasion. Whether you’re savoring it alongside seafood, poultry, or light pastries, this Champagne enhances the flavors of your meal. Its versatility makes it suitable for a range of events, from weddings and anniversaries to casual dinners and picnics. With each sip, the Brut Souverain NV transports you to the scenic vineyards of Champagne, offering a taste of luxury that is unmatched. Embrace the spirit of celebration with Henriot Champagne.

Winemaker Description

The Extra Brut Solessence Nature unwinds in the glass with scents of white flowers, crisp green apple, spring blossom and almond paste. Medium to full-bodied, ample and precise, it's a bright, vibrant wine with chalky structure and a long, saline finish.

J. Vignier Aux Origines Blanc de Blancs Brut Champagne (2017 Base)

“Aux Origines” — where it all began — is a deeply personal Champagne that honors the roots of the Vignier family’s winemaking history. Produced entirely from Chardonnay grown in Les Simarts, the first vineyards planted by Nathalie Vignier’s grandparents, Marie-Louise and Paul, in the village of Barbonne-Fayel during the 1960s, this is a wine of place, memory, and exceptional craft. The Côte de Sézanne’s clay and sandy soils over chalk yield generous, expressive Chardonnay with both ripe fruit character and the chalky minerality that defines great Champagne. Fermented in stainless steel with full malolactic fermentation, rested seven months on fine lees, then aged a minimum of 36 months in bottle before disgorgement — the result is a Blanc de Blancs of remarkable depth, texture, and elegance.

• Producer: J. Vignier
• Cuvée: Aux Origines
• Grape: 100% Chardonnay
• Region: Côte de Sézanne, Champagne, France
• Vineyard: Les Simarts, Barbonne-Fayel
• Base Vintage: 2017
• Size: 750ml
• Farming: Certified Sustainable (Socofret)
• Vinification: Stainless steel; full malolactic fermentation; 7 months on fine lees; 36+ months bottle aging
• Alcohol: 12.5%

Pairs beautifully with oysters, caviar, shellfish, sushi, delicate white fish, soft cheeses, or light poultry. Serve well chilled.

J. Vignier Ora Alba Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Brut — Côte des Blancs 2013 Base

Ora Alba — "the first light of day" — is J. Vignier's interpretation of northern Côte des Blancs Chardonnay at its most luminous and precise. Produced entirely from Grand Cru fruit sourced from three prestigious villages — Cramant, Chouilly, and Oiry — the cuvée draws on deep Cretaceous chalk complemented by marl and clay, a geology that yields Champagne of both mineral tension and generous texture. Cramant contributes structure and pronounced chalky minerality, Chouilly adds elegance and ripe fruit, and Oiry brings freshness and linear precision. Vinified and aged in stainless steel with full malolactic fermentation, then aged on the lees for an extended period before disgorgement, the 2013 base gives the wine exceptional depth and a decade-plus of development. Certified sustainable by Socofret.

Fresh and refined on the nose: lemon zest, white peach, green apple, and delicate white flowers, with subtle brioche and toasted almond emerging with air. The palate is precise and energetic — layers of citrus, orchard fruit, and chalky minerality carried by fine bubbles and a softly creamy texture. The finish is long, dry, and elegant, with a persistent mineral drive that speaks clearly of its Grand Cru origins.

"Ora Alba is the Vignier family's vision of northern Côte des Blancs Chardonnay — bright, luminous, and deeply mineral."

• Producer: J. Vignier, Côte des Blancs, Champagne, France
• Base Vintage: 2013
• Appellation: Champagne Grand Cru
• Villages: Cramant, Chouilly & Oiry
• Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
• Style: Blanc de Blancs Brut
• Soil: Cretaceous chalk, marl and clay
• Farming: Certified Sustainable by Socofret
• Vinification: Stainless steel; full malolactic fermentation
• Lees Aging: Extended aging before disgorgement
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Lemon zest, white peach, green apple, white flowers, brioche, toasted almond, chalky minerality, long dry finish
• Best Paired With: Oysters, caviar, lobster, scallops, sushi, roasted white fish, creamy poultry, mushroom risotto, aged cheeses

A 2013 base. Three Grand Cru villages. Extended lees aging. J. Vignier's Ora Alba is northern Côte des Blancs Blanc de Blancs at its most precise and compelling.

J. Vignier’s Pur Cramant is a rare, single-vineyard Grand Cru Champagne created to capture the character of one exceptional parcel in Cramant. For this cuvée, Nathalie Vignier selects a different lieu-dit from her family’s Cramant holdings according to which site she believes most clearly expresses the personality of the vintage. For the 2016 release, that vineyard was Les Fourches.

Located in the southern part of Cramant, close to the renowned Bateau vineyard, Les Fourches is planted with Chardonnay vines more than 55 years old. The parcel’s northeast-facing slopes and distinctive combination of clay-rich marl over pure Cretaceous chalk create a Champagne with both depth and precision. The marl contributes texture and power, while the deep chalk subsoil provides freshness, tension and the refined mineral character associated with the finest wines of the Côte des Blancs.

Produced entirely from Grand Cru Chardonnay, the wine was fermented and aged in stainless steel to preserve the purity of the fruit and the clarity of the vineyard expression. It underwent full malolactic fermentation and remained on its lees until bottling in April following the harvest. The Champagne then spent approximately 64 months aging en tirage before disgorgement, developing a fine mousse, greater complexity and a beautifully integrated texture.

Pur Cramant Les Fourches is precise, concentrated and elegantly structured. Aromas of lemon zest, white peach, green apple and white flowers are complemented by subtle notes of brioche, almond and chalk. The palate is energetic and finely textured, with bright citrus, ripe orchard fruit and a pronounced mineral core. Its Extra-Brut dosage keeps the finish dry, focused and persistent while allowing the character of the old vines and chalk-rich terroir to remain at the forefront.

This is a sophisticated, terroir-driven Champagne that is equally compelling as an aperitif or served with food. Pair it with oysters, caviar, scallops, lobster, sushi, roasted white fish, creamy poultry dishes, mushroom risotto or aged cheeses.

Wine Details

• Producer: J. Vignier
• Cuvée: Pur Cramant
• Lieu-Dit: Les Fourches
• Vintage: 2016
• Region: Champagne, France
• Appellation: Côte des Blancs
• Village: Cramant
• Classification: Grand Cru
• Wine Style: Blanc de Blancs Extra-Brut
• Grape Variety: 100% Chardonnay
• Vine Age: More than 55 years
• Orientation: Northeast
• Soil: Cretaceous chalk, marl and clay
• Farming: Certified sustainable by Socofret
• Vinification: Stainless steel
• Élevage: Stainless steel
• Malolactic Fermentation: Yes
• Lees Aging: Approximately 64 months en tirage before disgorgement
• Residual Sugar: 4.3 g/L
• Acidity: 4.4 g/L
• pH: 3.07
• Alcohol: 12.25%
• Bottle Size: 750ml

J. Vignier QVFMR “Les Jardins d’Elise” Grand Cru Extra Brut — Cramant 2008

Les Jardins d’Elise is among the most extraordinary Champagnes we carry — a single-vintage, single-village Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs from J. Vignier’s Cuvée Éphémère collection, produced in tiny quantities and released only when the wine is ready. The cuvée honors Nathalie Vignier’s great-grandmother Elise, who helped establish the three Cramant lieux-dits at its heart: Chenelots, Marais, and Herbin. The vines were between 25 and 45 years old at harvest, rooted in Cretaceous chalk, marl, and loam — the geological foundation of Grand Cru Cramant Chardonnay. Fermented and aged in neutral oak barrels on the fine lees, bottled in June 2009, and then aged an extraordinary 13 years en tirage before hand disgorgement. Dosed at just 2.7 g/L. This is a Champagne of rare depth, heritage, and patience.

Richly developed yet remarkably precise: preserved citrus, ripe orchard fruit, toasted almond, brioche, and subtle pastry notes on the nose, deepening with air into savory, almost oxidative complexity. The palate is creamy and layered — the 13 years on the lees have built a refined mousse and profound mineral structure — while the chalk-rich Cramant terroir keeps the wine fresh, focused, and long on the finish. Acidity at 6.2 g/L and pH 2.97 ensure this will continue to evolve for years to come.

“Les Jardins d’Elise is a Champagne of rare heritage and patience — 13 years en tirage, three historic Cramant lieux-dits, and a family story that stretches back generations.”

• Producer: J. Vignier, Cramant, Côte des Blancs, Champagne, France
• Collection: Cuvée Éphémère (QVFMR)
• Vintage: 2008
• Appellation: Champagne Grand Cru
• Village: Cramant
• Vineyards: Chenelots, Marais & Herbin
• Vine Age: 25–45 years at harvest
• Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
• Style: Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut
• Soil: Cretaceous chalk, marl and loam
• Farming: Certified Sustainable by Socofret
• Vinification: Neutral oak barrels on fine lees
• Bottled: June 2009 | Lees Aging: 13 years en tirage
• Disgorgement: Hand-disgorged
• Dosage: 2.7 g/L | Acidity: 6.2 g/L | pH: 2.97 | Alcohol: 11.5%
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Preserved citrus, orchard fruit, toasted almond, brioche, pastry, creamy mousse, chalky minerality, long saline finish
• Best Paired With: Caviar, oysters, lobster, scallops, turbot, roasted poultry, mushroom dishes, aged Comté, mature cheeses

2008 vintage. 13 years en tirage. Three historic Cramant lieux-dits. Hand-disgorged. J. Vignier’s Les Jardins d’Elise is one of the most compelling aged Blanc de Blancs Champagnes available today.

Winemaker Description

Its traditional production makes Vocation Champagne a Blanc de Noirs to enjoy on any occasion and turn it into a memorable moment.

The Champagne region is synonymous with excellence, hard work and continuous work to continue offering recognized world-class wines and bubbles. Our vocation and respect for nature, as well as our lives, manage to create the best fruit which is the basis and structure for our final offering.

Vocation is the living representation of what has been our home for centuries and radiates our values ​​as a family by making and respecting the traditional way of making champagne, the precious liquid.

Experience the pinnacle of champagne craftsmanship with Krug Grande Cuvée 172nd Edition, an exceptional prestige cuvée presented in an elegant gift box. This iconic champagne represents the artistry of blending 146 separately vinified wines from 11 different vintages, with the 2016 vintage as its foundation.

Why Choose Krug Grande Cuvée 173rd Edition?

• Exceptional Ratings: 98 points Wine Enthusiast, 97 points Decanter & James Suckling, 96 points Wine Spectator
• Perfect for Gifting: Arrives in a luxurious presentation gift box
• Masterful Blend: 51% Pinot Noir, 38% Chardonnay, 11% Pinot Meunier
• Aging Potential: Drink now through 2040 or cellar for 5-10 years

Tasting Profile

Discover a symphony of flavors including toasted brioche, lemon curd, dried apricot, hazelnut, and hints of ginger and white flowers. The palate is rich yet refined, with vivacious bubbles, bright acidity, and an exceptionally long, elegant finish with notes of salted butter and roasted nuts.

Expert Reviews - 172nd Edition

Wine Enthusiast 98 Points | This is the most recent bottling of this iconic Champagne. There is a touch of toast as well as enticing apple and citrus aromas. On the palate, this wine is rich, intense, poised between maturity and ripe white fruits.

Decanter 97 Points | The 172ème édition, based around the 2016 vintage, is a delicate, floral and saline Grande Cuvée at this early stage in its life. The palate it taut, tightly wound, gradually unfurling into toasted fruit bread, rye bread and roasted nuts, wrapped around an intricate and taut lemon core. It's exceptionally long, spicy, rounded and spherical in shape.

James Suckling 97 Points | Beautiful notes of dried citrus fruit, lemon curd and dried apples with hints of spices, dried flowers and subtle brioche. I like the polished and caressing texture and steady, refreshing acidity. It's fresh and even austere, with notes of ground spices. So vertical and firm. Structured and long.

Wine Spectator 96 Points | This classy Champagne waltzes across the palate with fluid poise and grace. The mousse's pointillismlike beads and a vivid frame of acidity buoy the detailed range of aromas and flavors, including chopped cherry, dried apricot, tangerine peel and plum cake notes, plus fragrant hints of grated ginger, lime blossoms, ground coffee and grilled nuts.

The Wine Advocate 95 Points | Outstanding. It reveals a complex, slightly spicy bouquet of white fruits, beeswax, marzipan, hazelnuts, dried herbs, ripe orchard fruits and white flowers. Medium to full-bodied, rich and concentrated on the palate, it has a subtly spicy entry, an enrobing and layered texture and a fleshy core of fruit framed around a perfectly balanced, fresh and mineral finish.

Perfect Pairings

Elevate your dining experience by pairing this prestigious champagne with oysters, caviar, aged Comté cheese, roasted poultry, or creamy risotto. Its complexity and structure make it ideal for special celebrations or as a sophisticated aperitif.

About Krug Champagne

Since 1843, Krug has been synonymous with the finest champagne in the world. Each Grande Cuvée is a unique blend that showcases the house's commitment to excellence and the art of blending across multiple vintages.

L. Aubry Fils | Brut | Premier Cru | Montagne de Reims, Champagne | NV (70% 2021 Base) | Transitioning Organic

Wine and Spirits: 92 Points — Fresh and complex, showing red currant, green pear, red apple and wildflower honey. Praised for its lively herbal acidity, generous fruit and the additional character contributed by Champagne's rare historic grape varieties.

James Suckling: 92 Points — Smooth, rounded and beautifully balanced, with bright lemon and citrus flavors, gentle nuttiness and a refined pastry-like texture on the finish.

Wine Spectator: 91 Points — Firm and mineral driven, with wild cherry, berry fruit, wet chalk and brine. A fine mousse carries notes of whole-grain toast, grapefruit pith and lemon thyme through the finish. (Disgorged March 2025)

Vinous: 91 Points — Gracious, elegant and charming, with delicate notes of orchard fruit, spice, dried flowers and mint. (Disgorged May 2021)

L. Aubry Fils is one of Champagne's most singular grower-producers. The Aubry family has cultivated vines in the region since 1790, and brothers Philippe and Pierre Aubry now run the estate from the Premier Cru village of Jouy-les-Reims in the Petite Montagne de Reims. Their particular distinction lies in the preservation of Champagne's rarest historic grape varieties — Arbanne, Petit Meslier and Fromenteau (the local name for Pinot Gris) — cultivated today by only a handful of producers in the region. These varieties appear in the Brut alongside the three classic Champagne grapes, lending the wine an aromatic complexity and originality that sets it apart from the mainstream.

The current release is composed of 31% Chardonnay, 31% Pinot Noir, 31% Pinot Meunier and 7% Arbanne, Petit Meslier and Fromenteau, drawn from Premier Cru vineyards in Jouy-les-Reims, Villedommange, Pargny-les-Reims and Coulommes-la-Montagne. The soils are fossil-rich limestone, contributing brightness, pronounced acidity and a firm mineral character. The estate is progressively transitioning toward organic farming, with close attention to soil health and the long-term preservation of its historic varieties.

The base is 70% from the 2021 harvest, supplemented by 30% reserve wines dating back to 1998 — a perpetual reserve that adds depth, maturity and consistency across releases. Vinification is primarily in stainless steel, preserving freshness and fruit purity, with a portion of the Chardonnay matured in previously used oak barrels for texture and subtle pastry richness. Malolactic fermentation is completed in full. After secondary fermentation in bottle, the wine ages more than 18 months on its lees and is finished at a dosage of approximately 4 grams per liter — dry, energetic and food-friendly.

The wine opens with aromas of green pear, crisp apple, white peach and red berries, followed by white flowers, citrus peel, fresh bread and subtle wildflower honey. With air, notes of toasted grain, almond, dried herbs and chalk emerge. The palate is lively and finely balanced — fresh orchard fruit and bright citrus are joined by wild cherry, raspberry and red currant, while a delicate mousse carries whole-grain toast, grapefruit pith, lemon thyme and roasted nuts. Firm acidity and a mineral foundation of wet chalk and brine lead to a clean, persistent and gently saline finish.

Serve as an aperitif or pair with oysters, shellfish, grilled fish, smoked salmon, sushi, roast chicken, charcuterie, mushroom dishes, fried appetizers and moderately aged cheeses. Serve well chilled at 46–50°F in a white wine or tulip-shaped Champagne glass.

• Producer: L. Aubry Fils
• Cuvée: Brut
• Classification: Premier Cru Brut
• Appellation: Champagne, France
• Region: Montagne de Reims
• Villages: Jouy-les-Reims, Villedommange, Pargny-les-Reims and Coulommes-la-Montagne
• Grape Varieties: 31% Chardonnay, 31% Pinot Noir, 31% Pinot Meunier, 7% Arbanne / Petit Meslier / Fromenteau
• Base Vintage: 70% 2021 harvest
• Reserve Wines: 30%, dating back to 1998
• Farming: Transitioning organic
• Soils: Fossil-rich limestone
• Vinification: Primarily stainless steel; portion of Chardonnay in used oak
• Malolactic Fermentation: Yes
• Lees Aging: 18+ months
• Dosage: ~4 g/L
• Bottle Size: 750ml

As a non-vintage Champagne, grape proportions, base vintages, reserve wine percentages, dosage, lees aging period and disgorgement dates may vary by release. Critic ratings may refer to different disgorgements of the same cuvée.

Laherte Frères Ultradition Brut NV — Champagne

Laherte Frères is a benchmark grower-producer in Chavot, farming biodynamically and organically across 10 hectares in the Côte des Blancs and Vallée de la Marne. The Ultradition is their signature cuvée — a multi-vintage blend anchored by old-vine Pinot Meunier, built to express terroir transparency and minimal intervention. Wine Spectator awarded it 92 points, calling it “vivid” and “clean-cut and minerally on the finish.” John Gilman added 92+ points, praising its “superb soil signature, refined mousse, and a very long, complex, dancing finish.” At this price, it is one of the most compelling values in grower Champagne.

The nose opens with white peach, spring flowers, chalky soil tones, gentle smokiness, and a dollop of brioche. On the palate it is full-bodied and extremely elegant — pure, with a fine core, refined mousse, and a long, dancing finish of citrus and mineral. Pinot Meunier at its most expressive.

Wine Spectator 92 • Vinous 92 • John Gilman 92+ — “Pure, full-bodied, and extremely elegant, with a very long, complex and dancing finish.”

• Producer: Laherte Frères, Chavot, Champagne, France
• Style: Brut NV
• Blend: 60% Pinot Meunier, 30% Chardonnay, 10% Pinot Noir
• Appellation: Champagne AOC
• Dosage: 6–8 g/L
• Farming: Biodynamic, Organic
• Format: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: White peach, spring flowers, chalk, brioche, citrus, mineral finish
• Best Paired With: Oysters, lobster, sushi, aged Comté, roast chicken, caviar

A 92-point biodynamic grower Champagne at an honest price — Laherte Frères’ Ultradition is the benchmark for what Pinot Meunier-driven Champagne can be.

Winemaker Description

Produced from a small walled vineyard close to the Lanson winery in Reims, this is a splendid wine. Its richness is balanced by the intense freshness and minerality of the Chardonnay, with apple and citrus flavors that still in the background. Now mature, this wine is ready to drink.

Expert Reviews

Wine Enthusiast 97 Points | Produced from a small walled vineyard close to the Lanson winery in Reims, this is a splendid wine. Its richness is balanced by the intense freshness and minerality of the Chardonnay, with apple and citrus flavors that still in the background. Now mature, this wine is ready to drink.

Wine Advocate 94 Points | Disgorged in July 2016 with only three grams per liter dosage, the 2007 Brut Blanc de Blancs Clos Lanson is showing very well indeed, unwinding in the glass with notes of dried white flowers, citrus oil, toasted brioche, oyster shell and smoke. On the palate, it's medium to full-bodied, deep and vibrant, with a racy spine of acidity, good concentration and chalky structuring extract. This is quite a tightly knit, tensile wine, despite the warm mesoclimate and two years on cork, which suggests it will enjoy a long future.

Vinous 93 Points | Clos Lanson's 2007 Brut Blanc de Blancs is a very pretty, soft Champagne that can be enjoyed with minimal cellaring. Bright citrus and floral notes, along with soft contours, give much of its immediacy and sheer allure. Understated and classy, the 2007 will drink well for a number of years, but it is also remarkably giving and enjoyable today for a relatively young Blanc de Blancs. Although it is not super-complex, the 2007 offers quite a bit of freshness and character. An open bottle was still in great shape when I re-tasted it a few days later. Disgorged: July 2016.

Wine Spectator 93 Points | Fragrant, featuring lime blossom and ground spice notes, this fine and creamy Champagne offers a broad range of lemon parfait, chopped hazelnut, spun honey and dried cherry flavors, underscored by chalky minerality. Elegant and well-knit, with a firm, focused finish. Disgorged July 2016. Drink now through 2030. 665 cases made.

Lanson Champagne Père & Fils Brut — Champagne NV

Founded in 1760, Lanson is one of Champagne’s most storied and consistent houses — and the Père & Fils Brut is its definitive expression. Crafted by chef de cave Hervé Dantan from 50% Pinot Noir, 35% Chardonnay, and 15% Meunier sourced from 100 villages across the region, with 30% reserve wines spanning 10 vintages back to 1995, this is a non-vintage Champagne of remarkable depth, consistency, and integrity. Four years on the lees — well above the minimum — adds richness, complexity, and a fine toasty character that sets it apart from the crowd. Decanter calls it “one of the best and most consistent of the bargain set.” At this price, it is hard to argue.

The nose is fresh and inviting: green apple, pear, pie crust, and a touch of toast from extended lees aging. On the palate, it is ripe and well-balanced — Pinot Noir’s weight and red fruit character is lifted by Chardonnay’s precision and fine bubbles, with a crisp, dry finish of real elegance. Already drinking beautifully, with the structure to reward short-term cellaring.

Decanter 92 — “A class act and a resounding statement of talent. One of the best and most consistent of the bargain set.”
Wine Enthusiast 92 — “Back on form, giving a ripe style dominated by Pinot Noir. Fine balance between the fruits and touches of toast from four years on the lees.”
James Suckling 92 — “A fresh, balanced palate with green apples, pie crust and pears. Fine bubbles and a crisp, dry finish.”

• Producer: Lanson, Reims, Champagne, France
• Founded: 1760
• Vintage: Non-Vintage
• Appellation: Champagne AOC
• Blend: 50% Pinot Noir, 35% Chardonnay, 15% Meunier
• Sources: 100 villages across Champagne
• Reserve Wines: 30% across 10 vintages
• Aging: 4 years on the lees
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Green apple, pear, pie crust, red fruit, toast, fine bubbles, crisp dry finish
• Best Paired With: Oysters, smoked salmon, grilled fish, soft cheeses, charcuterie, light appetizers

Founded in 1760, scoring 92 across the board, and priced for every occasion — Lanson Père & Fils is the Champagne house that history and critics agree on.

Expert Reviews 

Audrey Frick writes: (Tasted November 7, 2022) The NV Champagne La Cuvée Brut Rosé is entirely Pinot Noir from 10 crus in the Montagne de Reims. It is forward in the glass with ripe currants, fresh herbs, and smoky perfume. This continues to the palate, with notes of ripe wild raspberry and tangerine, and it has a medium to full-bodied texture that is pure and lightly savory on the finish. Fantastically paired with beef tartar and other richer raw preparations, this is a wonderful and food-friendly expression. Drink 2022-2032.  - Jeb Dunnuck 92

Winemaker Description 

A white gold in color with delicate and persistent bubbles, Grand Siecle No. 26 offers a very complex nose which mixes honeysuckle, lemon, clementine and fresh butter aromas, followed by notes of hazelnut and a touch of honey. The feel in the mouth is very delicate and fresh with candied lemon and fresh hazelnut aromas. The palate is silky and mineral with notes of honeysuckle, flaked almonds and clementine.

It pairs with high quality produce and refined dishes, including shellfish, noble fish and white meats such as Thai style langoustine tartare and fine roasted poultry.

Expert Reviews

100 James Suckling James Suckling's #1 Wine of 2023 |  This is really something. Electric on the palate. The aromas are so complex with sliced fresh and dried ginger, subtle pie crust, tarte tatin and hints of nutmeg with some salted caramel. Toasted bread, too. Always subtle. The palate is full- to medium-bodied yet hemmed-in with a freshness and balance that draws you back. Savory and vibrant. It's full of energy. Spectacular. Fascinating. Symphonic blend of 2012, 2008 and 2007. 65% of the 2012, 25% of the 2008 and 10% of the 2007. Eight grand cru. Chardonnay 58% and 42% pinot noir. Disgorged February 2023. 10 years on the lees. 7g/L dosage.

97 Points Wine Enthusiast | Tautly textured, the Champagne is delicious with a poise between white and citrus fruits along with touches of maturity coming through. Drink this magnificent wine now for its great balance and intensity.

96 Points Decanter | This iteration of Grand Siècle is almost entirely composed of two of Champagne's greatest recent vintages, so expectations are high. The wine more than meets them, tempering the generosity of 2012's fruit – ripe apricots, white peach, clementines and sunny, zesty citrus – with a pitch-perfect streak of 2008 tautness and structure. There are some fleshy, creamy notes of papaya and toasted white sourdough, but everything is as delicately rendered as expected and impeccably shaped, with a sleek, silky mousse. A little more approachable than Itération No. 25, it will welcome extended bottle age rather than demand it. The blend is 58% Chardonnay and 42% Pinot Noir from eight grand cru vineyards. 65% is from the 2012 vintage, 35% from 2008 and 10% from 2007.

96 Points Robert Parker | Unfurling in the glass with scents of crisp nectarine, pear and honeyed citrus fruit that mingle with notions of fresh mint, blanched almonds and iodine, the wine is full-bodied, concentrated and tightly wound, with broad structural shoulders, tangy acids and a long, intense finish. It's a great Grand Siècle in the making.

95 Points Wine Spectator | A graceful Champagne, with flavors of boysenberry and black cherry fruit, toast, blanched almond and grapefruit pith, graphite and fleur de sel gliding across the satiny mousse. Reveals racy acidity that sculpts fine definition, allowing the detailed profile to expand on the palate, while minerally hints of chalk and oyster shell linger on the finish. 

Leclerc Briant Réserve Extra Brut — Épernay, Champagne, France NV

Leclerc Briant is one of Champagne's most celebrated and pioneering grower-producers — a historic house based in Épernay with roots going back to 1872, and today one of the region's most committed advocates for biodynamic viticulture. Under the stewardship of the Lignac family, Leclerc Briant farms its vineyards according to strict biodynamic principles — certified by Demeter — believing that the health of the soil is the foundation of great Champagne. The estate works with the lunar calendar, uses only natural preparations, and practices minimal intervention in the cellar, allowing the terroir of their Marne Valley and Côte des Blancs vineyards to express itself with clarity and precision. The Réserve Extra Brut is the house's signature non-vintage cuvée — a blend of 40% Pinot Noir, 40% Pinot Meunier, and 20% Chardonnay, based on the 2019 harvest, with reserve wines adding depth and complexity. Extra Brut in style, it is drier and more precise than a standard Brut, allowing the terroir and the fruit to speak without the softening effect of dosage.

The color is bright pale yellow with a fine, lively mousse. The nose is complex and inviting: wet asphalt, ripe white peach, fresh redcurrant, pear, verbena, lime, herbs, and a touch of menthol — the signature of biodynamic Champagne. On the palate, it is medium-bodied and approachable with a rounded mid-palate, chalky and pithy texture, and sleek acidity animating flavors of chopped raspberry, nectarine, preserved lemon, and oyster shell. The finish is persistent, lightly spiced, and mouthwatering — clean, energetic, and long.

Jeb Dunnuck 92 — "Wet asphalt, ripe white peach, and fresh redcurrant. Rounded mid-palate, chalky and pithy texture with a lively yet fine mousse. Attractive and balanced with a clean finish."

Wine Spectator 92 — "Lithe and graceful, with sleek acidity animating flavors of chopped raspberry, nectarine, preserved lemon and oyster shell. Fine and satiny in texture, offering a persistent, lightly spiced finish."

Wine Advocate 90 — "Lively, fresh bouquet of pear, verbena, lime tree, herbs and menthol. Vinous and energetic with an incisive mid-palate and a mouthwatering, fresh finish."

• Producer: Leclerc Briant, Épernay, Champagne, France (est. 1872)
• Style: Extra Brut NV
• Blend: 40% Pinot Noir / 40% Pinot Meunier / 20% Chardonnay
• Base Vintage: 2019
• Farming: Certified Biodynamic (Demeter)
• Dosage: Extra Brut (very low dosage)
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: White peach, redcurrant, raspberry, nectarine, preserved lemon, oyster shell, wet asphalt, chalky texture, persistent spiced finish
• Style: Precise, energetic, terroir-driven
• Best Paired With: Oysters, sushi, grilled fish, lobster, soft cheeses, charcuterie, caviar

Biodynamic Champagne from one of Épernay's most celebrated grower-producers — Leclerc Briant Réserve Extra Brut is precise, energetic, and triple 90+ point rated.

Winemaker Description

Leclerc Briant was an early adopter of organic practices beginning in the 1960’s and pioneered the concept of single-vineyard Champagne starting in the 1970’s. Fifth generation vigneron, Pascal Leclerc began to follow biodynamic principles in 1988, with part of the production Demeter certified since 2003.

Expert Review

Wine Advocate 94 Points | The 2018 Les Monts Ferrés Blanc de Blancs derives from vines planted in the eponymous parcel in the 1er cru village of Vertus. It reveals a delicate, fine bouquet with aromas of fresh bread, acacia, spring flowers and ripe orchard fruits. Medium-bodied and perfectly balanced, it’s enveloping and structured with both racy and bright acidity. This is a tension-filled, ethereal Champagne with a dosage of 1.4 grams per liter.

Winemaker Description

An open-knit nose of wild plum, almond and orange with underlying notes of salted bread. On the palate, the wine shows considerable body and a complex array of flavors including lemongrass, peppermint and quince. As the wine breathes scents of orange blossom and honeysuckle come to the fore and mingle with the soft, spicy accents of cumin and nutmeg.

Louis Roederer · Collection 246 · Brut NV · Champagne · France

Louis Roederer is among the last great family-owned Champagne houses, and Collection 246 is its non-vintage flagship — a wine of uncommon ambition and transparency. Based on the 2021 base vintage, Chef de Caves Jean-Baptiste Lécaillon made a bold call: bumping Chardonnay to 54% (vs. the typical 44%) to navigate a challenging year, blending in 35% Pinot Noir from the Montagne de Reims and 11% Meunier. The blend draws on 55% base 2021 wines, 30% perpetual reserve stretching back to 2012, and 10% young-vine juice from Cristal plots aged in cask — a Cristal pedigree at a fraction of the price. Triple 93 points from Wine Spectator, Vinous, and James Suckling.

The Collection 246 opens with white cherry, Honeycrisp apple, tangerine peel, and biscuit — precise and inviting. On the palate, brisk saline notes cut through a core of orchard fruit, mint, white pepper, and slate. The mousse is silky and soft, the finish creamy and chalky with delicate spice and floral accents. Harmonious, impeccably balanced, and built to drink beautifully now through 2030.

Expert Reviews

“A harmonious Champagne with impeccable balance, depth and focus. White cherry, Honeycrisp apple, tangerine peel and biscuit, retaining vibrancy and grace. Chalky underpinning on the creamy finish with delicate spice and floral accents. Drink now through 2030.”
— Wine Spectator · 93 Points

“Positively stellar. Brisk saline notes cut through a core of orchard fruit, mint, white pepper and slate. No hard angles or awkward contours — impeccably done and absolutely delicious.”
— Vinous · 93 Points

“Pretty and elegant aromas of pears, apple blossoms, grapefruit and chalk. Silky, fresh and beautifully balanced with very soft bubbles.”
— James Suckling · 93 Points

• Producer: Louis Roederer, Reims, Champagne, France
• Cuvée: Collection 246 (base vintage 2021)
• Blend: 54% Chardonnay, 35% Pinot Noir, 11% Meunier
• Reserve: 30% perpetual reserve (back to 2012) + 10% Cristal-plot cask-aged juice
• Vinification: 24% fermented in oak; ~30% malolactic fermentation
• Dosage: 7 g/L Brut
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: White cherry, Honeycrisp apple, tangerine peel, biscuit, orchard fruit, mint, white pepper, slate, chalky finish
• Pairings: Oysters, sushi, lobster, creamy risotto, Brie, Chaource
• Drink: Now through 2030

WS:93 · V:93 · JS:93 · Champagne — Cristal reserve wines, Chardonnay-forward precision, and triple 93-point acclaim from one of the great family houses.

Winemaker Description

A perfect combination of softness and concentration, matched by a masterful maturity, The 2015 Cristal Brut delivers intense and delicious aromas with a superb energy and a magical vibration.

This is a timeless champagne with a chalky temperament, sustained by its soils, freed from the sunny character of the vintage.The nose begins with hints of yellow fruit, toasted almonds and wheat from the Chardonnay, combined with the juicy red fruit of the Pinot Noir. 

Then comes the great surge of energy from the wine's structure, a vibratory intensity that transforms into a gentle caress, a silky texture interwoven with fine flavors of candied citrus and iodized spices.The vintage's chalky character thus bursts forth in a bracing, vertical effervescence, with an insistent, precise and finely honed freshness.

The finish is underpinned by subtle oaky, sappy and saline notes, which creates the ultimate sensation of delicacy and concentration.Cristal 2015 remains a wine of supreme balance and measure, resonating from the chalky nature of its soils rather than the sunny character of its vintage.

A perfect Cristal, intensely of the 2015 vintage, with enormous ageing potential.

Expert Reviews 

James Suckling 97 Points | The warm and dry vintage this has tremendous freshness and elegance. The complex nose of citrus blossom, mint, lemon and lime zest opens up slowly as this aerates in the glass. The wine’s ample structure is still quite firm, which is a vintage characteristic, the mousse very fine but also very lively for an eight-year-old champagne. Cristal fans will love this as it is, but a year or two more in the bottle will do a lot for the very long mineral finish of this youthful masterpiece. A cuvee of 60% pinot noir and 40% chardonnay, picked from all 45 Cristal vineyard plots. Tasted at the Cristal vertical tasting at the champagne house on July 6th, 2023.

96 Points Wine Spectator | This mouthwatering Champagne has an ethereal quality, with a frame of chiseled acidity and focused precision to the pointillisme-like, vibrant mousse. Yet this shows depth and generous expression, with the finely spun notes of patisserie apple and blackberry fruit opening beautifully on the palate and through the minerally finish, with notes of grated ginger, blood orange granita, salted Marcona almond and anise.

96 Points Jeb Dunnuck | I had the opportunity to taste the 2015 Champagne Cristal twice, both at the house in Reims as well as at my home office. On both occasions, the wine offered a terrific balance of decadence and notable freshness for this vintage, which was highly expressive on opening. The release reveals layered custardy notes of lemon balm, incense, apricot, and hazelnut. Medium to full-bodied, the mousse is fluffy and rounded out beautifully through the palate. Round and approachable, it has a well-managed richness along with underlying savory sapidity and saline to keep this going over the coming three or more decades, with a chalky tannin structure to support it.

95 Points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate | If the 2014 vintage was especially open and demonstrative, the 2015 Cristal is going to require more patience. Unwinding in the glass with aromas of citrus oil, crisp stone fruits, white flowers, crushed mint and subtle hints of buttery pastry, it's medium to full-bodied, deep and layered, with a deep, concentrated and rather introverted core of fruit framed by chalky extract and animated by a pretty pinpoint mousse. This is a serious, vinous Champagne that has considerable substance to age and may well evolve along the lines of the lovely 1985.

95 Points Decanter | An open and inviting nose references cream, oatmeal and Amalfi lemon with the slightest edge of smoke. The palate immediately strikes with a mouthwatering lemon ripeness and a juicy, mouthfilling generosity reminiscent of yellow plum. It stays true to the trademark sleekness of Cristal and speaks of the concentration of 2015. Fine mousse accentuates the fullness and roundness of the wine while the long finish hints at chalky depth which, for now, is dominated by ripe stone fruit and more of that textured, rich notion of oatmeal. Definitely a Cristal to enjoy soon.

Moët & Chandon | Impérial Brut | Champagne, France — Gift Box (750ml)

Moët & Chandon Impérial is the world's most celebrated Champagne — a house icon crafted since 1869 and the benchmark by which all non-vintage Champagne is measured. Blended from over 100 crus across the Champagne region, it combines Pinot Noir for structure and body, Pinot Meunier for fruitiness and roundness, and Chardonnay for freshness and elegance. This gift box presentation makes it the ultimate ready-to-give luxury for any occasion.

The wine opens with a radiant golden straw color and an aromatic profile of bright yellow-fleshed fruits — apple, pear, yellow peach — layered with honey, lime blossom, brioche, and fresh nuts. On the palate it is seductive and smooth, balancing generosity with vigor, and finishing with a delicately fresh crispiness that is the hallmark of great Champagne.

Expert Reviews 

The Somm Journal — 93 Points: Comme il faut from the unending bead onward. Biscuit and almond aromas, ripe golden apple on the nose turning to green on the palate, where citrus — lime, grapefruit, mandarin orange — cycles through high-flying acidity, with luscious pear adding weight and chalk conveying elegance through the finish.

Wine Spectator — 92 Points: Elegant, fine and creamy in texture, backed by lively orange peel acidity. A streak of smoke-tinged minerality underscores flavors of almond madeleine, poached pear, anise, and preserved lemon. Drink now.

James Suckling — 91 Points: Aromas of apricots, grapefruit, pears, and short crust. Medium-bodied with soft bubbles and tasty nut and pie crust notes at the end. 24 months on the lees.

Technical Details

Blend: Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, Chardonnay  |  Region: Champagne, France  |  Style: Non-Vintage Brut  |  Lees Aging: 24 months  |  Presentation: Gift Box  |  Size: 750ml

Don't let a half-finished bottle of Champagne go flat. The Monopol Vermo Champagne Stopper creates an airtight, pressure-locking seal that keeps your bubbles alive and your wine fresh — so every glass is as celebratory as the first.

How It Works

Simply insert the stopper into the open bottle and clamp the hinged wings down over the lip of the bottle. The secure mechanical seal locks in carbonation and preserves freshness, keeping your Champagne or sparkling wine lively for up to several days in the refrigerator.

Key Features

• Pressure-locking clamp — hinged wings grip the bottle lip for a secure, airtight seal
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• Preserving leftover Champagne, Prosecco, Cava or any sparkling wine
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The Monopol Vermo is the stopper of choice for sommeliers and sparkling wine lovers across Europe. Simple, reliable, and indispensable — the smartest $22 you'll spend on your wine collection.

Winemaker Description 

This has always been the top vineyard at the estate and produces Meuiner with fruit flavors that veer towards exotic hints of mandarin orange, papaya, guava and even litchi, alongside the more typical red-fruit flavors that one might expect from Meunier.

• Practicing organic
• 100% Meunier
• A single site on the top of the hill in Cuisles
• Terroir of green clay and limestone marl
• Yes malo
• Fermented and aged in stainless steel
• Aged 48 months on the lees
• Dosage: 0.5g/L

Winemaker Description

Champagne Palmer & Co concentrates its vineyard holdings in the Montagne de Reims: in the grand cru villages of Mailly and Verzenay and the premier cru villages of Trépail and Villers-Marmery. While they also have holdings in the Marne Valley, the Côte de Sézanne and the Côte des Bar, their prestige cuvée Grands Terroirs, channels those north- and north-east-facing slopes with power and precision.

The 2015 vintage is blended from 50% Pinot Noir, 38% Chardonnay and 12% Pinot Meunier, sourced from Mailly and Verzenay as well as Trépail, Villers-Marmery, Ludes, Chigny-les-Roses and Rilly-la-Montagne. Palmer & Co refers to the vintage as “exceptional” because it combined high temperatures and little rainfall – spelling little disease pressure and even ripening. Sunny days and cool nights in August, they say, allowed for “perfect” ripening.

The nose, subtle and charming, opens with notes of orange blossom and acacia, mixed with notes of yellow fruits, then it evolves towards lovely and delicately spiced aromas of fried pineapple and tonka bean. The palate is characterized by freshness, with citrus fruits sublimating the notes of brioche and dried fruits. Its creamy texture stretches deliciously into a persistent finish. 

Expert Reviews

92 Points Wine & Spirits | Markedly youthful in its smoky reduction, this wine sees its sulfur blow off quickly, leaving a flinty scent and an impression of clarity. It’s bright with pretty scents of black tea and herbs, firmed up by strong acidity.

92 Points James Suckling | A chalky and mineral Champagne with aromas of blanched almonds, chalk, seashells, biscuits, lemon pith and dried apples. Creamy mousse. Dry and bright, with a rounded finish. Drink now or hold.

A distinctive, terroir-driven rosé Champagne from Pascal Doquet, one of the Côte des Blancs’ leading organic grower-producers. Anthocyanes is crafted from equal parts Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, all harvested in 2018, combining the mineral precision of the Côte des Blancs with the structure and expressive red-fruit character of Pinot Noir.

The Pinot Noir comes from La Barre, a named vineyard site in Vertus. It is macerated on the skins for approximately 48 hours before pressing, extracting its vivid color and aromatic intensity through the traditional saignée method. The wine is then matured in barrel for up to one year before being blended with Chardonnay from Vertus and bottled for its secondary fermentation.

The name Anthocyanes refers to anthocyanins, the natural pigments found in grape skins that give the Champagne its striking rosé color. Despite its depth of color and character, this is not a heavy or overtly vinous rosé. It retains the freshness, finesse and mineral energy associated with Pascal Doquet’s Champagnes.

Pale to medium salmon-pink in the glass, it opens with aromas of sliced strawberries, red berries, citrus peel and rose petals, followed by delicate notes of honey, spice and chalk. The palate is lively and finely textured, with elegant bubbles, bright acidity and a balanced combination of ripe red fruit, citrus freshness and savory mineral character. The finish is dry, energetic and persistent.

This expressive rosé Champagne is excellent as an aperitif but also has enough structure for the table. Pair it with salmon, tuna tartare, sushi, shellfish, roast poultry, charcuterie, mushroom dishes, creamy cheeses or aged goat cheese.

Grapes: 50% Chardonnay and 50% Pinot Noir
Region: Champagne, France
Village: Vertus
Classification: Premier Cru
Pinot Noir Vineyard: La Barre
Base Vintage: 2018
Farming: Certified organic
Production: Rosé de saignée
Maceration: Approximately 48 hours
Maturation: Pinot Noir aged in barrel for up to one year
Style: Rosé Premier Cru Brut
Bottle Size: 750ml
Alcohol: Approximately 12.5%

Highly Rated

90 Points — The Wine Advocate
90 Points — James Suckling

Pascal Doquet | Diapason | Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs | Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Côte des Blancs, Champagne | 2015 Base | Organic

Pascal Doquet is one of the Côte des Blancs' most respected grower-producers, farming certified organic vineyards in Le Mesnil-sur-Oger — one of Champagne's most celebrated and prestigious Grand Cru villages, renowned worldwide for producing Blanc de Blancs of extraordinary mineral precision, tension, and longevity. Doquet has farmed organically for many years and has been certified by Ecocert since 2010, a commitment to the land that translates directly into wines of exceptional purity and terroir transparency.

Diapason is a remarkable Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs from the celebrated Cretaceous chalk soils of Le Mesnil-sur-Oger. The ripe 2015 harvest forms the base of the cuvée, complemented by reserve wines maintained through a perpetual reserve system. The fruit comes from old Chardonnay vines rooted deeply in Le Mesnil's chalk, including parcels planted as far back as the 1920s — vines whose extraordinary depth of root gives the wine its signature tension, salinity, and finely etched mineral character.

Grapes are harvested by hand and fermented with indigenous yeasts. Approximately half the wine is vinified in neutral oak barrels, the remainder in enamel-lined tanks — preserving freshness while adding subtle texture and complexity. Malolactic fermentation is completed, and the Champagne spends an extended period aging on its lees before disgorgement at a restrained dosage of approximately 3.5 g/L, allowing the purity of fruit and terroir to remain at the forefront.

The bouquet opens with vibrant aromas of lemon peel, Asian pear, gooseberry, white flowers, and passion fruit, followed by deeper notes of pastry dough, toasted almond, dried apricot, and chalk. On the palate, concentrated yet beautifully controlled — a creamy, finely textured mousse supported by bright acidity and a firm mineral structure. Citrus, nectarine, pear, ginger, and salted almond develop across the palate, leading to a long, precise, and distinctly saline finish. Powerful enough to accompany a meal, refined enough to serve as an aperitif.

Pair with oysters, lobster, scallops, caviar, grilled white fish, sushi, roast chicken, creamy cheeses, and aged Comté. Serve well chilled at 46–50°F in a white wine or tulip-shaped Champagne glass.

• Producer: Pascal Doquet
• Cuvée: Diapason
• Classification: Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs
• Appellation: Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Côte des Blancs, Champagne, France
• Grape: Chardonnay (100%)
• Base Vintage: 2015
• Farming: Certified Organic (Ecocert since 2010)
• Soils: Cretaceous chalk; vines from the 1920s
• Fermentation: Indigenous yeasts; 50% neutral oak, 50% enamel-lined tanks
• Dosage: ~3.5 g/L (Extra Brut)
• Bottle Size: 750ml

Pascal Doquet | Champ d'Alouettes | Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs Extra-Brut | Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Côte des Blancs, Champagne | 2005

Pascal Doquet is one of the Côte des Blancs' most respected grower-producers, farming certified organic vineyards in Le Mesnil-sur-Oger — one of Champagne's most celebrated Grand Cru villages, renowned worldwide for producing Blanc de Blancs of extraordinary mineral precision, tension, and longevity. Doquet has been certified organic by Ecocert since 2010, a commitment to the land that translates directly into wines of exceptional purity and terroir transparency.

Champ d'Alouettes — "Field of Larks" — is a single mid-slope lieu-dit in the heart of Le Mesnil-sur-Oger. The parcel's chalk-rich, freely draining soils encourage the vines to develop extraordinarily deep root systems, giving the finished Champagne remarkable mineral intensity and depth. Pascal Doquet selected fruit from some of the estate's finest vines in this parcel to produce a wine that reflects the identity of the site with exceptional clarity.

The 2005 vintage in Champagne was warm and generous, producing wines of exceptional concentration and ripeness. The wine was vinified and matured partly in oak barrels, adding texture and subtle breadth without overwhelming its mineral character. Malolactic fermentation was deliberately avoided to preserve the natural freshness and tension of the Chardonnay. It then spent an exceptionally long period — approximately 15 years — aging on its lees in bottle, developing the fine mousse, creamy texture, and complex mature aromas associated with carefully cellared vintage Champagne. Final dosage of approximately 3 g/L places it firmly in the Extra-Brut category.

Deep golden in the glass with a fine, persistent bead. The bouquet opens with lemon oil, candied citrus peel, baked apple, and ripe pear, followed by layers of toasted brioche, hazelnut, almond, dried white flowers, and subtle honeycomb. With air, notes of crushed chalk, oyster shell, smoke, and warm spice emerge, revealing the extraordinary complexity of extended lees aging. On the palate, structured, vinous, and beautifully concentrated — preserved lemon, yellow apple, Mirabelle plum, and citrus zest balanced by toasted nuts, biscuit, and delicate spice. A firm chalky backbone provides freshness and precision despite the richness of the mature vintage. The Extra-Brut dosage keeps the finish dry, focused, and saline, with lingering notes of citrus, roasted hazelnut, and mineral chalk.

A fully developed, gastronomic Champagne drinking beautifully now. Serve moderately chilled in a generous Champagne or white wine glass. Pair with oysters, scallops, langoustines, lobster, turbot, sole in beurre blanc, roast chicken with mushrooms, truffle risotto, aged Comté, Parmesan, and mature goat cheese.

• Producer: Pascal Doquet
• Cuvée: Champ d'Alouettes
• Classification: Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs
• Appellation: Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Côte des Blancs, Champagne, France
• Grape: Chardonnay (100%)
• Vintage: 2005
• Farming: Certified Organic (Ecocert since 2010)
• Soils: Cretaceous chalk; single lieu-dit Champ d'Alouettes
• Vinification: Partly in oak barrels; no malolactic fermentation
• Lees Aging: ~15 years on lees in bottle
• Dosage: ~3 g/L (Extra-Brut)
• Alcohol: ~12.5% ABV
• Availability: Extremely limited
• Bottle Size: 750ml

Pascal Doquet | Mont Aimé — Cœur de Terroir | Premier Cru Blanc de Blancs | Côte des Blancs, Champagne | 2007 | Organic | No Added Sulfites

Pascal Doquet is one of the Côte des Blancs' most respected grower-producers, farming just under nine hectares of certified organic vineyards across several important Champagne villages. Widely recognized for mineral-driven wines made with a strong commitment to vineyard health and organic agriculture, Doquet has been certified organic by Ecocert since 2010. His Cœur de Terroir — "heart of the terroir" — collection identifies his most site-specific and limited-production wines: single-village, single-vintage bottlings intended to capture the identity of an individual place with exceptional clarity, rather than blending fruit from several villages.

Mont Aimé is a historic chalk outcrop situated east of Vertus in the southern Côte des Blancs — a less familiar but genuinely distinctive corner of Champagne. Although the vineyards face south, the site has a noticeably cooler microclimate than Doquet's parcels in Vertus and Le Mesnil-sur-Oger. The Chardonnay here ripens approximately one week later, extending the growing season and helping the fruit retain exceptional freshness, acidity, and aromatic precision. The site's chalky soils contribute the firm mineral structure and persistent saline character that distinguish this Champagne.

The 2007 Mont Aimé is therefore both a mature vintage Champagne and a focused expression of this cooler terroir. Made without added sulfites. Extended bottle aging has given this Champagne considerable depth and tertiary complexity while preserving the energy and mineral definition associated with Pascal Doquet's wines.

Creamy, finely textured, and beautifully balanced. The nose opens with ripe apple, spiced pear, and exotic spices, evolving into layers of cinnamon, subtle chocolate, toasted pastry, and chalky minerality. On the palate, medium-bodied with fine bubbles, fresh acidity, and a precise, flavorful, and persistent finish. Ready to enjoy now, with continued evolution under proper cellar conditions.

Serve slightly warmer than a young non-vintage Champagne to allow its mature aromas to fully emerge. Pair with seared scallops, lobster, roasted turbot, grilled seafood, mushroom dishes, poultry in cream sauce, aged Comté, creamy washed-rind cheeses, and aged French goat cheese.

• Producer: Pascal Doquet
• Cuvée: Mont Aimé — Cœur de Terroir
• Classification: Premier Cru Blanc de Blancs
• Appellation: Mont Aimé, Côte des Blancs, Champagne, France
• Grape: Chardonnay (100%)
• Vintage: 2007
• Farming: Certified Organic (Ecocert since 2010)
• Sulfites: No sulfites added
• Alcohol: ~12.5% ABV
• Bottle Size: 750ml

Critical Acclaim — Vintage 2007

• James Suckling — 93 pts: Beautifully mature and terroir-focused — creamy texture, refined bubbles, exotic spice, and the distinctive chalky freshness of Mont Aimé. Balance, comforting texture, and spicy complexity.

Pascal Doquet | Vertus — Cœur de Terroir | Premier Cru Vintage Champagne | Vertus, Côte des Blancs, Champagne | 2009 | Organic

Pascal Doquet is one of the Côte des Blancs' most respected grower-producers, farming certified organic vineyards across several important Champagne villages. His Cœur de Terroir — "heart of the terroir" — collection is devoted to individual villages, historic parcels, and the distinctive character of their soils. The Vertus Cœur de Terroir was the very first wine conceived for this series — a fitting tribute to Vertus, the village at the heart of Doquet's estate.

The fruit comes from Pascal's finest Premier Cru sites in Vertus: Barrilliers, Nuisats, Vieille Voie, Corvées, Grange au Bar, Les Grues, and La Barre — vineyards rooted in Cretaceous chalk and clay that give the wine both mineral definition and a broader, more generous texture than the sharply linear Champagnes of nearby Le Mesnil-sur-Oger. All vineyards are certified organic by Ecocert.

The 2009 blend is composed of 70% Chardonnay and 30% Pinot Noir — the Pinot Noir sourced from La Barre, contributing structure, depth, and a subtle red-fruit character, while the Chardonnay provides freshness, chalky tension, and length. The wine was vinified and matured for approximately 11 months in neutral oak barrels, with full malolactic fermentation adding creaminess and roundness. After bottling, the Champagne spent an exceptional 12 years aging sur latte before disgorgement, developing extraordinary complexity and richness while preserving the mineral energy of the Vertus terroir. Finished with a very low dosage of approximately 2 g/L MCR — stylistically near Extra-Brut despite the Brut designation.

Full-bodied and deeply layered with a fine, persistent mousse. Aromas of ripe apple, preserved lemon, and pear joined by toasted brioche, hazelnut, dried flowers, and subtle red-fruit notes. With air, mature tones of pastry, warm spice, chalk, and savory lees emerge. On the palate, broad and creamy, balanced by bright acidity and a firm mineral core. The finish is long, dry, and saline, with lingering notes of citrus, orchard fruit, toast, and chalk. A gastronomic Champagne with the depth and maturity to accompany a full meal.

Serve in a white wine glass rather than a narrow flute to fully appreciate its developed aromas and layered texture. Pair with roasted poultry, veal, lobster, scallops, mushroom dishes, truffle risotto, creamy sauces, aged Comté, Gruyère, and mature goat cheese.

• Producer: Pascal Doquet
• Cuvée: Vertus — Cœur de Terroir
• Classification: Premier Cru Vintage Champagne
• Appellation: Vertus, Côte des Blancs, Champagne, France
• Blend: 70% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot Noir
• Vintage: 2009
• Farming: Certified Organic (Ecocert)
• Vineyards: Barrilliers, Nuisats, Vieille Voie, Corvées, Grange au Bar, Les Grues, La Barre
• Soils: Cretaceous chalk and clay
• Vinification: 11 months in neutral oak; full malolactic fermentation
• Lees Aging: 12 years sur latte
• Dosage: ~2 g/L MCR (near Extra-Brut)
• Alcohol: 12.5% ABV
• Bottle Size: 750ml

Perrier-Jouët Grand Brut — Épernay, Champagne NV

The Grand Brut is the signature non-vintage cuvée of Perrier-Jouët — one of Champagne's most storied houses, founded in 1811 in Épernay. Blended from Pinot Noir, Meunier, and Chardonnay sourced across the Champagne appellation, this is a wine of effortless elegance and consistent house character. The Wine Spectator awarded it 92 points. Floral, precise, and beautifully balanced, it is one of the most versatile and food-friendly Champagnes at its price point.

The nose opens with oyster shell, smoke, and fleur de sel, leading into poached quince, tangerine sorbet, candied ginger, and brioche. On the palate, the mousse is plush and creamy, with a long, minerally finish that is well-cut and refreshing. James Suckling noted silky texture, apricot pie, lemon curd, and a gentle salinity that lingers beautifully through the close.

Wine Spectator 92 • James Suckling 91 — "A silky Champagne with aromas of apricot pie, shortcrust, croissants, lemon curd and seashells."

• Producer: Perrier-Jouët, Épernay, Champagne, France
• Vintage: Non-Vintage
• Appellation: Champagne AOC
• Blend: Pinot Noir, Meunier, Chardonnay
• Style: Brut, Non-Dosage
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Oyster shell, fleur de sel, brioche, poached quince, tangerine, candied ginger, lemon curd, mineral finish
• Best Paired With: Oysters, shrimp, fish carpaccio, roasted chicken with lemon and thyme, delicate pastries

A 92-point non-vintage Champagne at an honest price — Perrier-Jouët's Grand Brut is the benchmark for what elegant, food-friendly Champagne can be.