946 products

Sparklings

Nothing quite matches the sparkle and sensation of fine bubbles dancing across the tongue. However, not everyone can drink Champagne on a regular basis. That's why we also stock affordable, quality Loire Valley sparklings, Prosecco, Sparkling reds and more, tasting hundreds of examples each year to bring you the best at any given price point.

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    2008 Billecart-Salmon Cuvee Elisabeth Salmon Vintage Rose Champagne
    Champagne, FRANCE
    $399. 00
    Bottle
    $4788.00 Dozen
    ABV: 12.5%
    Closure: Cork

    Created in 1988 as a tribute to the co-founder Elisabeth Salmon, this cuvee is an elegant and refined rosé composed of 55% Pinot Noir from the Montagne de Reims and the Grande Vallée de la Marne, along with 45% Chardonnay from the Côte des Blancs. Less than 10% of the Pinot Noir is vinified as a red wine, with these old vine grapes sourced from the south facing slopes of the Valofroy vineyard located in Mareuil-sur-Aÿ. This 2008 rendition shows all the traits from this magnificent year, a highly refined wine with wonderful delicacy of texture and flavour. Dosage is 7g/l.

    Other Reviews.....
    Disgorged with seven grams per liter dosage, the 2008 Brut Rosé Cuvée Elisabeth Salmon is one of the finest wines I've tasted from Billecart in recent years. Unwinding in the glass with aromas of peach, mandarin oil, warm bread, red berries and petals, it's full-bodied, deep and vinous, with lovely mid-palate amplitude, terrific concentration and bright girdling acids. In what is quite a tightly wound vintage and from a house whose style is rather understated, this is a dramatic, fleshy wine that concludes with a long, flavorful finish. Drink 2022 - 2048.
    97+ points
    William Kelley - Wine Advocate (Sep 2021)

    This is very vinous with aromas of iron, strawberries, old roses and geraniums. So aromatic. Full-bodied, really intense and layered with super dryness and depth. Lots of saline and spicy character at the end, such as clove and pepper, as well as hints of flowers and melted butter. Strawberry tart at the end. 17% in aged oak casks. Blend of 55% pinot noir from six villages (Mareuil sur Ay, Ay, Bouzy, Ambonnay, Verzenay and Verzy) and 45% chardonnay from three Grand Crus (Mesnil sur Oger, Cramant and Chouilly). 9% of the blend is red wine from a parcel in the village of Mareuil sur Ay. Bottled June 2009 and disgorged July 2019. Drink or hold.
    98 points
    JamesSuckling.com

    The 2008 Brut Rosé Cuvée Elisabeth Salmon explodes from the glass with a mesmerizing array of aromas, flavors and textures. Blood orange, cinnamon, mint and dried flowers. The 2008 is incredibly young, but it is also incredibly tempting. Patience will be rewarded. In the meantime, readers might enjoy adding a few bottles of the stellar 2007 to their cellars, as the nervy, taut 2008 needs time. The 2008 is 55% Pinot Noir (from Aÿ, Verzy, Verzenay and Mareuil) and 45% Chardonnay (from Chouilly, Avize and Cramant), with 9% still wine from Mareuil. It is the first vintage that includes a portion of wines (17%) done in barrel and the first vintage in which the magnums were aged on the cork rather than on crown seal. Dosage is 7 grams per liter. Drink 2028 - 2043.
    97+ points
    Antonio Galloni - Vinous

    A superb vintage of this renowned prestige cuvée, this is made from a base of 55% Pinot Noir and 45% Chardonnay, to which is added 9% of red wine. Despite ageing on its lees for 10 years, it remains almost shockingly youthful, its vividly primary flavours of red cherry, strawberry and nectarine wrapped up in a taut, tense frame. It’s silky in texture and intricately complex on the long, elegantly harmonious finish, underlined by a saline chalkiness, and it demonstrates all the requisite completeness and character for long ageing, promising a slow and dignified evolution to come. Drinking Window 2021 - 2050.
    98 points
    Peter Liem - Decanter

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    Billecart-Salmon Brut Rose Champagne (375ml)
    Champagne, FRANCE
    $89. 99
    Bottle
    $1079.88 Dozen
    ABV: 12%
    Closure: Cork

    A blend of 40% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot Noir and 30% Pinot Meunier aged on lees for 36 months with the inclusion of 40% reserve wines.

    A frothy white mousse holds well over a salmon pink coloured base that has a very fine and persistent bead flowing through it. Streaming out of the glass are delightful aromas of peach and strawberry which are followed by hints of brioche, yeast lees and ginger. Racy pear, strawberry and yeast lees flavours meld into subtle baked bread and mineral characters. The satiny textured mid palate counterpointed by crisp nervy acidity on the finish which lends a vividly refreshing effect to the long aftertaste.
    Alc. 12%

    Other Reviews….
    The NV Champagne Brut Rose is an attractive pale salmon hue, with a fresh perfume of wild strawberry, ripe peach, white and red flowers, a hint of tropical fruit, and grapefruit. The palate is rounded, with fruit up front and through the mid-palate, and it has a silky and fresh lift. There is a wonderful ease and drinkability to this wine, which delivers balance and finesse. Drink 2022-2037.
    94 points
    Audrey Frick – JebDunnuck.com

    Billecart-Salmon is one of my favorite Champagne houses, and their non-vintage Rose (Lot #L85547401905M) is a consistent winner. A delicate pink color is accompanied by gorgeous sweet cherry, strawberry, and mineral-like scents, assertive medium-bodied flavors, a delicate, crisp personality, and surprising depth as well as persistence. A beautiful berry character in the finish adds to this impeccable rose’s captivating style.
    94 points
    Robert Parker - Wine Advocate #162 (Dec 2005)

    Composed with 30 per cent from each of pinot noir and pinot meunier, and 40 per cent chardonnay. It has 40 per cent reserve wine, and spends three years on tirage. It is the go-to rosé for wine professionals, with nuances of juicy/poached red berry fruits, yet finishes dry and fresh.
    96 points
    James Halliday's Top 100 Wines of 2022

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    • Reduced
    2009 Billecart-Salmon Vintage Champagne
    Champagne, FRANCE
    Reduced from $160.00
    $140. 00
    Bottle
    $1680.00 Dozen
    Cellar: Drink now - 8 Years (2020-2028)
    ABV: 12%
    Closure: Cork

    Aged on lees for 9 years this excellent vintage Champagne is comprised of 40% Pinot Noir, 33% Chardonnay and 27% Pinot Meunier grapes sourced from predominately (73%) Grand Cru and Premier Crus.
    A frothy white mousse forms over a pale straw/pale gold coloured base that’s finely threaded by a very persistent bead. Pronounced aromatics of pear and yeast lees meld into brioche, citrus, oily toast like notes, dried honey and almond. The rich, powerful palate is caressed with baked bread, pear, yeast lees and citrus flavours which have a full creamy like feel. Elements of roasted almonds, subtle oily cashew and dried honey characters chime in on the dry, crisp finish. Long, complex aftertaste.
    Drink over the next 6-8 years.
    Alc. 12%

    Other Reviews….
    Comprises 40/33/27% pinot noir/chardonnay/pinot meunier, 73% grands and premiers crus. The low dosage of 2g/l and the warm vintage allow the fruit-based flavours free rein - white peach, Granny Smith apple and nectarine. The finish and aftertaste remain fresh and long. A house in grand form.
    96 points
    James Halliday – Australian Wine Companion

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    Billecart-Salmon Reserve Brut Champagne (375ml)
    Champagne, FRANCE
    $64. 99
    Bottle
    $779.88 Dozen
    Cellar: Drink now - 4 Years (2020-2024)
    ABV: 12%
    Closure: Cork

    Billecart-Salmon’s ever reliable Reserve Brut is made from a blend of 30% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay and 40% Pinot Meunier and spends 30 months ageing on its lees. 50-60% of the blend is made up of reserve wines.
    Buoyant and frothy upon pouring, the mousse fades into a pale straw coloured base that has flecks of pale gold to the edges and an extremely fine and persistent bead flowing through its core. A classic sniff of yeasty baked bread characters is followed by pear, cashew, hints of dried honey and brioche. The delicious palate has a satiny and airy like feel to it and features a flavour profile of baked bread, pear, yeast lees, subtle cashew, citrus and brioche. Dry crisp chalked tinged finish with a long and delicately creamy aftertaste.
    Drink over the next 3-4 years.
    Alc. 12%

    Other Reviews... 
    An uncommon blend of 40% pinot meunier and 30% each of pinot noir and chardonnay, with 40% reserve wines, fermented in a mix of tank and use of aged oak barrels. Deliberate choice of meunier is the key to its drink any time soon style, combining elegance, finesse and great length. 
    95 points
    James Halliday - Top 100 Wines of the Year 2019

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    Billecart-Salmon Reserve Brut Champagne
    Champagne, FRANCE
    $99. 99
    Bottle
    $1199.88 Dozen
    ABV: 12%
    Closure: Diam Cork

    Billecart-Salmon’s ever reliable Reserve Brut is made from a blend of 30% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay and 40% Pinot Meunier and spends 30 months ageing on its lees. 50-60% of the blend is made up of reserve wines.
    Buoyant and frothy upon pouring, the mousse fades into a pale straw coloured base that has flecks of pale gold to the edges and an extremely fine and persistent bead flowing through its core. A classic sniff of yeasty baked bread characters is followed by pear, cashew, hints of dried honey and brioche. The delicious palate has a satiny and airy like feel to it and features a flavour profile of baked bread, pear, yeast lees, subtle cashew, citrus and brioche. Dry crisp chalked tinged finish with a long and delicately creamy aftertaste.
    Alc. 12%

    Other Reviews...
    The avowed aim is to achieve finesse, elegance and balance through very cool ferments in stainless steel, an approach pioneered by Billecart-Salmon. A feature of the house is low dosage levels (here 8g/l), and the wines are fragrant and elegant.
    96 points
    James Halliday's Top 100 2023

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    Billecart-Salmon Reserve Brut Champagne Magnum (1500ml)
    Champagne, FRANCE
    $260. 00
    Bottle
    $3120.00 Dozen
    Cellar: Drink now - 4 Years (2020-2024)
    ABV: 12%
    Closure: Cork

    Billecart-Salmon’s ever reliable Reserve Brut is made from a blend of 30% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay and 40% Pinot Meunier and spends 30 months ageing on its lees. 50-60% of the blend is made up of reserve wines.
    Buoyant and frothy upon pouring, the mousse fades into a pale straw coloured base that has flecks of pale gold to the edges and an extremely fine and persistent bead flowing through its core. A classic sniff of yeasty baked bread characters is followed by pear, cashew, hints of dried honey and brioche. The delicious palate has a satiny and airy like feel to it and features a flavour profile of baked bread, pear, yeast lees, subtle cashew, citrus and brioche. Dry crisp chalked tinged finish with a long and delicately creamy aftertaste.
    Drink over the next 3-4 years.
    Alc. 12%

    Other Reviews... 
    An uncommon blend of 40% pinot meunier and 30% each of pinot noir and chardonnay, with 40% reserve wines, fermented in a mix of tank and use of aged oak barrels. Deliberate choice of meunier is the key to its drink any time soon style, combining elegance, finesse and great length. 
    95 points
    James Halliday - Top 100 Wines of the Year 2019

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    Billecart-Salmon Brut Rose Champagne
    Champagne, FRANCE
    $160. 00
    Bottle
    $1920.00 Dozen
    ABV: 12%
    Closure: Cork

    A blend of 40% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot Noir and 30% Pinot Meunier aged on lees for 36 months with the inclusion of 40% reserve wines.

    A frothy white mousse holds well over a salmon pink coloured base that has a very fine and persistent bead flowing through it. Streaming out of the glass are delightful aromas of peach and strawberry which are followed by hints of brioche, yeast lees and ginger. Racy pear, strawberry and yeast lees flavours meld into subtle baked bread and mineral characters. The satiny textured mid palate counterpointed by crisp nervy acidity on the finish which lends a vividly refreshing effect to the long aftertaste.
    Alc. 12%

    Other Reviews….
    The NV Champagne Brut Rose is an attractive pale salmon hue, with a fresh perfume of wild strawberry, ripe peach, white and red flowers, a hint of tropical fruit, and grapefruit. The palate is rounded, with fruit up front and through the mid-palate, and it has a silky and fresh lift. There is a wonderful ease and drinkability to this wine, which delivers balance and finesse. Drink 2022-2037.
    94 points
    Audrey Frick – JebDunnuck.com

    Billecart-Salmon is one of my favorite Champagne houses, and their non-vintage Rose (Lot #L85547401905M) is a consistent winner. A delicate pink color is accompanied by gorgeous sweet cherry, strawberry, and mineral-like scents, assertive medium-bodied flavors, a delicate, crisp personality, and surprising depth as well as persistence. A beautiful berry character in the finish adds to this impeccable rose’s captivating style.
    94 points
    Robert Parker - Wine Advocate #162 (Dec 2005)

    Composed with 30 per cent from each of pinot noir and pinot meunier, and 40 per cent chardonnay. It has 40 per cent reserve wine, and spends three years on tirage. It is the go-to rosé for wine professionals, with nuances of juicy/poached red berry fruits, yet finishes dry and fresh.
    96 points
    James Halliday's Top 100 Wines of 2022

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    Billecart-Salmon Brut Rose Champagne Magnum (1500ml)
    Champagne, FRANCE
    $370. 00
    Bottle
    $4440.00 Dozen
    ABV: 12%
    Closure: Cork

    A blend of 40% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot Noir and 30% Pinot Meunier aged on lees for 36 months with the inclusion of 40% reserve wines.

    A frothy white mousse holds well over a salmon pink coloured base that has a very fine and persistent bead flowing through it. Streaming out of the glass are delightful aromas of peach and strawberry which are followed by hints of brioche, yeast lees and ginger. Racy pear, strawberry and yeast lees flavours meld into subtle baked bread and mineral characters. The satiny textured mid palate counterpointed by crisp nervy acidity on the finish which lends a vividly refreshing effect to the long aftertaste.
    Alc. 12%

    Other Reviews….
    The NV Champagne Brut Rose is an attractive pale salmon hue, with a fresh perfume of wild strawberry, ripe peach, white and red flowers, a hint of tropical fruit, and grapefruit. The palate is rounded, with fruit up front and through the mid-palate, and it has a silky and fresh lift. There is a wonderful ease and drinkability to this wine, which delivers balance and finesse. Drink 2022-2037.
    94 points
    Audrey Frick – JebDunnuck.com

    Billecart-Salmon is one of my favorite Champagne houses, and their non-vintage Rose (Lot #L85547401905M) is a consistent winner. A delicate pink color is accompanied by gorgeous sweet cherry, strawberry, and mineral-like scents, assertive medium-bodied flavors, a delicate, crisp personality, and surprising depth as well as persistence. A beautiful berry character in the finish adds to this impeccable rose’s captivating style.
    94 points
    Robert Parker - Wine Advocate #162 (Dec 2005)

    Composed with 30 per cent from each of pinot noir and pinot meunier, and 40 per cent chardonnay. It has 40 per cent reserve wine, and spends three years on tirage. It is the go-to rosé for wine professionals, with nuances of juicy/poached red berry fruits, yet finishes dry and fresh.
    96 points
    James Halliday's Top 100 Wines of 2022

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    Billecart-Salmon Brut Sous Bois Champagne
    Champagne, FRANCE
    $160. 00
    Bottle
    $1920.00 Dozen
    Cellar: 3 - 4 Years (2017-2018)
    ABV: 12%
    Closure: Cork

    Entirely vinified in oak this Champagne pours well with a white frothy mousse followed by a deep straw pale gold base wine colour with a very fine bead that has excellent persistence. The nose is quite rich and full exhibiting aromas of toasty yeast lees, almond, baked bread and hazelnut. Reflective of the nose the palate possesses big rich flavours of toast, yeast lees, almonds and baked bread finishing with some nutty hazelnut like characters on the back palate. Clean dry finish with a nice creamy mouthfeel. Long aftertaste of toasty yeast lees, almond and hazelnut.
    Drink over the next 3-4 years.
    Alc 12%

    The complex bouquet reflects the primary fermentation in oak casks; the palate no less so thanks to the quality of the premier and grand cru reserves, also matured in oak. But it’s all a question of degree; there’s a core of citrussy acidity underwriting the freshness and length of the wine. 7 years on lees; disgorged December ’20, 7g/l dosage.  
    95 points
    James Hallidays Top 100 2021

    Fragrant, with hints of graphite, cherry blossoms and spices, revealing a firm frame of vivid acidity that's tightly meshed with flavors of blackberry tart, lemon granita and salted Marcona almond. Shows a raw silk–textured mousse that carries a chalky note on the finish. Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay. Disgorged spring 2022. Drink now through 2026.
    93 points
    Wine Spectator

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    Billecart-Salmon Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Champagne
    Champagne, FRANCE
    $160. 00
    Bottle
    $1920.00 Dozen
    Cellar: Drink now - 4 Years (2018-2022)
    ABV: 12%
    Closure: Cork

    The family owned house of Billecart Salmon has now been in business for over 180 years, and although not particularly well known, it consistently produces some of Champagne's finest cuvees at accessible prices. Their outstanding Blanc de Blancs is a wine that is all about refined elegance.

    A very classy drink.

    A buoyant white mousse sits atop a straw to pale gold coloured base wine that’s threaded by a very fine, steady stream of tiny bubbles. Refined aromatics of pear, yeast lees and citrus meld into baked bread and subtle oily toast like notes with hints of almond also evident. Showing lots of finesse the elegantly creamed palate is flavoured with pear and yeasty baked bread characters over a back drop of roasted nuts and refreshing citrusy acidity. Long yeasty baked bread, pear, roasted nut, oily toast and citrus aftertaste.
    Drink over the next 3-4 years.
    Alc. 12%

    Tasted February 2011: Pouring with a white creamy mousse that shows good hold, it presents a very pale straw base wine with very fine and exceptionally persistent bead. The nose delivers a refined sniff with aromas of baked bread, light cashew, almond, yeast lees, citrus and toast. The palate displays great elegance and precision along with a creamy texture delivering a sophisticated flavour profile of baked bread, yeast lees, cashew and citrus followed by some light toast characters. Superb length and persistence with long aftertaste of yeast lees, baked bread, cashew and hazelnut.
    Drink now or cellar 3-4 years (2011-2015)
    96 points

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    Bleasdale Blanc de Blancs
    Adelaide Hills, South Australia, AUSTRALIA
    $27. 99
    Bottle
    $335.88 Dozen
    Cellar: Drink now (2022)
    ABV: 12%
    Closure: Cork

    Made from Chardonnay grapes. Pours with an exuberant frothy white mousse that shows good staying power. Pale straw colour with a very fine bead showing excellent persistence. Pear, citrus and apple scents are followed by subtle baked bread and yeast lees notes. Refreshing pear and citrus fruits are intermeshed with bready yeast lees characters. Finishes dry with crisp acidity and a lingering lemon sherbet like aftertaste.
    Alc. 12%

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    Bleasdale Sparkling Shiraz
    Langhorne Creek, South Australia, AUSTRALIA
    $23. 99
    Bottle
    $287.88 Dozen
    Cellar: Drink now - 5 Years (2020-2025)
    ABV: 13.5%
    Closure: Diam Cork

    A multi vintage Sparkling Shiraz that contains reserve wines going back to 1997, Bleasdale freshening up the base blend every Spring by adding a portion of new vintage Shiraz to it. Fermentation takes place in open vats before maturation in a mixture of seasoned oak barrels and stainless steel tanks.

    A plush, richly flavoured sparkling Shiraz.

    A frothy purple tinge mousse shows good hold over a black dark coloured base wine that’s finely threaded by a nibble stream of tiny bubbles. Lifted blackberry, dark chocolate and liquorice scents combine with vanilla, light toast and traces of earth. Rich, full and satiny, the palate is awash with blackberry and liquorice fruits which create a luscious textural feel. Vanillin oak, subtle dark chocolate and earth elements also chime in. Excellent depth and concentration with a long succulent aftertaste. A great match for the Christmas Turkey.
    Drink over the next 4-5 years.
    Alc. 13.5%

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    2013 Boll & Cie Extra Brut Grand Cru Champagne
    Champagne, FRANCE
    $160. 00
    Bottle
    $1920.00 Dozen
    Cellar: Drink now - 6 Years (2023-2029)
    ABV: 12.5%
    Closure: Diam Cork

    A buoyant fluffy white mousse slowly subsides to reveal a pale straw coloured base with pale gold tinged edges that has a steady flow of tiny bubbles running through it. Richly scented the nose is filled with baked bread and yeast lees scents which are complimented by oily toast like notes, brioche and subtle honeyed cashew. The mouth filling palate is engulfed with rich baked bread, yeast lees and brioche flavours which provide the front half with a full creamy feel. Lingering through the back half are honeyed cashew elements, toast and chalky characters. Finishes dry with sculptured acidity providing structure. Concludes long and decadent.
    Drink over the next 5-6 years.
    Alc. 12.5%

    Other Reviews….
    The mousse is vigorous and the bead really persistent and fine: it looks fabulous. Toasty, brioche, honey, citrus and baked apple aromas, so much going on here. Rich, layered, mouth-filling, creamy and long. There’s lovely weight and real complexity on the palate. A very complete Champagne. Drink 2023-2030.
    96 Points
    Aaron Brasher – The Real Review

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    Boll & Cie Rose Champagne
    Champagne, FRANCE
    $115. 00
    Bottle
    $1380.00 Dozen
    ABV: 12.5%
    Closure: Diam Cork

    Made from 100% Pinot Noir grapes. Pours with plenty of exuberance to the mousse which sits over a pale salmon pink tinged base that has a generous stream of delicate bubbles flowing through it. Alluring rose petal, strawberry and cherry scents are intermeshed with pear, light baked bread and lees notes. The refined palate combines tension and concentration with strawberry, yeast lees and raspberry flavours framed by sculptured acidity. Some chalky mineral characters lie underneath. Finishes dry and crisp with a taut racy aftertaste.
    Alc. 12.5%

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    2010 Boll & Cie Grand Cru Extra Brut Champagne
    Champagne, FRANCE
    $150. 00
    Bottle
    $1800.00 Dozen
    Cellar: 5 - 6 Years (2023-2024)
    ABV: 12.5%
    Closure: Cork

    A Blanc de Blancs Champagne sourced from Grand Cru vineyards located in Oger and Le Mesnil-Sur-Oger. Spends a minimum 5 years on lees. A generous lacy white mousse sits over a pale straw to straw coloured base wine that has pale gold edges. Exceptionally fine bead showing great persistence. Pronounced yet refined aromas of baked bread and yeast lees tied to citrus and brioche hold sway over oily toast like characters and hints of honeyed cashew. Richly flavoured with an oily like textural feel yet simultaneously refreshing and vibrant, the palate is filled with oily baked bread and yeast lees characters underscored by subtlety honeyed toast, citrus and roasted almonds. Dry crisp finish. Superb length with a long oily baked bread, yeast lees, honeyed toast and roasted almond aftertaste.
    Cellar 5-6 years.
    Alc. 12.5%

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    2007 Boll & Cie Rose de Saignee Champagne
    Champagne, FRANCE
    $160. 00
    Bottle
    $1920.00 Dozen
    Cellar: Drink now - 4 Years (2020-2024)
    ABV: 12.5%
    Closure: Cork

    Made from 100% Pinot Noir using the Saignee method and aged for 11 years on lees.

    Re-tasted on 17/01/2020
    A rich, toasty Rose made from 100% Pinot Noir. A fine satiny mousse dissipates to reveal a rose gold coloured base that has a steady stream of delicate bubbles flowing through it. Powerful aromatics of baked bread, yeast lees, strawberry and blood orange marry into roasted almond notes. Rich mouthfilling flavours of baked bread, subtle dried orange and yeast lees show superb concentration overlaying a back drop of toast and dried almonds. Finishes dry and slightly oily with crisp acidity and a lingering nuttiness on the long aftertaste.
    Drink over the next 3-4 years.
    Alc. 12.5%

    Other Reviews….
    Medium to full rose-gold colour. Rich bouquet of spiced honey, roasted nuts, smoked charcuterie and autumnal 'forest floor' nuances; hints of boronia. The same panoply of flavours reappears in the mouth where it is full-bodied, rich and generous, long-lasting and ultra-satisfying. The texture is creamily lovely. Marvellous wine. (100% pinot noir)
    96 points
    Huon Hooke

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    Boll & Cie Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut Champagne
    Champagne, FRANCE
    $105. 00
    Bottle
    $1260.00 Dozen
    Cellar: Drink now - 6 Years (2018-2024)
    ABV: 12.5%
    Closure: Cork

    A Blanc de Blanc (100% Chardonnay), multi-parceled Champagne from 3 different vineyards: Montgeux, Vindey and Mesnil sur Oger that spends a minimum 5 years on lees.
    A fine, plentiful white mousse shows excellent hold over a pale straw, pale gold edged base wine that’s finely threaded by an exceptionally persistent bead. Wonderfully rich aromatics of oily baked bread, citrus and yeasty lees flow out of the glass followed by cashew, notions of dried honey and toast. The richness of the nose is reflected in the mouth with concentrated flavours of baked bread, yeast lees and citrus sitting over dried honey, brioche and roast nut like elements. Oily, creamy like textural feel finishing dry with refreshing acidity. Excellent power with a long oily baked bread, yeast lees, cashew, dried honey and roasted almond aftertaste. A rich, creamy Blanc de Blancs Champagne.
    Drink over the next 5-6 years.
    Alc. 12.5%

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    Bollinger PN AYC18 Champagne
    Champagne, FRANCE
    $215. 00
    Bottle
    $2580.00 Dozen
    Cellar: Drink now - 6 Years (2023-2029)
    ABV: 12.5%
    Closure: Diam Cork

    PN AYC18 is an assembly of 100% Pinot Noir, predominantly from the Aÿ cru. It is blended with other villages on the Montage de Reims, such as Tauxières and Verzenay. The base year is 2018 which is blended with older reserve wines dating back to 2009.
    A fine satiny mousse slowly recedes to reveal a straw pale gold coloured base that has a steady bead flowing through it. Nosing draws out aromas of ripe pear, baked bread, yeast lees and hints of strawberries and quince. An energetic, modernist style of Champagne, the palate has a chalk tinged mouth feel with flavours of pear, wild strawberry and quince melding into an oily baked bread, yeast lees and roasted hazelnut back drop. Finishes dry with refreshing acidity and a creamy edged, hazelnut laced aftertaste.
    Drink over the next 5-6 years.
    Alc. 12.5%

    Other Reviews….
    The NV PN AYC 2018 is the newest edition in Bollinger’s range of single village-based Champagnes, a series of wines created by former Chef de Caves Gilles Descôtes, who passed away earlier this year. Tense and vibrant, with notable saline intensity, the AYC (based on Aÿ) sizzles with energy. Dried pear, crushed flowers, mint, sage, chalk and light pastry notes all race across the palate. This release is 53% 2018 and 47% reserve wines, a big part of which are Bollinger’s famous reserve magnums (in this case 2009 Verzenay Pinot), plus dollops of 2017 and 2016 wines. The 2018 was done in equal parts oak and tank. Dosage is 6 grams per liter, but the impression is of a slightly drier style. The combination of a very warm base vintage blended with a high proportion of reserve wines yields a Champagne of notable complexity and texture. Drink 2023-2038.
    92 Points
    Antonio Galloni – Vinous

    Including the 2018, 2017, 2016, and 2009 vintage, the pale straw-copper hued NV Champagne PN AYC18 opens with stunning notes of jasmine and tropical flowers, followed by pure and expressive aromas of wild cherry, fresh orange, wet stone, and fresh roses. Full-bodied, with freshness throughout and a hint of warmth on its beautiful finish, this is the most successful of the wines from this line that I have tasted to date, offering fantastic length and gorgeous depth of fruit. It’s going to only improve with another few years in bottle, but it’s gorgeous now. Drink 2024-2034. Dosage 6 grams per liter.
    93+ points
    Audrey Frick - jebdunnuck.com

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    • 93
    Bollinger Special Cuvee Brut Champagne (375ml)
    Champagne, FRANCE
    $69. 99
    Bottle
    $839.88 Dozen
    ABV: 12%
    Closure: Cork

    Bollinger’s trademark depth and richness are on full show here. A blend of 60% Pinot Noir, 25% Chardonnay and 15% Pinot Meunier with over 85% of the blend sourced from Grand and Premier crus.
    Pours with a fluffy white mousse.The base colour is pale straw with tinges of gold around the edges. Very fine bead with a steady stream of bubbles. The nose exhibits Bollinger’s hallmark richness with pronounced aromas of baked bread, yeast lees and oily toast like characters followed by cashew, almond and citrus notes. Rich, mouthfilling flavours of baked bread, yeast lees, oily toast like characters, citrus and cashew. Creamy textural feel with good freshness on the finish. Long aftertaste of baked bread, oily toast like characters, yeast lees and cashew.
    Drink over the next 3-4 years.
    Alc 12%

    Other Reviews....
    Surely the most underpriced champagne on the market today, yet one of the most complex. The 60/25/15% pinot noir/chardonnay/pinot meunier blend is of scant importance compared with the 400 components with 60% reserves, the oldest 8+ years old. Majestically complex and layered in a jewelled crown of freshness.
    96 points
    James Halliday's Top 100 2020

    This harmonious Champagne is wonderfully vibrant as it dances across the palate, with the satinlike mousse carrying flavors of white cherry, Marcona almond and ground coffee that show accents of candied kumquat, ginger, aromatic verbena and graphite. A streak of racy salinity emerges on mouthwatering finish. Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier. Drink now through 2025
    93 points
    Wine Spectator

    Bollinger’s NV Special Cuvée knocks it out of the park. Made from 60% Pinot Noir, 25% Chardonnay and the rest Pinot Meunier, with 30% of the blend brought up in barrels, it boasts a rich, deep, medium to full-bodied style as well as terrific notes of lemon curd, crème brûlée, caramelized stone fruits, and hints of toasty nuttiness that develop with time in the glass. It’s a big, rich Champagne that stays balanced and pure. Beautiful stuff. Drink 2018-2028.
    93 points
    JebDunnuck.com

    Fine bubbles combine nicely with the cooked apples, pie crust and lemon rind. Some biscuit, too. Full body. Layered and creamy with a crisp finish. Always delicious. Drink now.
    92 points
    JamesSuckling.com

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    2014 Bollinger La Grande Annee Champagne
    Champagne, FRANCE
    $275. 00
    Bottle
    $3300.00 Dozen
    Cellar: Drink now - 8 Years (2022-2030)
    ABV: 12%
    Closure: Cork

    Powerful and complex this is a stunning rendition of Bollinger’s La Grande Annee

    A blend of 61% Pinot Noir and 39% Chardonnay sourced from 19 different crus, mainly Ay and Verzenay for the Pinot Noir whilst for the Chardonnay Chouilly and Oiry. Fermented entirely in aged oak barrels.
    A fine, satiny mousse slowly recedes to reveal a pale straw gold tinged coloured base that has a nibble stream of delicate bubbles flowing through it. The nose is magnificent, complex aromatics of baked bread, yeast lees and brioche soar from the glass with cashew, subtle citrus, hazelnut and ginger ensuing. On the palate Bollinger’s hallmark richness and power are shaped by vivid acidity with mouth filling flavours of baked bread, citrus, yeast lees and cashew trailed by some brioche and almond like characters. Dry chalk tinged finish with a long airy yet sculptured aftertaste.
    Drink over the next 6-8 years.
    Alc. 12%

    Other Reviews....
    Offering up complex aromas of crisp yellow orchard fruit, confit citrus, frangipane, walnuts, dried white flowers and subtle hints of iodine, Bollinger's 2014 Brut La Grande Année is medium to full-bodied, pillowy and vinous, with an elegantly fleshy core of fruit that's underpinned by racy acids and complemented by a pretty pinpoint mousse. Concluding with a long, chalky finish, this is a charming but precise Grande Année that's more giving and demonstrative than its immediate predecessor, the 2012, but which attains a very similar level of quality in a more challenging vintage—testimony to the serious viticulture that underpins Bollinger's contemporary excellence. Drink 2021 - 2045.
    95 points
    William Kelley - Wine Advocate (Mar 2022)

    The 2014 La Grande Année is stunning. In fact, it is one of the best recent editions I can remember tasting. What comes through most is the wine’s sizzling energy and tension, qualities that aren’t often associated with Bollinger, where the Champagnes tend to show more breadth and volume. In 2014, readers will find a Grande Année built on linear intensity and drive.
    The 2014 is a blend taken from 19 villages, 61% Pinot Noir and 39% Chardonnay instead of the more typical 70/30 mix. For the second time in two decades (the first was 2007), Verzenay takes the lead in the Pinots over Aÿ, more or less an inverse from the norm. Verzenay, a north-facing village in the Montagne de Reims that saw less rain than Aÿ and most of the Vallée de la Marne, yields Pinots of energy more than volume. That, married with Chardonnays mostly from the Côtes des Blancs (predominantly Chouilly, Vertus, Oiry and Cramant), results in a truly magical Grande Année that will delight Champagne fans for several decades. I can’t recommend the 2014 highly enough. It’s a total knock-out. Disgorged: April, 2021. Dosage: 8 grams per liter. Drink 2024-2044.
    98 points
    Antonio Galloni - Vinous

    Racy acidity drives this mouthwatering Champagne, enlivening the rich panoply of flavors. Features a fine and creamy mousse that's still a lively springboard for aromas and flavors of crème de cassis, glazed tangerine, roasted hazelnut, ground coffee, pickled ginger and white blossoms. Long and satiny, with minerally salt and chalk notes gaining momentum on the lasting finish. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Disgorged July 2021. Drink now through 2037.
    97 points
    Alison Napjus - Wine Spectator

    With the hallmark Bollinger richness that is derived from fermentation in wood and a high percentage of Pinot Noir in the blend, this grand wine is ripe, full of apple and spice flavors. It is drinkable now, but still young. Keep until 2024.
    97 points
    Wine Enthusiast

    This classic blend of pinot noir and chardonnay (61/39 per cent) is drawn from 19 crus, the base wine fermented in oak on tirage until disgorged October ’21. Superb wine, with ultimate balance between the robust pinot noir and airy freshness of the chardonnay; great length. Drink until 2024.
    98 points
    James Halliday's Top 100 Wines of 2022

    The 2014 Champagne La Grande Annee Brut is 61% Pinot Noir and the rest Chardonnay, with 7 grams per liter dosage, and sees more fruit coming from Verzenay. I loved this wine last year, and it did not disappoint at this tasting either. Perfumed and mineral-tinged notes of saline and lemon custard lift from the glass, and it’s medium to full bodied on the palate, taking on a more focused and linear feel while remaining quite powerful, with salty minerality. I love the tension this brings, with a long, persistent spine of acidity, and it’s aging at a very slow rate. Drink 2024-2044. Disgorged in February 2023.
    96 points
    Audrey Frick - JebDunnuck.com

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    • Reduced
    Bollinger Rose Champagne
    Champagne, FRANCE
    Reduced from $135.00
    $125. 00
    Bottle
    $1500.00 Dozen
    ABV: 12%
    Closure: Diam Cork

    Produced from a blend of 62% Pinot Noir, 24% Chardonnay, 14% Meunier with only 5-6% red wine added. Over 85% coming from Grand and Premiers Cru vineyards.

    A pillowy mousse slowly subsides to reveal a salmon pink coloured base that has a nibble stream of bubbles flowing through to the surface. Delightful strawberry, cherry, baked bread and yeast lees aromas fill the nostrils with hints of blood orange, toast and brioche also evident. Rich and full flavoured yet wonderfully finessed, the palate is engulfed with strawberry, cherry, yeast lees and brioche characters which are complimented by some delicate toast and chalky elements. Creamy textured it finishes dry with invigorating acidity and a long airy aftertaste. A wonderful Rose Champagne to savour through the summer months.
    Alc. 12%

    Other Reviews….
    Deep red-berry nose, plus some nectarine, spice and candied-orange notes. Powerful and fresh, the hint of tannin from the red-wine component of the blend neatly balanced by the creaminess. Excellent textural complexity, then a long, delicately spicy and mineral finish. Disgorged in June 2021. Drink now.
    93 points
    JamesSuckling.com

    Sleek and elegant, this finely knit rosé Champagne offers flavors of ripe cherry, blood orange granita and slivered almond, with aromatic accents of graphite, star anise and verbena. Long and creamy on the vibrant finish. Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier. Drink now through 2028. 
    93 points
    Wine Spectator

    The NV Brut Rosé, which was first introduced in 2008, offers classic, slightly tertiary notes of spiced cherries, dried strawberries, and rose petals. Clean, crisp, and chiseled on the palate, it’s much more firm and tight than the Special Cuvée, yet has a great finish, impeccable balance, and bright acidity. A blend of 62% Pinot Noir, 24% Chardonnay and the rest Pinot Meunier, with 30% vinified in barrel, it spent 30 to 36 months on lees. Give it a year or so.
    92+ points
    JebDunnuck.com

    The latest release of Bollinger's NV Brut Rosé is showing especially well, offering up complex aromas of sweet stone fruit, honeycomb, freshly baked bread and orange oil, followed by a medium to full-bodied, pillowy and vinous palate. Layered and concentrated, with a pretty pinpoint mousse and ripe but racy acids, it concludes with a long, expansive finish.
    92 points
    William Kelley - Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate

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    • Reduced
    Bollinger Special Cuvee Brut Champagne
    Champagne, FRANCE
    Reduced from $99.99
    $84. 99
    Bottle
    $1019.88 Dozen
    ABV: 12%
    Closure: Diam Cork

    Bollinger’s trademark depth and richness are on full show here. A blend of 60% Pinot Noir, 25% Chardonnay and 15% Pinot Meunier with over 85% of the blend sourced from Grand and Premier crus.
    Pours with a fluffy white mousse.The base colour is pale straw with tinges of gold around the edges. Very fine bead with a steady stream of bubbles. The nose exhibits Bollinger’s hallmark richness with pronounced aromas of baked bread, yeast lees and oily toast like characters followed by cashew, almond and citrus notes. Rich, mouthfilling flavours of baked bread, yeast lees, oily toast like characters, citrus and cashew. Creamy textural feel with good freshness on the finish. Long aftertaste of baked bread, oily toast like characters, yeast lees and cashew.
    Alc 12%

    Other Reviews....
    Surely the most underpriced champagne on the market today, yet one of the most complex. The 60/25/15% pinot noir/chardonnay/pinot meunier blend is of scant importance compared with the 400 components with 60% reserves, the oldest 8+ years old. Majestically complex and layered in a jewelled crown of freshness.
    96 points
    James Halliday's Top 100 2020

    This harmonious Champagne is wonderfully vibrant as it dances across the palate, with the satinlike mousse carrying flavors of white cherry, Marcona almond and ground coffee that show accents of candied kumquat, ginger, aromatic verbena and graphite. A streak of racy salinity emerges on mouthwatering finish. Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier. Drink now through 2025
    93 points
    Wine Spectator

    A rich though youthful golden hue, the NV Champagne Special Cuvée Brut is classic and ripe with lush, rounded, and complex aromas of golden apricot, hazelnut, wet stone, and black cherry. Made with 45% of the wine coming from the 2019 vintage, with 55% reserve wine, it’s full-bodied yet elegant and light on its feet, with a ripe and luxurious feel and just a hint of warmth on the finish. The mousse is refined and rounded. Long on the palate, it's inviting now but will have plenty of life ahead of it if stored property. This exceptional cuvée with its distinctive personality continues to be one of the best entry wines to the range from this house and is a benchmark wine for them.
    93 points
    Audrey Frick - JebDunnuck.com

    Fine bubbles combine nicely with the cooked apples, pie crust and lemon rind. Some biscuit, too. Full body. Layered and creamy with a crisp finish. Always delicious. Drink now.
    92 points
    JamesSuckling.com

    • 91
    Borgo Molino Prosecco Extra Dry DOC Treviso
    ITALY
    $24. 99
    Bottle
    $299.88 Dozen
    Cellar: Drink now (2022)
    ABV: 11%
    Closure: Cork

    Pours with a fluffy white mousse which dissipates to reveal a pale straw coloured base that’s finely threaded by a steady stream of bubbles. Distinct pear and red apple aromas blossom from the glass with hints of musk, citrus and sherbet also evident. Fruity pear and apple flavours drive the palate with some citrus and sherbet like characters on the back half. Airy mouthfeel finishing dry and scrumptious.
    Alc. 11%

    • 93
    • Hot Item
    • Nick's Import
    2021 Bouvet Saphir Brut Vintage
    Saumur, Loire Valley, FRANCE
    $23. 99
    Bottle
    $287.88 Dozen
    Cellar: Drink now - 3 Years (2024-2027)
    ABV: 12.5%
    Closure: Cork

    Outside of Champagne, Bouvet is the most awarded Sparkling Wine House in France, garnering praise from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, Decanter Magazine and others. After many years of ownership by Champagne Taittinger, Bouvet Ladubay is once again fully owned by the Monmousseau family who have continuously run the business since their purchase in 1932. Bouvet Ladubay employs precisely the same wine making process as Grand Marque Champagne, delivering French sophistication at an everyday price.

    Without a doubt one of the best value sparklings on the market today.

    A blend of Chenin Blanc and Chardonnay that’s aged for a minimum of 18 months on lees. Pours with an exuberant frothy white mousse that slowly subsides to reveal a pale straw coloured base that’s finely threaded by a stream of tiny bubbles. Green to red apple and lime aromas flow through the nostrils with some sherbet, baked pear and yeast lees notes also evident. The stimulating palate is filled with pear, green apple and lime fruits which are shaped by racy chalk tinged acidity. Delicate quince and bready like characters lie underneath. Light, airy feel finishing dry, vivid and highly refreshing.
    Drink over the next 2-3 years.
    Alc. 12.5%

    • 92
    • Hot Item
    • Nick's Import
    Bouvet 1851 Brut Rose
    Loire Valley, FRANCE
    $23. 99
    Bottle
    $287.88 Dozen
    ABV: 12.5%
    Closure: Diam Cork

    Bouvet Ladubay is regarded by many wine lovers as the finest expression of sparkling wine from the Loire Valley. After many years of ownership by Champagne Taittinger, Bouvet Ladubay is once again fully owned by the Monmousseau family who have continuously run the business since their purchase in 1932. Bouvet Ladubay employs precisely the same wine making process as Grand Marque Champagne, delivering French sophistication at an everyday price. 
    Produced from Cabernet Franc grapes this delightful Sparkling Rose pours with a frothy mousse that shows good hold over a pale salmon tinged base that has a steady stream of generous bubbles flowing through it. Attractive raspberry and strawberry aromas are complimented by some peach, subtle yeast lees and citrus notes. On the palate delicious peach and strawberry fruits carry an appealing fleshy feel with delicate toast and yeast lees characters lingering underneath. Brisk, racy acidity finishing dry, creamy textured and refreshing.
    Alc. 12.5%

    • 92
    Bouvet Saumur Brut de Loire
    Saumur, Loire Valley, FRANCE
    $23. 99
    Bottle
    $287.88 Dozen
    ABV: 12.5%
    Closure: Diam Cork

    After many years of ownership by Champagne Taittinger, Bouvet Ladubay is once again fully owned by the Monmousseau family who have continuously run the business since their purchase in 1932. Bouvet Ladubay employs precisely the same wine making process as Grand Marque Champagne, delivering French sophistication at an everyday price. The grapes for the Bouvet 'Blanc' Methode Traditionnelle are Chenin Blanc, which had been grown in the Loire Valley prior to the Roman conquest of France. Bouvet source their grapes from 120 properties around Saumur - spread over an area of 15 x 30 kilometres. The notion of using such a diversity of vineyard sites is to provide complexity to the base wines. Domaine Chandon in the Yarra Valley employ a similar process. These 120 micro climates each provide the blender with base material that when blended together will create the sensation of considerable complexity. The art of blending is critical and at Bouvet the third generation of blenders from the same family are in charge - in fact they have been creating the blend for the last 60 years.
    Produced from predominately Chenin Blanc grapes with the addition of some Chardonnay. An exuberant mousse dissipates to reveal a pale straw coloured base that has pale gold tinged edges and a fine persistent bead flowing through it. Lifted ripe pear and red apple scents are followed by some quince and yeasty brioche like notes. Nicely rounded and full in the mouth the palate features pear and apple fruits over brioche and yeast lees characters. Finishes dry with lively acidity and a dash of quince. Concludes gently creamy and very flavoursome.
    Alc. 12.5%

    Bouvet Saphir Saumur Brut Vintage Magnum (1500ml)
    Saumur, Loire Valley, FRANCE
    $54. 99
    Bottle
    $659.88 Dozen
    ABV: 12.5%
    Closure: Cork

    Bouvet Ladubay is regarded by many wine lovers as the finest expression of sparkling wine from the Loire Valley. The house was founded in 1851 by Etienne Bouvet, the son of a vigneron-sommelier who encouraged the young Bouvet in the wine trade. Recognizing the Loire's terroir to be extremely well-suited to the production of sparkling wines, he settled on the bank of the Loire River just outside the town of Saumur. Ms. Ladubay, Etienne’s accountant, soon became his wife, and the firm was christened “Bouvet-Ladubay”.

    Bouvet is regarded by many wine lovers as the finest expression of sparkling wine from the Loire Valley


    After many years of ownership by Champagne Taittinger, Bouvet Ladubay is once again fully owned by the Monmousseau family who have continuously run the business since their purchase in 1932. Bouvet Ladubay employs precisely the same wine making process as Grand Marque Champagne, delivering French sophistication at an everyday price. The grapes for the Bouvet 'Blanc' methode champenoise are predominantly Chenin Blanc, a varietal which has been grown in the Loire Valley prior to the Roman conquest of France. Bouvet source their grapes from 120 properties around Saumur - spread over an area of 15 x 30 kilometres. The notion of using such a diversity of vineyard sites is to provide complexity to the base wines. Domaine Chandon in the Yarra Valley employ a similar process. These 120 micro climates each provide the wine maker with base material that when blended together will create the sensation of considerable complexity. The art of blending is critical and at Bouvet the third generation of blenders from the same family are in charge - in fact they have been creating the blend for the last 60 years. State of the art, temperature controlled stainless-steel fermentation tanks, computer-regulated 'gyropallets,' or riddling machines, highly advanced freezing and disgorging equipment and micro-wave cork heaters have brought Bouvet’s vinification facility to the technical forefront. The winery itself, however, remains an impressive monument to the region’s history with the wines spending their final maturation period within freestone cellars built by Saint Florent monks around 1040. These tunnels cover some 2.6 hectares with eight kilometres of subterranean cellars - storage capacity for some 7,000,000 bottles!

    • 93
    • Nick's Import
    Bouvet 1851 Sparkling Brut
    FRANCE
    $19. 99
    Bottle
    $239.88 Dozen
    ABV: 12.5%
    Closure: Diam Cork

    A new entry level sparkling from Bouvet that delivers great value. A fluffy white mousse sits atop a pale straw coloured base that has a very fine and persistent bead. Baked pear and spicy apple aromas show good intensity. Light toast, citrus and baked bread aromas ensue. Refreshing pear and ripe apple flavours fill the mouth giving it a lightly creamed feel. Subtle honeyed toast and citrus nuances are also evident. Dry crisp finish. Surprisingly good length and a medium to long aftertaste. Hard to beat at this price.
    Alc. 12.5%

    • Nick's Import
    Bouvet Saphir Saumur Brut Vintage Double Magnum (3000ml)
    Saumur, Loire Valley, FRANCE
    $180. 00
    Bottle
    $2160.00 Dozen
    ABV: 12.5%
    Closure: Cork

    Bouvet Ladubay is regarded by many wine lovers as the finest expression of sparkling wine from the Loire Valley. The house was founded in 1851 by Etienne Bouvet, the son of a vigneron-sommelier who encouraged the young Bouvet in the wine trade. Recognizing the Loire's terroir to be extremely well-suited to the production of sparkling wines, he settled on the bank of the Loire River just outside the town of Saumur. Ms. Ladubay, Etienne’s accountant, soon became his wife, and the firm was christened “Bouvet-Ladubay”. After many years of ownership by Champagne Taittinger, Bouvet Ladubay is once again fully owned by the Monmousseau family who have continuously run the business since their purchase in 1932. Bouvet Ladubay employs precisely the same wine making process as Grand Marque Champagne, delivering French sophistication at an everyday price.

    The grapes for the Bouvet 'Blanc' methode champenoise are predominantly Chenin Blanc, a varietal which has been grown in the Loire Valley prior to the Roman conquest of France. Bouvet source their grapes from 120 properties around Saumur - spread over an area of 15 x 30 kilometres. The notion of using such a diversity of vineyard sites is to provide complexity to the base wines. Domaine Chandon in the Yarra Valley employ a similar process. These 120 micro climates each provide the wine maker with base material that when blended together will create the sensation of considerable complexity. The art of blending is critical and at Bouvet the third generation of blenders from the same family are in charge - in fact they have been creating the blend for the last 60 years. State of the art, temperature controlled stainless-steel fermentation tanks, computer-regulated 'gyropallets,' or riddling machines, highly advanced freezing and disgorging equipment and micro-wave cork heaters have brought Bouvet’s vinification facility to the technical forefront. The winery itself however, remains an impressive monument to the region’s history with the wines spending their final maturation period within freestone cellars built by Saint Florent monks around 1040 AD. These tunnels cover some 2.6 hectares with eight kilometres of subterranean cellars - storage capacity for some 7,000,000 bottles!

    Tasting notes: Our new shipment of Bouvet Saphir has arrived. The wine delivers creamy white mousse, with fine bead of moderate persistence. Straw coloured base wine. The nose has more pronounced lift than that of previous vintages, hints of toast, lees, baked apple and biscuit emerge. Full bodied palate, with excellent flavour profile. Creamy texture, flavours of baked apple over hints of toast, biscuit and citrus. Fresh, crisp acid finish, followed by a long lemon, biscuit and baked apple aftertaste. Cellar 3-4 years Alc/Vol: 12.5%  Very Limited Stocks of the Double Magnum bottlings.

    • Hot Item
    • Nick's Import
    Bouvet Saphir Saumur Brut Vintage Methuselah (6000ml)
    Saumur, Loire Valley, FRANCE
    $380. 00
    Bottle
    $4560.00 Dozen
    ABV: 12.5%
    Closure: Cork

    Bouvet Ladubay is regarded by many wine lovers as the finest expression of sparkling wine from the Loire Valley. The house was founded in 1851 by Etienne Bouvet, the son of a vigneron-sommelier who encouraged the young Bouvet in the wine trade. Recognizing the Loire's terroir to be extremely well-suited to the production of sparkling wines, he settled on the bank of the Loire River just outside the town of Saumur. Ms. Ladubay, Etienne’s accountant, soon became his wife, and the firm was christened “Bouvet-Ladubay”. After many years of ownership by Champagne Taittinger, Bouvet Ladubay is once again fully owned by the Monmousseau family who have continuously run the business since their purchase in 1932. Bouvet Ladubay employs precisely the same wine making process as Grand Marque Champagne, delivering French sophistication at an everyday price. 

    The grapes for the Bouvet 'Blanc' methode champenoise are predominantly Chenin Blanc, a varietal which has been grown in the Loire Valley prior to the Roman conquest of France. Bouvet source their grapes from 120 properties around Saumur - spread over an area of 15 x 30 kilometres. The notion of using such a diversity of vineyard sites is to provide complexity to the base wines. Domaine Chandon in the Yarra Valley employ a similar process. These 120 micro climates each provide the wine maker with base material that when blended together will create the sensation of considerable complexity. The art of blending is critical and at Bouvet the third generation of blenders from the same family are in charge - in fact they have been creating the blend for the last 60 years. State of the art, temperature controlled stainless-steel fermentation tanks, computer-regulated 'gyropallets,' or riddling machines, highly advanced freezing and disgorging equipment and micro-wave cork heaters have brought Bouvet’s vinification facility to the technical forefront. The winery itself however, remains an impressive monument to the region’s history with the wines spending their final maturation period within freestone cellars built by Saint Florent monks around 1040 AD. These tunnels cover some 2.6 hectares with eight kilometres of subterranean cellars - storage capacity for some 7,000,000 bottles!

    Tasting notes: Our new shipment of Bouvet Saphir has arrived. The wine delivers creamy white mousse, with fine bead of moderate persistence. Straw coloured base wine. The nose has more pronounced lift than that of previous vintages, hints of toast, lees, baked apple and biscuit emerge. Full bodied palate, with excellent flavour profile. Creamy texture, flavours of baked apple over hints of toast, biscuit and citrus. Fresh, crisp acid finish, followed by a long lemon, biscuit and baked apple aftertaste. Cellar 3-4 years (2009-2010) Alc/Vol: 12.5%   Very Limited Stocks of the Imperial bottlings.

    • 93
    • Nick's Import
    Bouvet Saphir Saumur Brut (375ml)
    Saumur, Loire Valley, FRANCE
    $16. 99
    Bottle
    $203.88 Dozen
    ABV: 12.5%
    Closure: Cork

    After many years of ownership by Champagne Taittinger, Bouvet Ladubay is once again fully owned by the Monmousseau family who have continuously run the business since their purchase in 1932. Bouvet Ladubay employs precisely the same wine making process as Grand Marque Champagne, delivering French sophistication at an everyday price. The new vintage of our best selling sparkling pours well with a creamy white mousse that dissipates to reveal a pale straw coloured base wine with a very fine bead that shows excellent persistence. On the nose top notes of pear and baked apple are followed by some toastiness and subtle lees characters. Vibrant and fresh the palate has flavours of baked apple and pear followed by some toasty lees like characters and citrus on the clean crisp dry finish. Aftertaste of pear, citrus and some toasty lees. 
    Drink over the next 2-3 years. 
    Alc 12.5%

    • 93
    • Hot Item
    • Nick's Import
    Bouvet Rubis Excellence
    Saumur, Loire Valley, FRANCE
    $23. 99
    Bottle
    $287.88 Dozen
    ABV: 12.5%
    Closure: Cork

    After many years of ownership by Champagne Taittinger, Bouvet Ladubay is once again fully owned by the Monmousseau family who have continuously run the business since their purchase in 1932. Bouvet Ladubay employs precisely the same wine making process as Grand Marque Champagne, delivering French sophistication at an everyday price. This is France's equivalent to sparkling Shiraz. Many don't know it, but Australia actually pinched the idea of Sparkling red from the French.
    Made from Cabernet Franc, Bouvet offer a delightful alternative interpretation that's in a lighter, drier style. Produced from Cabernet Franc this sparkling red pours with an excellent purple tinged frothy mousse that shows good hold. Dark ruby red base wine colour with very fine bead showing good persistence. The nose shows good lift with scents of ripe plum and blackcurrant dominate followed by some delicate toast and spice notes. Medium bodied the palate is filled with rich luscious blackcurrant and dark plum flavours along with some toast and a touch of spice on the dry finish. Creamy mouthfeel. Medium to long ripe blackcurrant, plum and spicy toast aftertaste.
    Drink over the next 1-2 years
    Alc 12.5%

    • 91
    Brimoncourt Brut Rose Champagne
    Champagne, FRANCE
    $89. 99
    Bottle
    $1079.88 Dozen
    Cellar: Drink now - 4 Years (2016-2020)
    ABV: 12.5%
    Closure: Cork

    Creamy, lightly pink tinged mousse with a pink, strawberry base wine colour. Very persistent fine bead. Subtle winter strawberry scents intermix with raspberry, plum, yeast lees and confectionary aromas. Refreshingly dry with creamy strawberry and raspberry flavours prevailing over some light toast and flinty mineral infusions. Finishes very dry with punchy acidity. Aftertaste of winter strawberry, raspberry, a light toastiness and flinty mineral infusions.
    Drink over the next 3-4 years.
    Alc 12.5%

    • 93
    • Special Order Product – Delayed Dispatch
    Brocard Pierre Tradition Champagne Brut d’Assemblage
    Champagne, FRANCE
    $89. 99
    Bottle
    $1079.88 Dozen
    Minimum 12 bottles
    ABV: 12%
    Closure: Diam Cork

    Made from a blend of 70% Pinot Noir, 25% Pinot Blanc and 5% Chardonnay sourced from the Celles-Sur-Ourge village made up of 75% 2020 vintage base wine and 25% reserve wines. Pours with a frothy mousse which holds well over a pale straw pale gold coloured base that has an energetic bead streaming through it. Yeast lees, baked bread and citrus aromas flood the nostrils with hints of ginger and chalk also evident. Tense and invigorating, the palate has a focused flavour profile of baked bread, citrus and yeast lees overlaying a subtle oily toast like back drop. Dry chalk tinged finish with crisp sculptured acidity.
    Alc. 12%

    • 93
    Brown Brothers Premium Cuvee NV
    King Valley, Victoria, AUSTRALIA
    $24. 99
    Bottle
    $299.88 Dozen
    Cellar: Drink now (2017)
    ABV: 12%
    Closure: Cork
    Pours well with a frothy white mousse that shows good hold. Bright pale straw colour with pale gold edges and a delicate yet profuse bead. Nosing yields a rich aromatic profile of oily baked bread, yeast lees and toast with hints of dried honey and roasted almonds also chipping in. Light and refreshing, yet with a soft creaminess the palate has flavours of baked bread and oily toast like characters intermixed with yeast lees, subtle dried honey and roasted almonds. Dry finish concluding with baked bread, oily toast like characters, yeast lees and almond. An excellent entry level sparkling that shows good richness and character.
    Drink now.
    Alc 12%
    • 92
    Ca di Alte Prosecco
    Veneto, ITALY
    $21. 99
    Bottle
    $263.88 Dozen
    Cellar: Drink now (2017)
    ABV: 11.5%
    Closure: Diam Cork

    Frothy white mousse showing good hold. Very pale straw coloured base wine threaded by a very fine and steady stream of tiny bubbles. Fresh ripe red apple and pear aromas emanate from the glass followed by hints of lemon sherbet and a subtle baked note. Light and airy as well as quite fruity, flavours of ripe pears and red apples are to the fore with a background of subtle lemon sherbet. Dry refreshing finish with crisp acidity and an aftertaste of ripe pears, baked apples and subtle lemon sherbet.
    Drink now.
    Alc. 11.5%

    • 95
    • Hot Item
    • Reduced
    Ca' Del Bosco Franciacorta Cuvee Prestige
    Lombardia, ITALY
    Reduced from $94.99
    $79. 99
    Bottle
    $959.88 Dozen
    ABV: 12.5%
    Closure: Cork

    In 1964 Annamaria Clementi purchased a small house called ‘Ca’ del bosc’ and two hectares of land, surrounded by chestnut woods. The first vineyards were planted in 1968 and two red wines were released in the early 1970’s. Her son Maurizio Zanella, inspired by a trip to Champagne at just 17 years of age, returned with a vision to make great sparkling wine. What was once a small house in the countryside has since grown to be the eminent sparkling wine in Italy and one of the best in the world. Cuvée Prestige is both the essence of Franciacorta and the Ca' del Bosco style. A combination of 134 vineyards contribute to the blend of 75% Chardonnay, 10% Pinot Bianco and 15% Pinot Nero. The grapes are vinified separately and 20% of reserve wines are selected from the cellars to give the wine its distinctive and complex character. The wine refines for 28 months before release and is bottled with just with 1.5 grams of sugar per litre (= Extra Brut) and 48mg of sulphur.
    A plentiful mousse holds well in the glass after being poured. A pale straw coloured base with flecks of pale gold around the edges has an exceptionally fine and persistent bead flowing through it. Pronounced ripe pear, baked apple and yeast lees aromas have a subtle dried honey overlay with emerging baked bread notes also evident. Quite rich and mouthfilling, flavours of pear, ripe apple, yeast lees, baked bread and citrus are backed by a sculptured spine of crisp acidity. Finishes dry with an aftertaste that’s long, refined and refreshing.
    Alc. 12.5%

    • 89
    Cester Camillo Rose Cuvee Extra Dry
    ITALY
    $26. 99
    Bottle
    $323.88 Dozen
    Minimum 12 bottles
    Cellar: Drink now (2018)
    ABV: 11%
    Closure: Cork

    A fine mousse quickly dissipates revealing a pale salmon coloured base that has a delicate stream of bubbles. Subdued nose with subtle peach and apple aromas melding into some toast. Fruity peach, ripe apple, strawberry and mango flavours intermix with a dash of citrus. Finishes dry with vibrant acidity. Aftertaste of peaches, strawberries, mango and subtle toast. A simple, fruity sparkling.
    Drink now.
    Alc. 11%

    2017 Chandon Vintage Brut
    AUSTRALIA
    $39. 99
    Bottle
    $479.88 Dozen
    ABV: 12.5%
    Closure: Cork

    Chandon Vintage Brut celebrates the finest cool climate sparkling grapes, with the fantastically cool vintage of 2017 producing a captivating expression of their flagship wine, showcasing elegance and finesse. The wine is crafted Méthode traditionnelle, with 5 years of aging on lees contributing to a creamy texture and layers of complexity. Ninety percent of the fruit comes from the Whitlands vineyard with an elevation of 850 meters and red soil, contributing to tight acidity and purity of fruit. A small amount from other prestigious regions is blended for added complexity.

    • 95
    • 97
    Chandon Etoile Release No. 1 Brut
    AUSTRALIA
    $110. 00
    Bottle
    $1320.00 Dozen
    Cellar: Drink now - 8 Years (2023-2031)
    ABV: 12.5%
    Closure: Diam Cork

    Etoile is Chandon’s master blend of eight outstanding reserve wines. A buoyant mousse shows good hold over a pale straw, gold tinged base that has a steady stream of nibble bubbles flowing through it. Greeting the nostrils are aromatics of pear, baked bread and oily toast like scents followed by some roasted almond and yeast lees notes. Mouth filling pear, baked bread, citrus and yeast lees flavours are sculptured by vivid acidity with some roasted almond and ginger characters resonating through the back half. Slightly oily yet vibrant texture. Finishes very dry and tense with a long chalk tinged aftertaste.
    Drink over the next 6-8 years.
    Alc. 12.5%

    Other Reviews....
    A true multi-vintage blend of eight years of Chandon’s Vintage Brut reserve wines held in barrel dating back to 2005. You’d think it might be too heavy and complex – but in fact it has exceptional balance, poise and length, with flavours spanning white peach to croissant, leading to a lingering fresh finish.
    97 points
    James Halliday's Top 100 2023

    An inaugural release. This is a true multi-vintage blend of eight years of Chandon’s Vintage Brut reserve wines held in barrel dating back to 2005, which may have been too heavy and complex. In fact, it has exceptional balance, poise and length, with flavours spanning white peach to croissant leading to a lingering fresh finish. Drink by 2028.
    97 points
    James Halliday - Australian Wine Companion

    Chandon Garden Spritz
    Yarra Valley, Victoria, AUSTRALIA
    $29. 99
    Bottle
    $359.88 Dozen
    ABV: 12.5%
    Closure: Cork

    Garden Spritz offers a convenient and shareable concoction, combining artisanal sparkling wine and a carefully crafted blend of navel and blood oranges, dried orange peel, along with natural herbs and spices. This exquisite fusion features the Chandon sparkling wine base harmoniously paired with locally produced, 100% natural orange bitters from the Yarra Valley. The Chardonnay grapes infuse vibrant citrus notes, while Pinot Noir, in tandem with handcrafted orange bitters, imparts that distinctive, completely natural orange vibrancy.
    All you need to do is add ice and a slice of orange, and for an added touch of drama, garnish with a sprig of rosemary.

    • 87
    Chandon Brut Rose
    South Eastern Australia, AUSTRALIA
    $29. 99
    Bottle
    $359.88 Dozen
    ABV: 12.5%
    Closure: Cork

    This sparkling pours with a good white creamy mousse showing good hold. Pale salmon pink base colour with a very fine bead showing excellent persistence. Very delicate nose of yeast lees, light Winter strawberry and a hint of toast. Clean crisp dry palate with very delicate flavours of Winter strawberry, confectionary and sherbet. Moderate aftertaste of Winter strawberry and lees.
    Drink now.
    Alc 12.5%

    Chandon Cuvee Riche
    Yarra Valley, Victoria, AUSTRALIA
    $41. 99
    Bottle
    $503.88 Dozen
    Closure: Cork

    Tasting notes sourced from Domaine Chandon

    This unique style is modelled on the French Champagne style 'doux'. The Cuvee Riche is unmistakably sweeter, richer and more luscious yet finishes refreshingly crisp.A blend of 58% Pinot Noir and 42% Chardonnay. The colour is bronze gold with a hint of yellow. The nose displays a complex mix of guava, vanilla, dried apricots, cashew nuts and brioche. The palate has lovely rich, complex fruit characters with lusciousness throughout the whole length of the palate leading to a fresh, clean finish.Cuvee Riche is a surprisingly adaptable wine, it can be enjoyed as a richer aperitif style and it is ideal with food such as foie gris, pate and smoked salmon. As a dessert wine, it best matches desserts of low sweetness such as tarte tatin, quince tart or summer pudding.

    • 96
    • 96
    Charles Heidsieck Blanc de Blancs Champagne
    Champagne, FRANCE
    $140. 00
    Bottle
    $1680.00 Dozen
    ABV: 12%
    Closure: Stelvin

    Includes 25% reserve wines. A buoyant lacy mousse floats over a pale straw coloured base that has hints of green to the edges. Flowing thru the core is a nibble stream of bubbles. Powerful and complex, the nose is filled with baked bread, yeast lees and citrus scents which meld into notions of oyster shell, cashew and faint dried honey. Graceful and airy across the palate with a satiny feel, vivid pear, citrus, baked bread and yeast lees flavours are complimented by subtle dried honey and cashew nuances. Finishes dry with mouth watering acidity and long refined aftertaste.
    Alc. 12%

    Other Reviews....
    “Charles” came through a near-death experience in 2012, emerging stronger than ever. The glistening green hue announces a luscious 100% chardonnay with a full hand based on 10 crus, all eagerly sought. It’s a balancing act between youth and age, a wine of finesse and length, the dosage of 10g/l hidden in the magician’s hat.
    96 points
    James Halliday's Top 100 2023

    • 96
    • 95
    • 96
    2007 Charles Heidsieck Blanc des Millenaires Brut Champagne
    Champagne, FRANCE
    $450. 00
    Bottle
    $5400.00 Dozen
    ABV: 12%
    Closure: Cork

    Other Reviews....
    Cyril Brun considers the 2007 vintage more interesting for Chardonnay than 2008, and Charles Heidsieck's 2007 Brut Blanc de Blancs Blanc des Millénaires is certainly a compelling wine. Unwinding in the glass with scents of crisp stone fruits, honeycomb, buttered pastry, yellow apples, pear and freshly baked bread, it's full-bodied, ample and seamless, with a concentrated core of fruit and a chiseled, racy profile. Combining generosity and tension, it's a terrific new release. Drink 2023 - 2043.
    95 points
    William Kelley - Wine Advocate (Sep 2022)

    Intense oyster-shell and candied-lemon aromas pull you into this very elegant champagne, which is so precise on the sleek and focused palate with a finish of crystalline purity and brightness. Still really youthful, thanks to the uplifting freshness! A Blanc de Blancs from 5 top Crus in the Côte des Blancs. Drink or hold.
    96 points
    JamesSuckling.com

    Seven up for Charles Heidsieck; the seventh release of their magnificent Blanc des Millénaires Champagne, the 2007. Their charismatic chef de caves, Cyril Brun, describes the wine as ‘dangerous’, as in dangerously good, and it is hard not to concur. The legendary Daniel Thibault, who made the first Blanc des Millénaires in 1983, was aspiring to make a very specific style of Chardonnay, rich and indulgent at the same time as being classical and rigorous of construction, a deft paradox in other words. The 2007, child of a cooler, more linear vintage than the rather heady 2006, has achieved this ambition with great aplomb. Cyril is confident that stylistically the 2007 will be closest to the 2004 and the 1995, both greatly lauded and both of which have had an unfailing capacity to win virtually every competition into which they are entered. The pale gold shimmers invitingly, its mousse discreet yet persistent, its aromatics hitherto dominated by notes of grapefruit, yuzu, citrus and quince, behind that sourdough, flint-stone and intimations of toast and honey, both of which will become more pronounced over the splendours of a long life. 20% each of five great villages, all but Vertus ranked as Grand Cru, have provided the raw materials for this most magisterial of Blanc de Blancs Champagnes. Dosed at 7.3g/L (the lowest ever at Charles) and disgorged in July 2021, with a smart new bottle design. Drink 2022 - 2032.
    96 points
    Simon Field MW - Decanter

    • 96
    • 97
    Charles Heidsieck Champagne Charlie (Cellared in 2017) Brut Champagne
    Champagne, FRANCE
    $999. 00
    Bottle
    $11988.00 Dozen
    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

    • 96
    • Hot Item
    • 96
    • 94
    Charles Heidsieck Brut Reserve Champagne
    Champagne, FRANCE
    $99. 99
    Bottle
    $1199.88 Dozen
    ABV: 12%
    Closure: Cork

    This blend of 40% Pinot Noir, 40% Chardonnay and 20% Pinot Meunier is sourced from up to 60 different Crus in order to maximise complexity and is made up of 50% reserve wines, many of them more than 10 years old to provide additional richness. Pours well with a creamy white mousse and pale gold base wine colour. Very fine delicate bead showing excellent persistence. Refined aromas of yeast lees and brioche are overlaid by some toastiness with following notes of baked bread and cashew. Showing both richness and finesse the palate has seamlessly integrated flavours of baked bread, yeast lees and toastiness over some almond and brioche. Clean dry finish with a moderately creamy mouthfeel. Long aftertaste of baked bread, yeast lees, cashew and toasty brioche.
    Drink this outstanding Champagne over the next 4-5 years.
    Alc. 12%

    Other Reviews....
    Charles Heidsieck might be nicknamed Poor Man’s Krug given the astonishing number of vintages in the reserve wines, their age (10 years in tank), and the seven years the wine spends on lees once blended and bottled. It is an exceptional wine in the mouth, supple, layered, complex and long.
    96 points
    James Halliday - Australian Wine Companion

    Remarkable depth of mature aromas - tons of candied lemon peel, dried pear and brioche - plus wonderful textural richness on the palate make this stand out amongst the regular Brut NVs. Then comes the intense and very long, mineral finish to crown this prince of the category. Based on 2016 base wines, but with 52% reserve wines, almost a third of which were 10 to 20 years of age. Drink or hold.
    94 points
    JamesSuckling.com

    • 96
    • 96
    • 94
    Charles Heidsieck Brut Reserve Champagne Magnum (1500ml)
    Champagne, FRANCE
    $250. 00
    Bottle
    $3000.00 Dozen
    ABV: 12%
    Closure: Cork

    This blend of 40% Pinot Noir, 40% Chardonnay and 20% Pinot Meunier is sourced from up to 60 different Crus in order to maximise complexity and is made up of 50% reserve wines, many of them more than 10 years old to provide additional richness. Pours well with a creamy white mousse and pale gold base wine colour. Very fine delicate bead showing excellent persistence. Refined aromas of yeast lees and brioche are overlaid by some toastiness with following notes of baked bread and cashew. Showing both richness and finesse the palate has seamlessly integrated flavours of baked bread, yeast lees and toastiness over some almond and brioche. Clean dry finish with a moderately creamy mouthfeel. Long aftertaste of baked bread, yeast lees, cashew and toasty brioche.
    Drink this outstanding Champagne over the next 4-5 years.
    Alc. 12%

    Other Reviews....
    Charles Heidsieck might be nicknamed Poor Man’s Krug given the astonishing number of vintages in the reserve wines, their age (10 years in tank), and the seven years the wine spends on lees once blended and bottled. It is an exceptional wine in the mouth, supple, layered, complex and long.
    96 points
    James Halliday - Australian Wine Companion

    Remarkable depth of mature aromas - tons of candied lemon peel, dried pear and brioche - plus wonderful textural richness on the palate make this stand out amongst the regular Brut NVs. Then comes the intense and very long, mineral finish to crown this prince of the category. Based on 2016 base wines, but with 52% reserve wines, almost a third of which were 10 to 20 years of age. Drink or hold.
    94 points
    JamesSuckling.com

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Buy Sparkling Wines from around the world in Our Online Store

French Champagne is not an everyday luxury for many. Thankfully, over the past few decades the production of Sparkling Wine in Australia has made a quantum leap, and to be fair, much of the increased quality is because of the presence of French know-how. The most prestigious and expensive technique for Sparkling wine production has become known as 'Methode Champenoise' (fermentation in the bottle). As we have all learnt to our joy, sparkling wines produced by Methode Champenoise, as opposed to other techniques, invariably result in a superior drink. But it is a very difficult wine to make - costly, time consuming, even risky.

The two key grape varieties employed are Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, though warmer regions may favour others. Chardonnay gives life, acid, freshness and aging potential to methode champenoise, though care must be taken to avoid excess maturity, particularly in warmer climates, which can produce a dominant, aggressively varietal character. Warm climate Chardonnay cuvees may suffer from a narrow flavour profile, high "melony" aroma notes and lack of freshness, liveliness and length. Additionally, rich fertile soils can cause this variety to produce foliage and grassy aromas. When combined with Pinot Meunier, Chardonnay has a greater capacity to age harmoniously and for a longer time. Pinot Noir adds depth, complexity, backbone, strength, and fullness (what the French call "carpentry") to methode champenoise wines but is seldom used by itself, even in Blanc de Noirs. Contact us directly for any assistance… We taste and rate many of the bubblies before you do, meaning we help take the guesswork out of your online purchase. Call our us today on 1800 069 295 should you have any questions about our collection or click here to learn more about Sparkling wine production.