Champagne

• • 98

  Cedric Bouchard Roses de Jeanne La Haute Lemble Champagne (V15)

  Champagne, FRANCE

  $250. 00

  Bottle

  $3000.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 12.5%

  Closure: Cork

  Other Reviews....
  The 2015 Blanc de Blancs La Haute Lemblé is one of the very best editions I have ever tasted. Beautifully focused, the 2015 dazzles with its richness, power and tension. A mélange of crushed rocks, mint, white pepper, smoke and citrus infuses the 2015 with crystalline intensity. The purity of the Chardonnay fruit is just remarkable. All of the elements build to a heady crescendo of aromas, flavors and textures. Racy and explosive, the 2015 Haute Lemblé dazzles from the very first taste. A few years of cellaring will help the 2015 be at its very best, although it is utterly breathtaking even in the early going. No dosage. Disgorged: April, 2019.
  98 points
  Antonio Galloni - Vinous (Dec 2019)

  Delivery Information
• • 93
  • 96

  2012 Cedric Bouchard Roses de Jeanne Cote de Bechalin Champagne

  Champagne, FRANCE

  $220. 00

  Bottle

  $2640.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 12.5%

  Closure: Cork

  Other Reviews....
  The newly released 2012 Blanc de Noirs Côte de Béchalin is another magical Champagne from Cédric Bouchard, its southwest exposition issuing in a riper range of aromas than the north-facing Ursules—including honeycomb, peach, green mango and red apple—as well as more mid-palate volume. Full-bodied, textural and enveloping, it's rich and vinous, with a generous core of fruit, racy acids and a bright, chalky finish. Still an infant, this will reward further bottle age.
  96+ points
  William Kelley - Wine Advocate #248 (May 2020)

  The 2012 Blanc de Noirs Côte de Bechalin La Parcelle is bright, precise and beautifully lifted. Orchard fruit, mint, white pepper and floral notes lend brightness. This is a decidedly taut, vibrant Blanc de Noirs, especially considering the vintage. Gracious, medium in body and supremely inviting, the Côte de Bechalin is another stellar wine in this set of new releases. No dosage. Disgorged: April, 2019.
  93 points
  Antonio Galloni - Vinous (Dec 2019)

  Delivery Information
• • 93
  • 93

  Cedric Bouchard Roses de Jeanne Cote de Val Vilaine Champagne (V17)

  Champagne, FRANCE

  $170. 00

  Bottle

  $2040.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 12.5%

  Closure: Cork

  Other Reviews....
  Bouchard's newly released NV Blanc de Noirs Côte de Val Vilaine (2017) has turned out brilliantly, offering up a deep bouquet of green pear, freshly baked bread, honeycomb and citrus oil. Medium to full-bodied, enveloping but incisive, it's built around a bright spine of acidity and a concentrated core of ripe but beautifully vibrant fruit. The 2017 is a bit racier but also a touch less concentrated than the 2016 rendition, a wine that would get my nod as the best Val Vilaine to date.
  93 points
  William Kelley - Wine Advocate #248 (May 2020)

  Bouchard’s Blanc de Noirs Val Vilaine is especially strong in 2017 and also a fabulous introduction to this range of magnificent Champagnes. Beautifully resonant and inviting, the 2017 is so gorgeous. Pear, baked apple, dried flowers, mint and spice all build as the 2017 opens up in the glass. More than anything else, the 2017 impresses with its poise and raciness. The slightly reductive character found in some previous releases is not present in the 2017, and that really lets the purity of the fruit shine through. Bouchard does not push this site to the degree he does most of his other vineyards, so the Val Vilaine doesn’t quite offer the complexity of the top wines here, but words really can’t do justice to just how delicious the 2017 is. Don’t miss it. No dosage. Disgorged: April, 2019.
  93 points
  Antonio Galloni - Vinous (Dec 2019)

  Delivery Information
• • 94

  Cedric Bouchard Roses de Jeanne Les Ursules Champagne (V15)

  Champagne, FRANCE

  $230. 00

  Bottle

  $2760.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 12.5%

  Closure: Cork

  Other Reviews....
  The 2015 Blanc de Noirs Les Ursules is fascinating to taste next to the other Pinot Champagnes, all of which are brighter. Here, the weight and gravitas are very much front and center. Red cherry, kirsch, plum, mint and spice all blossom in the glass. The Ursules needs air to shine. A bit of time in the glass really brings out the creaminess and volume of the Pinot fruit. This is such an inviting and expressive Champagne. No dosage. Disgorged: April, 2019.
  94 points
  Antonio Galloni - Vinous (Dec 2019)

  Delivery Information
• • 95

  Cedric Bouchard Roses de Jeanne Presle Champagne (V15)

  Champagne, FRANCE

  $299. 00

  Bottle

  $3588.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 12.5%

  Closure: Cork

  Other Reviews....
  The 2015 Blanc de Noirs Presle emerges from a tiny parcel planted with ten different Burgundy clones of Pinot Noir. Brisk, nuanced and finely sculpted to the core, the Presle is pure class. Orchard fruit, red plum, mint and wild flowers are all beautifully sketched. The breadth of Pinot comes through in the wine’s textural resonance and overall feel. Tropical overtones add an exotic flair to this wonderfully distinctive and inviting Champagne from Cédric Bouchard. I especially admire the wine’s brisk, energetic feel and super-precise expression of Pinot. No dosage. Disgorged: April, 2019.
  95 points
  Antonio Galloni - Vinous (Dec 2019)

  Delivery Information
• • 93

  Cedric Bouchard Roses de Jeanne Val Vilaine Champagne

  Champagne, FRANCE

  $170. 00

  Bottle

  $2040.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 12.5%

  Closure: Cork

  Other Reviews....
  The 2016 Blanc de Noirs Val Vilaine is gorgeous in this vintage. Ample and creamy on the palate, with tremendous textural richness, the 2016 dazzles from start to finish. I can't remember a vintage of the Val Vilaine that was this complete and harmonious. Moreover, the Val Vilaine is a terrific introduction to Cédric Bouchard and his wines, especially for readers who can't find some of the more smaller-production cuvées. Non-dosé. Disgorged: April 2018.
  93 points
  Antonio Galloni - Vinous

  Delivery Information
• • 92

  Cedric Bouchard Roses de Jeanne Cote de Bechalin Champagne

  Champagne, FRANCE

  $199. 00

  Bottle

  $2388.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 12.5%

  Closure: Cork

  Other Reviews....
  The 2011 Blanc de Noirs Côte de Bechalin is a very beautiful wine, especially within the context of this challenging vintage. Yellow orchard fruit, chamomile, wild flowers and lightly honeyed notes all grace this pretty, expressive Champagne. The 2011 is already beginning to show tropical overtones and other notes that indicate it is close to peaking. For that reason, I would prefer to drink it sooner rather than later. Non-dosé. Disgorged: April 2018.
  92 points
  Antonio Galloni - Vinous

  Delivery Information
• • 96

  Chaine d'Etoiles Brut Reserve Champagne

  Champagne, FRANCE

  $49. 99

  Bottle

  $599.88 Dozen

  Sold Out

  Cellar: Drink now - 3 Years (2011-2014)

  ABV: 12%

  Closure: Cork

  
  Located in Venteuil, Vallee de la Marne, the Marniquet family set out to make Champagne under their own name in 1929. The poor prices offered to growers in those days by the "grande maisons" were such that it only made sense for growers to follow a move initiated in 1911 during the revolts of Champagne, and attempt to carve their own piece of the market.
  The originality of the Chaines dÈtoiles Brut Reserve resides in a higher proportion of Pinot Meunier that accounts for 50% of the varietals in this Champagne, Chardonnay being 35% and 15% of Pinot Noir. The Meunier contributes greatly to the uplifted aromatics while the Chardonnay and Pinot Noir lend freshness and structure to the blend. Aged in bottle for an average of 3 years, this lands at a remarkable price point for quality Champagne into Australia.

  Pours with a white creamy mousse that shows good hold. Pale gold base wine colour with exceptionally fine and persistent bead. Superb classic Champagne sniff revealing notes of baked bread, yeast lees and toast followed by some almond end notes. Full flavoured and quite rich the palate delivers mouthfilling flavours of yeast lees, toast, baked bread and brioche with the toasty yeast like characters persisting onto the back palate. Almost creamy like texture with clean crisp dry finish. Excellent depth with long toasty, yeast lees and baked bread aftertaste.
  Drink over the next 2-3 years (2012-2015).
  Alc 12%

  Delivery Information
• • 91
  • 95
  • 98
  • 95

  1995 Champagne Charles Heidsieck Blanc des Millenaires

  Champagne, FRANCE

  $350. 00

  Bottle

  $4200.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 12%

  Closure: Cork

  Other Reviews....
  Yes, I marvelled at the continuing availability of this wine in last year’s Top 100, changing to disbelief this year. Yet there aren’t any tricks other than the perpetual youth of the wine, not released until 2010. It has a stunningly complex, gloriously rich, almost unctuous, mid-palate, yet steps up a gear with the twist of citrus peel on the finish before the lingering aftertaste takes you back over all that has gone before. If you question the perpetual youth of the wine, try to find the Blanc des Millenairs 1983, released after 30 years’ maturation.
  98 points
  James Halliday - Top 100

  The 1995 Brut Blanc des Millenaires shows just how compelling this often overlooked vintage can be. Layers of lemon, pastry spices, crushed rocks and savory herbs literally jump from the glass in this exquisite, perfumed, beautifully delineated Champagne. The 1995 shows lovely flavor complexity and nuance from its extended time in bottle, yet it also retains plenty of freshness, verve and acidity. This is a great showing from Charles Heidsieck. The 1995 was made before the tenure of the house's current team, headed by CEO Cécile Bonnefond. It will be very interesting to see what develops at this historic property over the coming years.
  95 points
  Antonio Galloni - Vinous

  Deep, pure and fresh on the fruit-intense and complex nose, the 1995 Blanc des Millenaires is still young and incredibly fresh on the palate. This is refreshingly pure, concentrated, fruity and perfectly round Champagne that reveals a great tension and mineral complexity. It also has a long and salty finish. Keep it for ten or 20 years.
  95+ points
  Stephan Reinhardt - Wine Advocate #225 (Jun 2016)

   

  Delivery Information
• • 94

  2000 Champagne Moutard Chardonnay Brut - Stocktake Sale Item

  Champagne, FRANCE

  $49. 99

  Bottle

  $599.88 Dozen

  Sold Out

  Cellar: 4 - 5 Years (2013-2014)

  ABV: 12%

  Closure: Cork

  From Champagne's most obscure appellation comes a collection of idiosyncratic cuvees, produced by one of the last remaining family-run houses in Champagne. This delightful new discovery is your opportunity to take part in a very limited trial shipment. Be quick

  The Moutard-Diligent family can trace its roots in Champagne back to 1642 and their vinegrowing history spans centuries. The family first produced Champagne under its own name in the 1920s, and today manages 22 hectares of family owned vineyards in what is the least known of Champagnes four main districts, the Côte des Bar (also known as 'Aube'). Until 1927 when the Champagne appellation came into being, the Cote de Bar was thought to be an inferior sub district, bestowed with the somewhat misrepresentative title of "Champagne Deuxieme Zone". Yet many prestigious Grande Marque houses based in Reims and Epernay have used Cote de Bar grapes in their non vintage brands. UK wine writer, Oz Clarke remarks, "Nowadays there is less ill-informed opinion and winemakers from the big houses are increasingly open about the merits of the region... It is considered one of Champagnes most important sources of full flavoured, ripe Pinot grapes (its major varietal) and it accounts for around half of Champagnes supply of this varietal". While most Cote des Bar vignerons continue to send their wines north for blending by the biggest houses, others are beginning to bottle under their own labels. One of these is Moutard's owner/winemaker, François Moutard who remains an unashamed enthusiast for the region in which he was born. Apart from both buying and growing premium Chardonnay, Pinot Noir & Pinot Meunier fruit, Moutard's fascinating range employs the lesser known Champagne varietals, Arbanne, Petit Meslier and Pinot Blanc. While these varieties are permitted and were once largely planted around Aube, they're now rarely encountered in Champagne (less than .05% of total plantings), having fallen out of favour due to their sensitivity to frost, amongst other factors. Tasting Notes: The wine starts with an impressive mousse, very fine bead, with very good persistence. Deep straw base wine. Superb developed nose of biscuit, honey, toast and amontillado. Creamy palate texture, with flavours of toast, honey, hazelnut and biscuit – again showing bottle age. There is a touch of lemon on the back palate. Clean acid finish. Aftertaste of biscuit and hazelnut. Extremely limited quantities
  Cellar 4-5 years (2013-2014)
  Alc/Vol: 12.0%

  Delivery Information
• • 94

  1995 Champagne Moutard Chardonnay Brut - Stocktake Sale Item

  Champagne, FRANCE

  $69. 99

  Bottle

  $839.88 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 12%

  Closure: Cork

  Stocktake Sale Item! WAS: $89.99 From Champagne's most obscure appellation comes a collection of idiosyncratic cuvees, produced by one of the last remaining family-run houses in Champagne. This delightful new discovery is your opportunity to take part in a very limited trial shipment. Be quick The Moutard-Diligent family can trace its roots in Champagne back to 1642 and their vinegrowing history spans centuries. The family first produced Champagne under its own name in the 1920s, and today manages 22 hectares of family owned vineyards in what is the least known of Champagnes four main districts, the Côte des Bar (also known as 'Aube'). Until 1927 when the Champagne appellation came into being, the Cote de Bar was thought to be an inferior sub district, bestowed with the somewhat misrepresentative title of "Champagne Deuxieme Zone". Yet many prestigious Grande Marque houses based in Reims and Epernay have used Cote de Bar grapes in their non vintage brands. UK wine writer, Oz Clarke remarks, "Nowadays there is less ill-informed opinion and winemakers from the big houses are increasingly open about the merits of the region... It is considered one of Champagnes most important sources of full flavoured, ripe Pinot grapes (its major varietal) and it accounts for around half of Champagnes supply of this varietal". While most Cote des Bar vignerons continue to send their wines north for blending by the biggest houses, others are beginning to bottle under their own labels. One of these is Moutard's owner/winemaker, François Moutard who remains an unashamed enthusiast for the region in which he was born. Apart from both buying and growing premium Chardonnay, Pinot Noir & Pinot Meunier fruit, Moutard's fascinating range employs the lesser known Champagne varietals, Arbanne, Petit Meslier and Pinot Blanc. While these varieties are permitted and were once largely planted around Aube, they're now rarely encountered in Champagne (less than .05% of total plantings), having fallen out of favour due to their sensitivity to frost, amongst other factors. Tasting Notes: The mousse is impressive. Creamy white with good hold. Very fine bead with good persistence. The wine is showing developed characteristics with aroma of honey and toast - amontillado sherry like flavours over a creamy textured background. Clean acid finish. Aftertaste of honeycomb, biscuit and hazelnut. Extremely limited quantities.
  Drink (2009)
  Alc/Vol: 12.0%

  Delivery Information
• • 92

  Champagne Moutard Brut Grand Cuvee (375ml)

  Champagne, FRANCE

  $29. 99

  Bottle

  $359.88 Dozen

  Sold Out

  Closure: Cork

  From Champagne's most obscure appellation comes a collection of idiosyncratic cuvees, produced by one of the last remaining family-run houses in Champagne. This delightful new discovery is your opportunity to take part in a very limited trial shipment. Be quick The Moutard-Diligent family can trace its roots in Champagne back to 1642 and their vinegrowing history spans centuries. The family first produced Champagne under its own name in the 1920s, and today manages 22 hectares of family owned vineyards in what is the least known of Champagnes four main districts, the Côte des Bar (also known as 'Aube'). Until 1927 when the Champagne appellation came into being, the Cote de Bar was thought to be an inferior sub district, bestowed with the somewhat misrepresentative title of "Champagne Deuxieme Zone". Yet many prestigious Grande Marque houses based in Reims and Epernay have used Cote de Bar grapes in their non vintage brands. UK wine writer, Oz Clarke remarks, "Nowadays there is less ill-informed opinion and winemakers from the big houses are increasingly open about the merits of the region... It is considered one of Champagnes most important sources of full flavoured, ripe Pinot grapes (its major varietal) and it accounts for around half of Champagnes supply of this varietal". While most Cote des Bar vignerons continue to send their wines north for blending by the biggest houses, others are beginning to bottle under their own labels. One of these is Moutard's owner/winemaker, François Moutard who remains an unashamed enthusiast for the region in which he was born. Apart from both buying and growing premium Chardonnay, Pinot Noir & Pinot Meunier fruit, Moutard's fascinating range employs the lesser known Champagne varietals, Arbanne, Petit Meslier and Pinot Blanc. While these varieties are permitted and were once largely planted around Aube, they're now rarely encountered in Champagne (less than .05% of total plantings), having fallen out of favour due to their sensitivity to frost, amongst other factors. Tasting Notes: An impressive N/V. Excellent creamy mousse with very fine bead, showing very good persistence. Straw colour base wine. Aroma of biscuit and yeast lees – just a touch restrained at first. The Champagne follows through to a generous full bodied creamy palate with nuances of biscuit, winter strawberry and just a touch of citrus on the back palate. Clean finish. Long biscuit aftertaste. Extremely limited quantities.
  Cellar 2-3 years (2011-2012)
  Alc/Vol: 12.0%

  Delivery Information
• • 95

  2003 Champagne Moutard Cuvee Des 6 Cepages Brut

  Champagne, FRANCE

  $69. 99

  Bottle

  $839.88 Dozen

  Sold Out

  Cellar: 2 - 3 Years (2011-2012)

  ABV: 12%

  Closure: Cork

  From Champagne's most obscure appellation comes a collection of idiosyncratic cuvees, produced by one of the last remaining family-run houses in Champagne. This delightful new discovery is your opportunity to take part in a very limited trial shipment. Be quick The Moutard-Diligent family can trace its roots in Champagne back to 1642 and their vinegrowing history spans centuries. The family first produced Champagne under its own name in the 1920s, and today manages 22 hectares of family owned vineyards in what is the least known of Champagnes four main districts, the Côte des Bar (also known as 'Aube'). Until 1927 when the Champagne appellation came into being, the Cote de Bar was thought to be an inferior sub district, bestowed with the somewhat misrepresentative title of "Champagne Deuxieme Zone". Yet many prestigious Grande Marque houses based in Reims and Epernay have used Cote de Bar grapes in their non vintage brands. UK wine writer, Oz Clarke remarks, "Nowadays there is less ill-informed opinion and winemakers from the big houses are increasingly open about the merits of the region... It is considered one of Champagnes most important sources of full flavoured, ripe Pinot grapes (its major varietal) and it accounts for around half of Champagnes supply of this varietal". While most Cote des Bar vignerons continue to send their wines north for blending by the biggest houses, others are beginning to bottle under their own labels. One of these is Moutard's owner/winemaker, François Moutard who remains an unashamed enthusiast for the region in which he was born. Apart from both buying and growing premium Chardonnay, Pinot Noir & Pinot Meunier fruit, Moutard's fascinating range employs the lesser known Champagne varietals, Arbanne, Petit Meslier and Pinot Blanc. While these varieties are permitted and were once largely planted around Aube, they're now rarely encountered in Champagne (less than .05% of total plantings), having fallen out of favour due to their sensitivity to frost, amongst other factors. Tasting Notes: This is a most unusual Champagne being made from six different grape varieties, three of them extremely rare, even in Champagne. The cepage (or blend) is composed of Arbanne, Petit Meslier, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. Impressive, creamy white mousse. Fine bead with very good persistence. Base wine of straw to pale gold, with straw hue. The nose is complex as is expected from the blend. Aroma of nougat, confectionary and yeast lees. Creamy palate texture. Developed flavour profile of yeast lees, toast, nougat and honeycomb - almost amontillado style. Aftertaste of toast, followed by creamy nougat. A rare and exotic gem in the Champagne crown. Extremely limited quantities.
  Cellar 2-3 years (2011-2012)
  Alc/Vol: 12.0%

  Delivery Information
• • 92

  Champagne Moutard Brut Grand Cuvee

  Champagne, FRANCE

  $46. 99

  Bottle

  $563.88 Dozen

  Sold Out

  Cellar: 2 - 3 Years (2011-2012)

  ABV: 12%

  Closure: Cork

  From Champagne's most obscure appellation comes a collection of idiosyncratic cuvees, produced by one of the last remaining family-run houses in Champagne. This delightful new discovery is your opportunity to take part in a very limited trial shipment. Be quick The Moutard-Diligent family can trace its roots in Champagne back to 1642 and their vinegrowing history spans centuries. The family first produced Champagne under its own name in the 1920s, and today manages 22 hectares of family owned vineyards in what is the least known of Champagnes four main districts, the Côte des Bar (also known as 'Aube'). Until 1927 when the Champagne appellation came into being, the Cote de Bar was thought to be an inferior sub district, bestowed with the somewhat misrepresentative title of "Champagne Deuxieme Zone". Yet many prestigious Grande Marque houses based in Reims and Epernay have used Cote de Bar grapes in their non vintage brands. UK wine writer, Oz Clarke remarks, "Nowadays there is less ill-informed opinion and winemakers from the big houses are increasingly open about the merits of the region... It is considered one of Champagnes most important sources of full flavoured, ripe Pinot grapes (its major varietal) and it accounts for around half of Champagnes supply of this varietal". While most Cote des Bar vignerons continue to send their wines north for blending by the biggest houses, others are beginning to bottle under their own labels. One of these is Moutard's owner/winemaker, François Moutard who remains an unashamed enthusiast for the region in which he was born. Apart from both buying and growing premium Chardonnay, Pinot Noir & Pinot Meunier fruit, Moutard's fascinating range employs the lesser known Champagne varietals, Arbanne, Petit Meslier and Pinot Blanc. While these varieties are permitted and were once largely planted around Aube, they're now rarely encountered in Champagne (less than .05% of total plantings), having fallen out of favour due to their sensitivity to frost, amongst other factors. Tasting Notes: An impressive N/V. Excellent creamy mousse with very fine bead, showing very good persistence. Straw colour base wine. Aroma of biscuit and yeast lees – just a touch restrained at first. The Champagne follows through to a generous full bodied creamy palate with nuances of biscuit, winter strawberry and just a touch of citrus on the back palate. Clean finish. Long biscuit aftertaste. Extremely limited quantities.
  Cellar 2-3 years (2011-2012)
  Alc/Vol: 12.0%

  Delivery Information
• Charles Dufour Bulles de Comptoir #11 Terrine et Jardin Champagne

  Champagne, FRANCE

  $140. 00

  Bottle

  $1680.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 12%

  Closure: Cork

  Situated in the Cote des Bar, Charles Dufour is another of the young and adventurous vignerons emerging from Champagne with a real knack for interesting and expressive wines. Having taken over the domaine from his father in 2004, Charles has converted the vineyards to biodynamic practices, uses natural yeasts for fermentation, the wines see no sulphur, and are bottled with minimal dosage.

  Bulles de Comptoir is his blend of Pinot Noir (60%), Chardonnay (30%), and Pinot Blanc (10%), and the wine has a new artistic label created for each release. This eleventh release is named “terrine et Jardin”, with the 80% harvested from 2020 vintage with remaining reserve wines from the vintages 2010 to 2019. Base wines are fermented with oak barrels and wild yeast, with less than 2g/L dosage added.

  Delivery Information
• Charles Dufour Bulles de Comptoir #10 Tchin Tchin Champagne

  Champagne, FRANCE

  $120. 00

  Bottle

  $1440.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 12%

  Closure: Cork

  Situated in the Cote des Bar, Charles Dufour is another of the young and adventurous vignerons emerging from Champagne with a real knack for interesting and expressive wines. Having taken over the domaine from his father in 2004, Charles has converted the vineyards to biodynamic practices, uses natural yeasts for fermentation, the wines see no sulphur, and are bottled with minimal dosage.

  Bulles de Comptoir is his blend of Pinot Noir (60%), Chardonnay (30%), and Pinot Blanc (10%), and the wine has a new artistic label created for each release. This tenth release is named “Tchin Tchin”, with the 80% harvested from 2019 vintage with remaining reserve wines from the vintages 2010 to 2018. Base wines are fermented with oak barrels and wild yeast, with less than 2g/L dosage added.

  Delivery Information
• Charles Dufour Bulles de Comptoir #9 Tradition Champagne

  Champagne, FRANCE

  $110. 00

  Bottle

  $1320.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 12%

  Closure: Cork

  Situated in the Cote des Bar, Charles Dufour is another of the young and adventurous vignerons emerging from Champagne with a real knack for interesting and expressive wines. Having taken over the domaine from his father in 2004, Charles has converted the vineyards to biodynamic practices, uses natural yeasts for fermentation, the wines see no sulphur, and are bottled with minimal dosage.

  Bulles de Comptoir is his blend of Pinot Noir (60%), Chardonnay (30%), and Pinot Blanc (10%), and the wine has a new artistic label created for each release. This ninth release is named “Tradition”, with the majority harvested from 2018 vintage with remaining reserve wines from the vintages 2010 to 2017. Base wines are fermented with oak barrels and wild yeast, with less than 4g/L dosage added. For this release there are 24 separate labels based on historic photos from the family, and each of our bottles will be different.

  Delivery Information
• Charles Dufour Bulles de Comptoir #8 Stillleben Champagne

  Champagne, FRANCE

  $110. 00

  Bottle

  $1320.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 12%

  Closure: Cork

  Situated in the Cote des Bar, Charles Dufour is another of the young and adventurous vignerons emerging from Champagne with a real knack for interesting and expressive wines. Having taken over the domaine from his father in 2004, Charles has converted the vineyards to biodynamic practices, uses natural yeasts for fermentation, the wines see no sulphur, and are bottled with minimal dosage.

  Bulles de Comptoir is his blend of Pinot Noir (55%), Chardonnay (35%), and Pinot Blanc (10%), and the wine has a new artistic label created for each release. This eigth release is named “Stillleben”, with the majority harvested from 2017 vintage with remaining reserve wines between 2010 to 2016. Base wines are fermented with oak barrels and wild yeast, with less than 4g/L dosage added.

  Delivery Information
• Charles Dufour Bulles de Comptoir Face-B Joli Coin Rose Champagne

  Champagne, FRANCE

  $140. 00

  Bottle

  $1680.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 12%

  Closure: Cork

  Situated in the Cote des Bar, Charles Dufour is another of the young and adventurous vignerons emerging from Champagne with a real knack for interesting and expressive wines. Having taken over the domaine from his father in 2004, Charles has converted the vineyards to biodynamic practices, uses natural yeasts for fermentation, the wines see no sulphur, and are bottled with minimal dosage.

  This Bulles de Comptoir rosé is 100% Pinot Noir from the 2017 harvest that sees nine months in oak barrels, plus a further eighteen months in bottle on fine lees prior to disgorgement.

  Delivery Information
• Charles Dufour Bulles de Comptoir #6 La Benjamine 2.0 Champagne

  Champagne, FRANCE

  $99. 99

  Bottle

  $1199.88 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 12%

  Closure: Cork

  Situated in the Cote des Bar, Charles Dufour is another of the young and adventurous vignerons emerging from Champagne with a real knack for interesting and expressive wines. Having taken over the domaine from his father in 2004, Charles has converted the vineyards to biodynamic practices, uses natural yeasts for fermentation, the wines see no sulphur, and are bottled with minimal dosage.

  Bulles de Comptoir is his blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Blanc, and the wine has a new artistic label created for each release. This sixth release is named “Benjamine 2.0”, with 80% harvested from 2015 vintage with remaining reserve wines between 2010 to 2014. Base wines are fermented with oak barrels and wild yeast, with less than 4g/L dosage added.

  No tasting notes available.

  Delivery Information
• • 97
  • 96

  Charles Heidsieck Champagne Charlie (Cellared in 2017) Brut Champagne

  Champagne, FRANCE

  $999. 00

  Bottle

  $11988.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 12%

  Closure: Cork

  After a break of 37 years, the legendary Champagne Charlie from Charles Heidsieck has returned for what is now its sixth iteration. Originally crafted by cellarmaster Daniel Thibault in the late 1970's, the previous releases of Champagne Charlie have become legendary bottles among Champagne aficionados. When current Chef de Cave Cyril Brun undertook to recreate Champagne Charlie for the next generation, he clearly understood the importance of the task at hand. Upon revisiting each of the previous releases, and through reviewing the archive of notes pertaining to these wines, he discovered that while noted as a vintage wine each actually contained anywhere from 5% to over 30% reserve wines. This revelation unlocked one of the mysteries to the depth and complexity shown in the prior releases, and Cyril has leveraged the tremendous reserves available for this release. Starting with a base of 20% Pinot Noir from the 2016 vintage, this is supplemented with 72% reserve wine dating back to 1998, with 35% more than 15 years of age.

  Other Reviews....
  When Cyril Brun was briefed to recreate this iconic cuvée, he struggled to achieve the plenitude and drama he was looking for. Then, he dug in the Heidsieck archives and discovered, as he tells it, that the famous vintages of Charlie, while vintaged on paper, actually contained reserve wines. Brun therefore gave himself carte blanche to draw on the house's best lots to put together the inaugural NV Champagne Charlie, based on the 2016 vintage but incorporating fully 78% reserve wines dating back two decades. Bursting with aromas of golden orchard fruit, brioche, honeycomb, peaches, spices and buttery pastry, it's full-bodied, fleshy and enveloping, with a layered core of fruit, racy acids and a beautifully refined pinpoint mousse. Some 52% of the blend is Chardonnay, with Brun looking for ripe, exotic Chardonnay to complement more tensile lots of Pinot Noir. It's a compelling, flamboyant wine—the only thing that may make consumers smart is the price. Drink 2023 - 2040.
  96 points
  William Kelley - Wine Advocate (Sep 2022)

  An astonishing bouquet presenting notes of petroleum and flint that mingle with scents of pastry and both dried apricot and apricot jam. Complexity and generosity stand out on the palate, with that exemplary creamy and mellow mouthfeel that aged Champagnes at their best can have, but there is also freshness and an underlying crystalline sensation serving as counterpoint to the fullness of texture that is enhanced by the dosage. The chalk-infused finish is long and subtle, leaving a lingering impression of spices, including vanilla and pepper, as well as dried fruits. Bottled and cellared in 2017. Disgorged: November 2021. Dosage: 7g/L. 80% reserve wines and 20% wines from the 2016 harvest. 52% Chardonnay and 48% Pinot Noir from Aÿ. Drink 2022 - 2030.
  97 points
  Yohan Castaing - Decanter

  It was a monumental undertaking for Cyril Brun to set about recreating the spirit of his late friend Daniel Thibault (‘god on earth’), and his inaugural release is grand testimony to his success. It takes the highest skill of a master blender to unite the dramatic and diverse universes of vintages spanning three decades with such seamlessness as this. Seven months pre-release, it is at once coiled and introverted and at the same time exuberant and extroverted, embracing the full expanse of the firmament of deep complexity that is Charles, brimming with the opulent spice of deep reserves, succulent stone fruits and silky refinement. Effortless harmony suspends everything in intricate balance between the zest of citrus and the succulence of peach, the cut of acidity and the texture of gentle chalk minerality and just the right edge of understated bite. This is no showstopper but rather ethereally silky, seductively graceful, alluringly polished, eloquently understated and hauntingly persistent – the very essence of Charles, and grand testament to Cyril’s mastery as a blender. Daniel Thibault would be proud indeed.
  97 points
  Tyson Stelzer

  Delivery Information
• • 95
  • 94

  2012 Charles Heidsieck Vintage Brut Champagne

  Champagne, FRANCE

  $210. 00

  Bottle

  $2520.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 12%

  Closure: Cork

  Other Reviews....
  Disgorged in 2019 with eight grams per liter dosage, the 2012 Brut Millésimé offers up aromas of crisp orchard fruit, white flowers and clear honey, complemented by hints of toasted bread, citrus zest and linden. Medium to full-bodied, elegantly fleshy and nicely concentrated, with lively acids and a pinpoint mousse, it's more generous and demonstrative than the 2008, but it will nonetheless reward a bit of bottle age. Drink 2021 - 2038.
  94 points
  William Kelley - Wine Advocate (Apr 2021)

  Very lemony (blossoms, zest and candied peel), with some red-berry and fresh tobacco-leaf notes. Impressive richness and concentration, the creaminess from lees beautifully matched by the fine mousse and mineral freshness. The latter also powers the structured and saline finish that makes a serious statement. A blend of 60% pinot noir and 40% chardonnay, disgorged in 2020. Drink or hold.
  95 points
  JamesSuckling.com

  The Brut 2012 from Charles Heidsieck is a blend of 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay. The wine expresses aromas of apricot, crisp yellow orchard fruit including lemon but also spring flowers. On the palate, the texture is medium-bodied and very precise, crystalline and long with an expansive finish and some racy, noble bitterness. This is a gourmand style of Champagne that will gain in complexity with 2-3 years of ageing. Drinking Window 2020 - 2025.
  93 points
  Yohan Castaing - Decanter

  Delivery Information
• • 95

  2008 Charles Heidsieck Vintage Brut Champagne

  Champagne, FRANCE

  $240. 00

  Bottle

  $2880.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 12%

  Closure: Cork

  Other Reviews....
  The 2008 Brut Millésimé from Charles Hedsieck continues to perform superbly, opening in the glass with a youthfully reserved bouquet of pear, yellow apple, citrus oil, honeycomb, dried white flowers and warm biscuits. On the palate, it's medium to full-bodied, deep and incisive, with a racy spine of acidity, a pinpoint mousse, excellent concentration and a long, elegantly chalky finish. This 2008 is still several years from showing all its cards, but it is a brilliant Champagne in the making.
  95 points
  William Kelley - Wine Advocate (April 2020)

  Dense nose and obvious evolution. More evolved in fact than many 2008s. Creamy rather than angular. Light toast. Lively but not as punchy as some other 2008s.
  17/20 points
  Jancis Robinson

  Delivery Information
• • 95

  2004 Charles Heidsieck Blanc des Millenaires Champagne

  Champagne, FRANCE

  $380. 00

  Bottle

  $4560.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 12%

  Closure: Cork

  Other Reviews....
  Disgorged in November 2017 after 13 years on the lees, the stunning 2004 Blanc des Millénaires is a worthy successor to the 1995. Unfurling in the glass with aromas of green apple, pear, brioche and fresh pastry that are framed by a lovely smoky, autolytic top note, the wine is full-bodied, ample and concentrated, with ripe acids, superb depth at the core and a textural, vinous quality while remaining very classical in profile. The finish is long and expansive. A blend of Chardonnay from Cramant, Avize, Oger, Mesnil-sur-Oger and Vertus, it saw nine grams per liter dosage. This is a terrific blanc de blancs from Charles Heidsieck that has a long and glorious future ahead of it. Sadly, the price of this cuvée has finally caught up with the quality.
  95 points
  William Kelley - Wine Advocate (May 2019)

  Delivery Information
• • 96

  2005 Charles Heidsieck Vintage Brut Champagne

  Champagne, FRANCE

  $180. 00

  Bottle

  $2160.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  Cellar: Drink now - 5 Years (2018-2023)

  ABV: 12%

  Closure: Cork

  Laid in chalk cellars in 2006 and disgorged in 2015. Pours with a frothy white mousse that shows excellent hold over a pale gold straw coloured base that’s threaded by a very fine, persistent stream of tiny bubbles. The nose is both complex and intense offering up rich aromatics of baked bread and yeast lees followed by citrusy dried honey notes, brioche and hints of almonds. Rich, deep and full bodied with a creamy textural feel the palate boasts mouthfilling flavours of baked bread, oily toast like characters and yeast lees which sit over honeyed cashews and roasted almonds. Finishes dry with stimulating acidity and a long baked bread, yeast lees, oily toast, honeyed cashew and roasted almond aftertaste.
  Drink over the next 4-5 years.
  Alc. 12%

  Delivery Information
• • 97

  Chartogne-Taillet Chemin de Reims (V19) Extra Brut Champagne

  Champagne, FRANCE

  $230. 00

  Bottle

  $2760.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 12.5%

  Closure: Cork

  Chartogne-Taillet is the home of some of the most exciting wines in Champagne. Alexandre Chartogne is a perfectionist in his approach to viticulture and winemaking, something he picked up from his mentor Anselme Selosse. Key to his approach is the importance of expressing terroir above all else. With that in mind, Alexandre separately vinifies a myriad of plots spread across 11 hectares of vineyards in Merfy and the neighbouring villages of Chenay and Saint-Thierry. Over half the parcels are ploughed by horse, and no pesticides, herbicides or synthetic fertilizers are used. In the winery, all fermentations are wild, and malolactic fermentation is not blocked. Alexandre favours wooden barrels or demi-muids for fermentations, and low dosage levels are used which allow the grapes to speak of their place.

  Chemin de Reims hails from a small plot of just over one hectare, facing south/southeast, and planted 1980, 1995 and 2011. It has Thanetian sands–very iron-rich soils with varied layers and depth before the base of sandstone underneath. The soil character is quite transmissible, particularly in the Chardonnay from this site, which takes on a unique fullness, structure and almost ferric texture. A Blanc de Blancs comprising 85% Chardonnay, and 15% Arbanne, élevage is in both casks (350 to 600 litres) and tanks. Alexandre tends towards a tighter-grained oak for this particular cuvée and this, along with further precision in the cellar, regular topping up and low dosage, allows Alexandre to preserve the purity of expression from this site. The results provide us with Chartogne-Taillet's most powerful and vinous cuvée.

  Other Reviews....
  Chartogne-Taillet’s 2019 Blanc de Blancs Chemin de Reims, disgorged in May 2024 with a dosage of four grams per liter, is showing magnificently. It unfurls from the glass with an expressive bouquet of nashi pear, orange zest and beeswax, mingling with white flowers and anise. The fruit is sourced from a south-facing, single-vineyard parcel planted between 1986 and 2005, distinguished by its sandy, iron-rich soils. Vinification takes place in 228-liter barrels—primarily from Taransaud and Seguin Moreau—most of which are two to three years old, with 10% new oak. On the palate, the wine is medium- to full-bodied and strikingly multifaceted—brimming with concentration yet retaining remarkable tension. A pristine core of fruit is complemented by ripe but vibrant acidity and a long, chalk-inflected finish. Both the 2019 and 2020 renditions are exceptional, but the 2019 arguably delivers even greater depth and nuance today. Drink 2025-2039.
  97 points
  Kristaps Karklins - Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate

  Delivery Information
• Chartogne-Taillet Sainte Anne (V20) Brut Champagne

  Champagne, FRANCE

  $120. 00

  Bottle

  $1440.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 12.5%

  Closure: Cork

  Chartogne-Taillet is the home of some of the most exciting wines in Champagne. Alexandre Chartogne is a perfectionist in his approach to viticulture and winemaking, something he picked up from his mentor Anselme Selosse. Key to his approach is the importance of expressing terroir above all else. With that in mind, Alexandre separately vinifies a myriad of plots spread across 11 hectares of vineyards in Merfy and the neighbouring villages of Chenay and Saint-Thierry. Over half the parcels are ploughed by horse, and no pesticides, herbicides or synthetic fertilizers are used. In the winery, all fermentations are wild, and malolactic fermentation is not blocked. Alexandre favours wooden barrels or demi-muids for fermentations, and low dosage levels are used which allow the grapes to speak of their place.

  Named for the patron saint of Merfy, Sainte Anne comes from mature parcels of vines in both Merfy and Saint-Thierry. These diverse, sand- and limestone-rich terroirs contribute to the wine’s vibrancy and finesse. Each plot is vinified uniquely, then blended to create a balance where site expression is front and foremost. The wines are equal parts Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, and are raised in old oak barrels of numerous sizes (228, 350 and 2000 litres) and in a small proportion of stainless steel tank. The reserve wine component is close to 50%, and the dosage is approximately 5 g/L.

  Delivery Information
• • 96

  Chartogne-Taillet Heurtebise (V18) Extra Brut Champagne

  Champagne, FRANCE

  $225. 00

  Bottle

  $2700.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 12.5%

  Closure: Cork

  Chartogne-Taillet is the home of some of the most exciting wines in Champagne. Alexandre Chartogne is a perfectionist in his approach to viticulture and winemaking, something he picked up from his mentor Anselme Selosse. Key to his approach is the importance of expressing terroir above all else. With that in mind, Alexandre separately vinifies a myriad of plots spread across 11 hectares of vineyards in Merfy and the neighbouring villages of Chenay and Saint-Thierry. Over half the parcels are ploughed by horse, and no pesticides, herbicides or synthetic fertilizers are used. In the winery, all fermentations are wild, and malolactic fermentation is not blocked. Alexandre favours wooden barrels or demi-muids for fermentations, and low dosage levels are used which allow the grapes to speak of their place.

  The Chardonnay vines were planted on the Heurtebise plot in 1972, 1985, 1986 and 2010. Exposure is a solar direct-south, but the strong winds that tear through this place mean there's always ample freshness to be found. The soil composition is Thanetian sands mixed with clay on sandstone, and the area is prone to fluctuations covering both water stress and retention. It's one of Alexandre's most variable sites overall, one that has very different requirements depending on the season. Likewise, once off the vine, the wines also tend to take on greater influence from any intervention in the cellar, particularly aging in oak. Crystalline minerality and mouth-watering tension are always evident from this site. Disgorgement is just four grams per litre.

  Other Reviews....
  Chartogne's 2018 Extra-Brut Heurtebise is fascinating to taste after the Chemin de Reims as it shows a decidedly more mineral profile while also conveying tons of savory Chardonnay character. Dried flowers, chamomile, spice, almond and sage meld into a core of citrus fruit in this sizzling yet dense Champagne. A bit of patience is essential. There is an airy, ethereal quality here that is absolutely compelling. Time in the glass allows the wine's intense salinity and vibrancy to really come alive. This is a tremendous showing. I would love to own the 2018, let's leave it at that! Dosage is 4 grams per liter. Disgorged: April 2023. Drink 2025-2036.
  96 points
  Antonio Galloni - Vinous

  Delivery Information
• • 95

  Chartogne-Taillet Les Barres (V18) Extra Brut Champagne

  Champagne, FRANCE

  $240. 00

  Bottle

  $2880.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 12.5%

  Closure: Cork

  Chartogne-Taillet is the home of some of the most exciting wines in Champagne. Alexandre Chartogne is a perfectionist in his approach to viticulture and winemaking, something he picked up from his mentor Anselme Selosse. Key to his approach is the importance of expressing terroir above all else. With that in mind, Alexandre separately vinifies a myriad of plots spread across 11 hectares of vineyards in Merfy and the neighbouring villages of Chenay and Saint-Thierry. Over half the parcels are ploughed by horse, and no pesticides, herbicides or synthetic fertilizers are used. In the winery, all fermentations are wild, and malolactic fermentation is not blocked. Alexandre favours wooden barrels or demi-muids for fermentations, and low dosage levels are used which allow the grapes to speak of their place.

  Les Barres is one of Chartogne’s best-known vineyard plots, and with very good reason. This small plot of ungrafted Pinot Meunier vines was planted in 1952, and the vines dig deeply into the chalky subsoil. The low yielding output from this special parcel results in some of the most powerful wines in the Chartogne-Taillet stable. Fermentation takes place in old barrels (228 litre) and goes through partial malolactic fermentation. The wine rests for four years on lees and has a low dosage of three grams per litre.

  Other Reviews....
  The 2018 Extra-Brut Les Barres, 100% Meunier from own-rooted vines planted in 1952, opens with the most exquisite aromatics imaginable. This is elegance in Meunier personified. Orange peel, hazelnut, tropical flowers and a hint of spice all waft across the palate in a Champagne of magnificent purity and sheer beauty. There is a touch of oak, but it works quite well in complementing the natural savory/nutty character of Meunier. Bright, effusive notes extend the finish effortlessly. Les Barres is a fine effort, especially for the year. Dosage is 3.5 grams per liter. Disgorged: February 2023. Drink 2025-2033.
  95 points
  Antonio Galloni - Vinous

  Delivery Information
• • 94

  Chartogne-Taillet Hors Serie Grand Cru (V18) Extra Brut Champagne

  Champagne, FRANCE

  $370. 00

  Bottle

  $4440.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 12.5%

  Closure: Cork

  Chartogne-Taillet is the home of some of the most exciting wines in Champagne. Alexandre Chartogne is a perfectionist in his approach to viticulture and winemaking, something he picked up from his mentor Anselme Selosse. Key to his approach is the importance of expressing terroir above all else. With that in mind, Alexandre separately vinifies a myriad of plots spread across 11 hectares of vineyards in Merfy and the neighbouring villages of Chenay and Saint-Thierry. Over half the parcels are ploughed by horse, and no pesticides, herbicides or synthetic fertilizers are used. In the winery, all fermentations are wild, and malolactic fermentation is not blocked. Alexandre favours wooden barrels or demi-muids for fermentations, and low dosage levels are used which allow the grapes to speak of their place.

  Unlike the main stable of Merfy-sourced wines, this is grown on a cadre of plots in Avize and Oger in the Côte des Blancs. The patchwork of seven plots, located on both the plains and the slopes, contributes to the overall harmony. Chemin de Châlons, Pierre Vaudon, Fosse le Prêtre and Mont Chenevaux, located on the plain, have plenty of sun exposure and a chalky soil profile with very thin (20cm) topsoils. Mont de Cramant is located at the beginning of the slopes, with deeper soils that are likewise rich in chalk. Les Roches Hautes and Les Barmonts are higher again and experience cooler conditions, resulting in taut, linear wines. The wines rests in 228-, 350- and 600-litre barrels before maturing on lees for 4-5 years and receiving a dosage of 1-3 g/L.

  Other Reviews....
  The 2018 Extra-Brut Hors Série is 100% Chardonnay from villages in the Côtes des Blancs. Aromatic and expressive, the Hors Série also shows all the textural intensity and nuance that are such house signatures here. I find the 2018 a bit less defined and articulate than the other wines in this tasting. Floral, citrus, almond and orchard notes are nicely amplified. There's a touch more oak influence in the Hors Série, which also suggests a somewhat intrinsically lighter wine. Dosage is 3 grams per liter. Disgorged: March 2023. Drink 2025-2033.
  94 points
  Antonio Galloni - Vinous

  Delivery Information
• Chartogne-Taillet Sainte Anne (V19) Brut Champagne

  Champagne, FRANCE

  $99. 99

  Bottle

  $1199.88 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 12.5%

  Closure: Cork

  Chartogne-Taillet is the home of some of the most exciting wines in Champagne. Alexandre Chartogne is a perfectionist in his approach to viticulture and winemaking, something he picked up from his mentor Anselme Selosse. Key to his approach is the importance of expressing terroir above all else. With that in mind, Alexandre separately vinifies a myriad of plots spread across 11 hectares of vineyards in Merfy and the neighbouring villages of Chenay and Saint-Thierry. Over half the parcels are ploughed by horse, and no pesticides, herbicides or synthetic fertilizers are used. In the winery, all fermentations are wild, and malolactic fermentation is not blocked. Alexandre favours wooden barrels or demi-muids for fermentations, and low dosage levels are used which allow the grapes to speak of their place.

  Named for the patron saint of Merfy, Sainte Anne comes from mature parcels of vines in both Merfy and Saint-Thierry. These diverse, sand- and limestone-rich terroirs contribute to the wine’s vibrancy and finesse. Each plot is vinified uniquely, then blended to create a balance where site expression is front and foremost. The wines are equal parts Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, and are raised in old oak barrels of numerous sizes (228, 350 and 2000 litres) and in a small proportion of stainless steel tank. The reserve wine component is close to 50%, and the dosage is approximately 4.7 g/L.

  Delivery Information
• Chartogne-Taillet Heurtebise (V17) Extra Brut Champagne

  Champagne, FRANCE

  $170. 00

  Bottle

  $2040.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 12.5%

  Closure: Cork

  Chartogne-Taillet is the home of some of the most exciting wines in Champagne. Alexandre Chartogne is a perfectionist in his approach to viticulture and winemaking, something he picked up from his mentor Anselme Selosse. Key to his approach is the importance of expressing terroir above all else. With that in mind, Alexandre separately vinifies a myriad of plots spread across 11 hectares of vineyards in Merfy and the neighbouring villages of Chenay and Saint-Thierry. Over half the parcels are ploughed by horse, and no pesticides, herbicides or synthetic fertilizers are used. In the winery, all fermentations are wild, and malolactic fermentation is not blocked. Alexandre favours wooden barrels or demi-muids for fermentations, and low dosage levels are used which allow the grapes to speak of their place.

  The Chardonnay vines were planted on the Heurtebise plot in 1972, 1985, 1986 and 2010. Exposure is a solar direct-south, but the strong winds that tear through this place mean there's always ample freshness to be found. The soil composition is Thanetian sands mixed with clay on sandstone, and the area is prone to fluctuations covering both water stress and retention. It's one of Alexandre's most variable sites overall, one that has very different requirements depending on the season. Likewise, once off the vine, the wines also tend to take on greater influence from any intervention in the cellar, particularly aging in oak. Crystalline minerality and mouth-watering tension are always evident from this site. Disgorgement is just four grams per litre.

  Delivery Information
• Chartogne-Taillet Chemin de Reims (V17) Extra Brut Champagne

  Champagne, FRANCE

  $170. 00

  Bottle

  $2040.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 12.5%

  Closure: Cork

  Chartogne-Taillet is the home of some of the most exciting wines in Champagne. Alexandre Chartogne is a perfectionist in his approach to viticulture and winemaking, something he picked up from his mentor Anselme Selosse. Key to his approach is the importance of expressing terroir above all else. With that in mind, Alexandre separately vinifies a myriad of plots spread across 11 hectares of vineyards in Merfy and the neighbouring villages of Chenay and Saint-Thierry. Over half the parcels are ploughed by horse, and no pesticides, herbicides or synthetic fertilizers are used. In the winery, all fermentations are wild, and malolactic fermentation is not blocked. Alexandre favours wooden barrels or demi-muids for fermentations, and low dosage levels are used which allow the grapes to speak of their place.

  Chemin de Reims hails from a small plot of just over one hectare, facing south/southeast, and planted 1980, 1995 and 2011. It has Thanetian sands–very iron-rich soils with varied layers and depth before the base of sandstone underneath. The soil character is quite transmissible, particularly in the Chardonnay from this site, which takes on a unique fullness, structure and almost ferric texture. A Blanc de Blancs comprising 85% Chardonnay, and 15% Arbanne, élevage is in both casks (350 to 600 litres) and tanks. Alexandre tends towards a tighter-grained oak for this particular cuvée and this, along with further precision in the cellar, regular topping up and low dosage, allows Alexandre to preserve the purity of expression from this site. The results provide us with Chartogne-Taillet's most powerful and vinous cuvée.

  Delivery Information
• Chartogne-Taillet Les Barres (V17) Extra Brut Champagne

  Champagne, FRANCE

  $190. 00

  Bottle

  $2280.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 12.5%

  Closure: Cork

  Chartogne-Taillet is the home of some of the most exciting wines in Champagne. Alexandre Chartogne is a perfectionist in his approach to viticulture and winemaking, something he picked up from his mentor Anselme Selosse. Key to his approach is the importance of expressing terroir above all else. With that in mind, Alexandre separately vinifies a myriad of plots spread across 11 hectares of vineyards in Merfy and the neighbouring villages of Chenay and Saint-Thierry. Over half the parcels are ploughed by horse, and no pesticides, herbicides or synthetic fertilizers are used. In the winery, all fermentations are wild, and malolactic fermentation is not blocked. Alexandre favours wooden barrels or demi-muids for fermentations, and low dosage levels are used which allow the grapes to speak of their place.

  Les Barres is one of Chartogne’s best-known vineyard plots, and with very good reason. This small plot of ungrafted Pinot Meunier vines was planted in 1952, and the vines dig deeply into the chalky subsoil. The low yielding output from this special parcel results in some of the most powerful wines in the Chartogne-Taillet stable. Fermentation takes place in old barrels (228 litre) and goes through partial malolactic fermentation. The wine rests for four years on lees and has a low dosage of three grams per litre.

  Delivery Information
• Chartogne-Taillet Les Orizeaux (V17) Extra Brut Champagne

  Champagne, FRANCE

  $170. 00

  Bottle

  $2040.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 12.5%

  Closure: Cork

  Chartogne-Taillet is the home of some of the most exciting wines in Champagne. Alexandre Chartogne is a perfectionist in his approach to viticulture and winemaking, something he picked up from his mentor Anselme Selosse. Key to his approach is the importance of expressing terroir above all else. With that in mind, Alexandre separately vinifies a myriad of plots spread across 11 hectares of vineyards in Merfy and the neighbouring villages of Chenay and Saint-Thierry. Over half the parcels are ploughed by horse, and no pesticides, herbicides or synthetic fertilizers are used. In the winery, all fermentations are wild, and malolactic fermentation is not blocked. Alexandre favours wooden barrels or demi-muids for fermentations, and low dosage levels are used which allow the grapes to speak of their place.

  Along with Les Barres, Orizeaux is perhaps Chartogne’s best-known vineyard. This north/south orientation parcel of Pinot Noir is much more calcareous than Les Barres and the roots plunge deep—over four meters into the soil. Planted in 1970, the parcel has always been highly prized by Alexandre Chartogne and his father before him, as the wine reflects both the generosity of the sandy soil and the mineral quality of the limestone bedrock.

  Delivery Information
• • 93
  • 94

  Chartogne-Taillet Les Orizeaux (V13) Extra Brut Champagne

  Champagne, FRANCE

  $150. 00

  Bottle

  $1800.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 12%

  Closure: Cork

  Other Reviews....
  Derived exclusively from the 2013 vintage, the stunning NV Extra Brut Blanc de Noirs Orizeaux offers up a lovely bouquet of lemon oil, mandarin, crisp yellow apple, ginger and Chartreuse botanicals, followed by a medium to full-bodied, vinous but incisive palate built around a bright spine of acidity and distinguished by strikingly sapid, saline nuances, concluding with a long, mordant finish.
  94 points
  William Kelley - Wine Advocate (May 2019)

  The NV Cuvee Orizeaux (2013), 100% Pinot Noir, is rich, resonant and super-expressive. The weight of Pinot comes through loud and clear, with beams of minerality that shine through the fruit, adding palpable vibrancy. A wine of vinous intensity and texture, the Orizeaux will be at its best at the dinner table. Red berry, honey and hazenut linger on the creamy finish. Disgorged: June: 2018.
  93 points
  Antonio Galloni - Vinous

  Delivery Information
• • 95

  Claude Carre et Fils Premier Cru Champagne

  Champagne, FRANCE

  $64. 99

  Bottle

  $779.88 Dozen

  Minimum 12 bottles

  Sold Out

  Cellar: Drink now - 3 Years (2012-2015)

  ABV: 12%

  Closure: Cork

  Good white creamy mousse that holds well revealing a pale straw coloured base wine. Very fine bead showing excellent persistence. The nose displays lifted baked bread and yeasty top notes followed by some citrus and brioche. The palate possesses good richness and body with flavours of biscuity yeast lees, baked bread, citrus and some light toast. Almost creamy like in texture with a crisp dry finish. Long yeast lees, citrus and baked bread aftertaste.
  Drink over the next 2-3 years (2012-2015).
  Alc 12.0%

  First Tasted 18/03/2011:
  Good white creamy mousse with pale gold base colour. Very fine and persistent bead. Aromas of brioche, citrus and yeast lees followed by some cashew and biscuit notes. The palate shows finesse and is beautifully balanced with flavours of citrus, yeast lees and biscuit followed by some light toasty characters. Clean crisp finish and quite creamy like mouthfeel. Excellent depth with long aftertaste of biscuit, cashew and lees.
  Drink over the next 2-3 years (2011-2014).
  Alc 12.0%

  Delivery Information
• • 96

  • Nick's Import

  2010 D. Henriet-Bazin Grand Cru Champagne

  Champagne, FRANCE

  $74. 99

  Bottle

  $899.88 Dozen

  Sold Out

  Cellar: Drink now - 5 Years (2017-2022)

  ABV: 12.5%

  Closure: Cork

  Henriet-Bazin origins date back 5 generations to two families both deeply rooted in Champagne. The Bazin family were grape growers from the village of Verzenay whilst the Henriet family specialised in Champagne production. It was in the late 19th century that the two families united through marriage and today a father and daughter team are producing a range of outstanding champagnes from Grand Cru and Premier Cru vineyards. The family own 3 hectares in Verzenay and Verzy (both Grand Cru villages) renowned for its Pinot Noir that’s so highly sought after by the likes of top Champagne houses such as Krug.

  A blend of 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay sourced from Grand Cru vineyards located in Verzenay and Verzy. Pours with a heady white mousse that shows good hold. A pale straw coloured base with pale gold edgings is finely threaded by a very persistent bead. The intensely scented nose offers up rich aromatics of baked bread, yeast lees and toast overlaid by dried honey characters followed by cashew and hints of citrus. Rich, full bodied and totally mouthfilling the creamy textured palate is filled with yeast lees, bready characters and honeyed toast flavours which meld into a back drop of citrus oils and roasted almonds. Dry, slightly oily yet crisp finish. Outstanding concentration and power with a long baked bread, yeast lees, oily toast, dried honey, citrus and roasted almond aftertaste.
  Drink over the next 4-5 years.
  Alc. 12.5%

  Delivery Information
• • 94

  David Leclapart l'Amateur Champagne

  Champagne, FRANCE

  $160. 00

  Bottle

  $1920.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 12.5%

  Closure: Cork

  Other Reviews....
  Undeniably delicious and expressive chardonnay fruits with ripe lemon, peach, mango and nectarine aromas and flavors. Some gentle savory edges arrive on the palate. Vibrant and expressive. Drink now.
  94 points
  jamessuckling.com

  Delivery Information
• • 88

  Dehours & Fils Terre de Meunier Champagne

  Champagne, FRANCE

  $89. 99

  Bottle

  $1079.88 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 12%

  Closure: Cork

  Other Reviews....
  Based on the 2013 and 2014 vintages and bottled in June 2015, the NV Terre de Meunier Extra Brut is pure Pinot Meunier that opens with tobacco and floral aromas on the nose. Very delicate and well structured on the palate, with stunning purity and freshness, this is a delicate but persistent and expressive Pinot Meunier with a good, fresh, pretty citric finish. This is still very young and not very complex, though. Disgorged in February 2017 with two grams per liter of dosage. Tasted April 2018.
  88 points
  Stephan Reinhardt - Wine Advocate #238 (Sep 2018)

  Delivery Information
• • 92
  • 92
  • 90

  Delamotte Blanc de Blancs Brut Champagne

  Champagne, FRANCE

  $125. 00

  Bottle

  $1500.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 12%

  Closure: Cork

  Other Reviews....
  The latest release of Delamotte's NV Brut Blanc de Blancs is showing well, offering up aromas of citrus oil, crisp green orchard fruit, hazelnuts and freshly baked bread. Medium to full-bodied, round and charming, this is a soft, delicately fleshy wine that's extremely pleasant and pleasure-bent, but it can't match the cut or concentration of the last few years' renditions.
  90 points
  William Kelley - Wine Advocate (Sept 2020)

  Light yellow. Mineral-tinged peach, melon and pear aromas display excellent clarity, picking up a subtle floral quality with aeration. Supple and seamless on the palate, offering vivid honeydew and pit fruit flavors accented by a vibrant lemon zest quality. Finishes very long, silky and precise, with an echo of juicy melon and strong mineral lift.
  92 points
  Josh Raynolds - Vinous

  Always tangy, clean and refined with a creamy texture and lightly cooked apple and pie-crust undertones. Medium body. Lovely texture and a long and flavorful finish. Drink now.
  92 points
  jamessuckling.com

  Delivery Information
• • 94
  • 93
  • 94

  2012 Delamotte Vintage Blanc de Blancs Brut Champagne

  Champagne, FRANCE

  $180. 00

  Bottle

  $2160.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 12%

  Closure: Cork

  Other Reviews....
  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.
  94+ points
  William Kelley - Wine Advocate (Aug 2019)

  Delamotte’s 2012 Brut Vintage is rich, creamy and super-expressive. This is only the second vintage (the first was 2008) in which fruit from Oiry rounds out the classic core of Le Mesnil, Oger and Cramant that forms the backbone of the Vintage. Dried pear, white flowers, chamomile and mint are some of the notes that grace this exquisite understated Blanc de Blancs. The 2012 offers terrific depth and textural resonance in a creamy, expressive style that captures the radiant personality of the year and the understated, quiet voice that is such a Delamotte signature.
  94 points
  Antonio Galloni - Vinous

  A beautiful and rich blanc de blancs with cooked-apple and lemon aromas and flavors and just the right amount of lemon tart and pie crust. Full-bodied. Layered and flavorful.
  93 points
  jamessuckling.com

  Delivery Information
• • 91
  • 92
  • 90

  Delamotte Rose Brut Champagne

  Champagne, FRANCE

  $165. 00

  Bottle

  $1980.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 12%

  Closure: Cork

  Other Reviews....
  The new release of Delamotte's NV Brut Rosé opens in the glass with inviting aromas of white cherries, raspberries, spices and hazelnuts. Medium to full-bodied, delicate and fine-boned, with a charming core of fruit, ripe acids and a pearly mousse, this is a friendly, open-knit rendition of this reliable cuvée.
  90 points
  William Kelley - Wine Advocate (Sept 2020)

  Light orange. An intensely perfumed nose displays mineral-accented cherry and red berry scents along with slow-building spice and smoke nuances. Tangy, focused and stony on the palate, offering refreshingly bitter redcurrant, blood orange and cherry flavors. Picks up a toasty quality on the incisive finish, with the red fruit notes echoing.
  91 points
  Josh Raynolds - Vinous

  Sweet, charming, rose perfume here with almond paste and fresh bread dough. The palate is smooth, velvety and charming with a lightly tangy core that delivers a fresh, elegant impression. Pink-fruit finish.
  92 points
  jamessuckling.com

  Delivery Information
• • 93
  • 91
  • 89

  Delamotte Brut Champagne

  Champagne, FRANCE

  $84. 99

  Bottle

  $1019.88 Dozen

  Sold Out

  Cellar: 3 - 4 Years (2017-2018)

  ABV: 12%

  Closure: Cork

  Pours well with an excellent white frothy mousse that has good hold. Pale straw gold base wine colour with a very profuse fine bead. The nose displays a rich aromatic profile of baked bread and yeast lees characters followed by some light toast and citrus. Elegant and refined on entry the palate features flavours of citrus and brioche over some toast and lees characters. Clean crisp dry finish. Aftertaste of brioche, almond , toast and yeast lees.
  Drink over the next 3-4 years.
  Alc 12%

  Other Reviews....
  Wafting from the glass with notes of citrus oil, toasted nuts, warm biscuits and crisp orchard fruit, the latest release of Delamotte's NV Brut is medium-bodied, round and fleshy, with ripe acids, a generous core of fruit and a nicely defined finish. It's based on the 2015 vintage, complemented by 10% reserve wines from 2014 and 2013.
  89 points
  William Kelley - Wine Advocate (Sept 2020)

  Quite impressive richness and gently toasty aromas on the nose here with almond, savory and sweet, bready autolysis notes. The palate has a fresh, succulent and smooth feel with soft, citrusy fruit flesh. Holds long. Drink now.
  91 points
  jamessuckling.com

  
  

  Delivery Information
• • 97

  2008 Deutz Blanc de Blancs Champagne

  Champagne, FRANCE

  $160. 00

  Bottle

  $1920.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  Cellar: 5 - 6 Years (2020-2021)

  ABV: 12%

  Closure: Cork

  An Outstanding Blanc de Blancs Champagne combining richness, finesse and complexity.

  Pours well with a white creamy mousse that has good staying power. Pale straw base wine colour with a very fine and persistent bead. A superb sniff the nose reveals notes of brioche and yeast lees intermixed with some light pear followed by cashew and a hint of toast. Refined and complex the palate has a light airy, slightly creamy textural feel delivering mouthfilling flavours of baked bread and rich yeast lees over subtle pears, cashew and toast on the fresh finish. Excellent length with a long conclusion of yeast lees, baked bread, cashew, subtle pear and faint toast.
  Drink over the next 5-6 years.
  Alc 12%

  Delivery Information
• • 95

  Deutz Brut Classic Champagne

  Champagne, FRANCE

  $79. 99

  Bottle

  $959.88 Dozen

  Sold Out

  Cellar: 2 - 3 Years (2017-2018)

  ABV: 12%

  Closure: Cork

  Pours with a white frothy mousse that shows very good hold. Once dissipated it reveals a pale straw base wine colour and a very fine exceptionally persistent bead. Good complex nose with scents of freshly baked bread and yeast lees to the fore followed by some light toast, citrus and brioche. The palate has good richness and a creaminess to its texture delivering flavours of baked bread and yeast lees over some toast, light almond like characters and citrus. Crisp dry finish. Long aftertaste of yeast lees, baked bread, subtle dried honey, cashew and toast.
  Drink over the next 2-3 years.
  Alc 12%

  Delivery Information
• • 94
  • 94

  Dhondt-Grellet Cramant (2018 base) Extra Brut Champagne

  Champagne, FRANCE

  $270. 00

  Bottle

  $3240.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 12%

  Closure: Cork

  In 1986, Eric Dhondt and Edith Grellet decided to stop selling off grapes to negociants and started Dhondt-Grellet. Their focus on farming translated into honest Champagnes from great holdings across the Côte des Blancs. Now with their son, Adrien, assuming a larger role, they are refocusing their efforts and producing some of the best Champagnes they ever have. Nowadays the company is lead by Eric and Adrian.

  The vineyard is situated primarily in Grands and Premiers Crus of Cote des Blancs namely Cramant, Chouilly, Cuis but also Sézanne for their Chardonnays. They also cultivate some Pinot Noir in the Vallée the la Marne. Mainly located in mid hillsides on easy to work, very lightweight calcareous soils, their plots enjoy an outstanding location and a southeast exposure. The average age of the vines is 40 years. They also have their own cellars in Flavigny to age the wines before bringing them on the market.

  Other Reviews....
  Generous and dramatic, Dhondt's NV Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Cramant (2018) bursts with aromas of citrus oil, orchard fruit, white flowers, walnuts and fenugreek, exhibiting only hints of the toasty nuances to come. On the palate, it's full-bodied, ample and layered, with a fleshy, enveloping core of fruit, lively acids and a long, chalky finish. Like all these 2018-base bottlings, it's quite forward out of the gates, yet there's the structure here to sustain bottle age too. Drink 2021 - 2031.
  94 points
  William Kelley - Wine Advocate (Sept 2021)

  Vinified in barrique, the NV Champagne Cramant Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut is from 55-year-old vines and is 70% from the 2018 vintage, with the remainder perpetual reserve wine. It has a lovely perfume with soft florality, almond croissant, ripe green apple, and lemon curd. The palate is vibrant, crystalline, and pure, and it is long on the palate but weightless, with a fine chalky texture. This is pure elegance with a classic appeal that is hard to resist now, although it will continue to improve over the next two decades. Disgorged May 2021. Drink 2024-2042.
  94+ points
  Audrey Frick - jebdunnuck.com

  Delivery Information
• • 92
  • 92

  Dhondt-Grellet Dans un Premier Temps Extra Brut Champagne

  Champagne, FRANCE

  $165. 00

  Bottle

  $1980.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  Closure: Cork

  In 1986, Eric Dhondt and Edith Grellet decided to stop selling off grapes to negociants and started Dhondt-Grellet. Their focus on farming translated into honest Champagnes from great holdings across the Côte des Blancs. Now with their son, Adrien, assuming a larger role, they are refocusing their efforts and producing some of the best Champagnes they ever have. Nowadays the company is lead by Eric and Adrian.

  The vineyard is situated primarily in Grands and Premiers Crus of Cote des Blancs namely Cramant, Chouilly, Cuis but also Sézanne for their Chardonnays. They also cultivate some Pinot Noir in the Vallée the la Marne. Mainly located in mid hillsides on easy to work, very lightweight calcareous soils, their plots enjoy an outstanding location and a southeast exposure. The average age of the vines is 40 years. They also have their own cellars in Flavigny to age the wines before bringing them on the market.

  Please note: Disgorgement dates can vary. Please contact the store if you would like to check which disgorgement is currently available.

  Other Reviews....
  Disgorged in January 2020 with three grams per liter dosage, the NV Extra-Brut Dans un Premier Temps (2018) is excellent, bursting with aromas of peach, citrus oil, white flowers, fresh bread and stone fruit. Medium to full-bodied, ample and layered, with a demonstrative core of fruit and succulent acids, it's vinous and enveloping, drinking especially well out of the gates. Drink 2021 - 2028.
  92 points
  William Kelley - Wine Advocate (Sept 2021)

  Each of the three wines presented in the range from Dhondt-Grellet have 70% from the base vintage of 2018, with the remainder from perpetual reserve wine going back to 1986. The NV Champagne Dans Un Premier Temps Extra Brut is 50% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot Noir, and the remainder Meunier, with 2.5 grams per liter of dosage. It has attractive, ripe aromas of honeysuckle, apricot, and pineapple that translate to the palate with juicy fruit and tangerine citrus. This is drinking well now and makes for a wonderfully versatile wine. Disgorged in October 2021. Drink 2022-2032.
  92 points
  Audrey Frick - jebdunnuck.com

  Delivery Information