Champagne, Martinborough, Pino...
Champagne
The chalky soils of Champagne combined with its frigid growing environment create wines that are electric and salivating. But it’s the creation of bubbles that makes these wines stand out.
The bubbles are formed during a secondary fermentation in bottle, known as Méthode Traditionelle. The longer they age, the more nougat and brioche flavours develop and the finer the bead (bubble) becomes.
In terms of who invented Champagne, the English make a strong case as they worked out the formula for purposely making the fizz happen and their stronger coal-fired glass bottles - resulting from the Industrial Revolution - could hold the pressure. Whereas the French were still bottling in wood-fired glass which wasn’t strong enough and they hadn’t cracked the technique of creating bubbles on purpose.
Grapes
White: Chardonnay
Red: Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier
Styles
Nowhere in the world can emulate the fineness and electric detail of these wines. Non-vintage Champagnes should be enjoyed earlier in their lives, while vintage wines have more structure and can age beautifully. House styles differ too. Blanc des Blancs (100% Chardonnay) offer a more elegant and fragile expression while Blanc des Noirs (100% Pinot and or Meunier) are darker fruited with more obvious structure and power.
Favourite Producers
Pierre Peters, Louis Roederer, Vilmart, Andre Clouet, Taittinger, Larmandier, Egly-Ouriet, Jacques Selosse
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Palliser Estate Pencarrow Pinot Noir 2022More product information will be added here soon! In the meantime, if you do have any questions at all about this product or others in our store, you can contact us by phone or email. Our friendly and experienced team are always happy to assist - we love drinking, selling, talking about and being in and around wine!
2022Pinot noirNew Zealand435$31.00 As low as $27.90 -
Te Kairanga Runholder Pinot Noir 2022A purity and freshness to this with flowers, strawberries and lemons. Medium body with a tight linearity. Racy tannins here with focus and clarity. 30% Abel with Dijon clones and Pommard. Drink or hold. Screw cap. JAMES SUCKLING2022Pinot noirNew Zealand435$46.00 As low as $41.40 -
Ata Rangi Crimson Pinot Noir 2023A departure from the typically broad-shouldered expression of Crimson, this is a reflection of the 2023 vintage. Instead of making three single vineyards, plus the estate pinot and the Crimson pinot in 2023, winemaker Helen Masters responded to the cool, wet conditions by crafting an estate-wide blend for the Crimson as the only still pinot noir in the cellar that year. This is clearly a lighter year, but there’s also a delicate, elegant side which emerges from the shadows—it’s an ethereal wine which speaks in whispers and echoes.
Light ruby. Floral, delicate nose with subtle aromas of pot-pourri, wild berry and rosehip. A light, crisp palate with crystalline, light-weight tangy flavours and a subtly savoury finish which rests on bony, chalky, fine tannins. Volnay-esque in its expression of lightness and clarity, like lace stained with cherry. Accessible now but it will unfurl and evolve within the context of its more contemplative, delicate style, at least in the mid-term. STEPHEN WONG MW, Real Review
2023Pinot noirNew Zealand435$47.00 As low as $42.30 -
Escarpment Pinot Noir 2021The 2021 Pinot Noir is svelte and balanced; it's really settled into itself now at two years post-harvest. There's a nice, fleshy green parsley note on the nose. The fruit tastes ripe and fleshy and feels it in the mouth too. Nice mineral acidity shapes the wine and keeps it alive in the mouth. This is super pleasurable drinking here. There are pomegranate pearls and pink peppercorns. There is energy here. 13% alcohol, sealed under screw cap.
This is composed of 61.5% Te Muna Road Vineyard, with the balance from in town. It was plunged once daily and spent 20 days on the skins. Aging was in 22% new oak for 11 months, with a further nine months in tank. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. ERIN LARKIN, The Wine Advocate
Most if not all escarpment Pinots Noir need to be given the time to develop, build complexities and show their true potential. This was the legacy that Larry Mackenna and his team set, today’s team led by Tim Bourne is continuing this legacy easily showcased in this wine. Aromas and flavours are rich and taut, complex and detailed. A wine that opens up to reveal its potential after 3 days open. Dark berries and plum, spices and dried herb, savoury and complex, mushroom and smoke. Lengthy, dry and complex. Best drinking from 2026 through 2036. CAM DOUGLAS MW2021Pinot noirNew Zealand435$59.00 As low as $53.10 -
Palliser Estate Pinot Noir 2022Light-tinted, supple pinot noir with cherry, fresh herb, raspberry, chestnut and spicy oak flavours. Elegant wine in a relatively light style and with surprising power and a backbone of peppery tannins. BOB CAMBELL, The Real Review
; Hua Nui, Winery and Pencarrow. The fruit is a blend of Clones 667, 777, 115, 10/5, MV6 and Abel. All handpicked with 5% whole cluster. A period of cold soak followed by wild fermentations and gentle pumpovers and plunging. The wine is pressed to French Oak barrels and left to mature for a period of 10 months during which time it undergoes malolactic fermentation to soften the wine and add complexity.
2022Pinot noirNew Zealand435$62.00 As low as $55.80 -
Dublin St Pinot Noir 2019More product information will be added here soon! In the meantime, if you do have any questions at all about this product or others in our store, you can contact us by phone or email. Our friendly and experienced team are always happy to assist - we love drinking, selling, talking about and being in and around wine!
2019Pinot noirNew Zealand435$74.00 As low as $66.60 -
Escarpment Pahi Pinot Noir 2021The 2021 Pahi Pinot Noir has a gorgeous nose that's totally expressive and pure in its outlay of aroma, with Pink Lady apples, pomegranate pearls, layers of red cherry, white strawberry, star anise, a hint of arnica/mint and a ripple of sumac and blood orange/ginger spice through the finish. Superb, gorgeous with lovely energy. The nose is laced with freshly turned red earth, which is crazy because there is no "freshly turned red earth" in the vineyard, yet it is ferruginous, iodine-y, etc., which carries through all the 2021 single-vineyard Pinots. Tannins are silky. With 58% whole bunch, there's "big bunch energy," joked winemaker Tim Bourne. I agree.13.5% alcohol, sealed under screw cap.
Pahi tends to have a lifted perfume—"'Te Muna Road perfume' we call that," says Tim. Grapes were picked on April 3 and spent 25 days on skins. Clone 5 and Abel were used. Aging was in 25% new oak for 20 months, racked once, then bottled unfined and unfiltered. (95) ERIN LARKIN,. The Wine Advocate
An enticing fragrance of fresh dark cherries and dried herbs, plum and sweet wood with a light smoke touch. There’s a gentle perfume and floral frame. On the palate firm touch with a core of ripe dark berried fruits for contrast. There’s some subtle power with tannins and acidity framing the wine nicely and a core of fruit flavours that reflect the bouquet. Firm and dry, lengthy and well made, I feel this wine needs some cellar time to complete its harmony. Best drinking from 2025 through 2032+. CAM DOUGLAS MW2021Pinot noirNew Zealand435$81.00 As low as $72.90 -
Dosnon Blanc de Noirs NVThe NV Brut Blanc de Noirs Récolte Noire is a touch more elegant than the Récolte Brute, with layers of perfumed Pinot fruit that emerge gracefully from its medium-bodied fame. This delicious Champagne possesses lovely balance in an understated style. ANTONIO GALLONINVPinot noirFrance376$100.00 As low as $90.00 -
Palliser Estate Hua Nui Pinot Noir 2022Light-tinted, supple pinot noir with cherry, fresh herb, raspberry, chestnut and spicy oak flavours. Elegant wine in a relatively light style and with surprising power and a backbone of peppery tannins. BOB CAMPBELL2022Pinot noirNew Zealand435$125.00 As low as $112.50 -
Andre Clouet Rose No.3 NVClouet's rose epitomises elegance and focus, while flamboyantly celebrating the generous red cherry, strawberry, watermelon and pink pepper fruit of Bouzy. It encapsulates that wonderful talent of pinot noir to build and rise on the finish, all the while retaining graceful precision as delicate as rose petal perfume. Structure is fine and elegant, driven both by chalk minerality of the village and a very finely executed tannin presence. It finishes with great length and poise of exquisite red cherry fruit. A pristine and enticingly priced rose. Older disgorgements have taken on savoury suggestions of tamarillo, while upholding their primary integrity. TYSON STELZER
The NV Brut Rosé No 3 Grand Cru is a pure Bouzy Pinot Noir that gets its beautiful intense onion-skin color from the addition of 8% red wine. The nose is rich and complex but at the same time pure and refined, with a nice chalky layer and vinous fruit intensity. Round and rich but fresh and vital on the pure and elegant palate, this is a full-bodied, pretty intense and persistent rosé to be served with main courses. This rosé is seriously complex and expressive, with grip, tension and a long finish. Remarkable in class and style. STEPHAN REINHARDT, Wine Advocate
(made from 100% Grand Cru Bouzy pinot noir, with 8% still wine): Vivid orange-pink. Aromas and flavors of ripe red berries, candied rose and toasty lees. Fleshy but nervy and focused, with strong mineral cut and hints of bitter herbs on the very long, energetic finish. Smoothly blends richness and vivacity, making it extremely flexible with food or without. JOSH RAYNOLDSNVPinot noirFrance376$125.00 As low as $112.50 -
Ata Rangi Pinot Noir 2021This is impeccably composed and seductively expressed, showing dark cherry, clove, thyme and cedar characters on the nose with a gorgeous floral overtone. The concentrated palate is plush yet poised and refined with fleshy texture and perfectly pitched tannins. The wine exhibits stunning depth with layers of delectable flavours and meticulously structured mouthfeel, leading to a totally captivating, sensual finish. (99) SAM KIM, Wine Orbit
The 2021 Pinot Noir definitely reflects vintage. Its good colour and abundance of gravelly tannins display the smaller berried, smaller vintage. Its bright fruit, intense concentration and plentiful acidity accompany primary red fruit flavour, with an impressive show of ample black tea leaf-like tannins. It's a wine for the long haul that draws out to an extended finish. (97) REBECCA GIBB MW, Vinous
Lively and vibrant red fruits of wild strawberries and red cherries followed by rose hips, ground spices and a touch of citrus zest. Medium-bodied, finely grained velvety tannins with a delightful acid backbone. Zesty and layered wine with beautiful balance and complexity. It's already enjoyable but will age gracefully. (97) JAMES SUCKLING
The 2021 Pinot Noir is vibrant on the nose and totally precise and focused. The acid spools right from the front of the palate and has a mobile, agile way about it. The season may have had it's challenges, but the wine is effortless, natural and shapely. It's great. The 40% whole bunch here sits well within the red fruit and creates a capacious mid-palate without an impact of stalky flavour. Superb. A real pleasure to drink. ERIN LARKIN, Wine Advocate
2021Pinot noirNew Zealand435$140.00 As low as $126.00 -
Bruno Paillard Brut Premiere Cuvee NVPinot noir leads this accurate, well-crafted aperitif style of elegant finesse and persistence. A primary red cherry, wild strawberry and lemon fruit focus is underlined by taut acidity and expressive chalk mineral depth. Nuances of honey, anise and ginger are building as it gains maturity. It's clean and taut, a low dosage keeping the finish fresh and lively. TYSON STELZERNVchardonnay, Pinot Meunier, Pinot noirFrance376$140.00 As low as $126.00 -
Dry River Pinot Noir 2020A powerful and seductive bouquet with a core of pinosity then aromas of dark red berries, mineral soil, a fine savoury, dried herb quality and youthful energy. Toasty barrel and dark spices of oak are noticeable, but not misplaced. Fantastic on the palate with a core of youthful energy, baking spices and dark berry fruit flavours, firm tannins and plenty of acidity. The heartbeat of pinosity is strong, holding my attention. A lovely wine that should be locked away in your cellar till 2024 then taste again. Best drinking likely from 2025 through 2040. CAMERON DOUGLAS MS
Spice, dried roses, a pleasing earthy bass, bright cherry and cranberry fruit. It's medium-bodied, firm and bright, with a distinct 'mineral' crunch and freshness, spicy too, earth and floral notes mingling to great effect. Almost that sort of bloody character you get in Pommard (apologies for the reference, in a way), and a long crisp finish that offers a pleasant amount of orange peel bitterness. Beautiful wine... GARY WALSH, winefront.com
2020Pinot noirNew Zealand435$170.00 As low as $153.00 -
Dry River Pinot Noir 2022The 2022 Pinot Noir leads with coffee grounds, black cherry, satsuma plum skin, Szechuan peppercorn, pink peppercorns, a hint of raspberry leaf tea and graphite. The wine smells savory while delivering all of these things. In the mouth, it is fine-boned but persistent and behaves in a gentle, splayed sort of manner through the finish. It's a very pretty wine, one that is quiet now, but I feel it will age slowly and elegantly in the cellar. This is a wine to drink now and to perhaps misunderstand in doing so. Or it's a wine to be patient with and reap the benefits after five or so years and beyond. I love the wine here, today, but I'd be cautious to recommend drinking your bottles too early—consider from 2027. ERIN LARKIN, Wine Companion
Herbal, high energy pinot noir with cherry, hedgerow, pepper/spice, and grape stem characters. Youthful wine that would benefit from bottle age. Quite complex with layers of floral, fruit and savoury flavours. BOB CAMPBELL, The Real Review
2022Pinot noirNew Zealand435$180.00 As low as $162.00 -
Dosnon Blanc de Noirs NV 1500mlMore product information will be added here soon! In the meantime, if you do have any questions at all about this product or others in our store, you can contact us by phone or email. Our friendly and experienced team are always happy to assist - we love drinking, selling, talking about and being in and around wine!
NVPinot noirFrance376$200.00 As low as $180.00 -
Escarpment Pahi Pinot Noir 2021 1500mlBright mid red-purple hue, a more fragrant aroma than Te Rehua, lots of dried herbs and some smoky charcuterie and roasted meat aromas. The wine has real finesse, focused intensity and drive. It's piercing and long, elegant and there's a lot of detail. Still has the persuasive tannin of Escarpment, but a finer wine. (95) HUON HOOKE, The Real Review
An enticing fragrance of fresh dark cherries and dried herbs, plum and sweet wood with a light smoke touch. There’s a gentle perfume and floral frame. On the palate firm touch with a core of ripe dark berried fruits for contrast. There’s some subtle power with tannins and acidity framing the wine nicely and a core of fruit flavours that reflect the bouquet. Firm and dry, lengthy and well made, I feel this wine needs some cellar time to complete its harmony. Best drinking from 2025 through 2032+. (94) CAM DOUGALS MS2021Pinot noirNew Zealand435$215.00 As low as $193.50 -
Vouette et Sorbee Blanc dArgile Brut Nature R18(R18, disgorged Nov 2020. Magnums R19, disgorged Dec 2021). Within the cold, west-facing, Kimmeridgian limestone-rich lieu-dit of Biaunes, there is a small plot of Chardonnay that Gautherot planted wild: without preparing the soils and amongst the native vegetation (a totally crazy idea). The Côte des Bar is overwhelmingly planted to Pinot Noir, but in 2000 Gautherot chose Chardonnay. He used massale cuttings from Anselme Selosse’s vines (in Avize) and Vincent Dauvissat’s Valmur Grand Cru vineyard. This plot has become the base of what Antonio Galloni calls “one of the most beautiful and distinctive wines in Champagne.”
The vines here yield only 15 to 20 hl/ha each year—one of the keys to the intensity on offer. The 2018 and 2019 wines also took in some Chardonnay from Fonnet (from 2020, upcoming vintages will also take in Chardonnay from the Vouette vineyard, which was previously planted to Pinot Noir but was replanted to Chardonnay a number of years ago).
Fermentation for this wine was wild and took place in used 500- and 600-litre barrels, with a small portion of fruit fermented and raised in Georgian amphora (see Textures). As with the Fidèle, this wine spent roughly 15 to 18 months in bottle on lees, before being disgorged by hand with zero dosage.
2015Pinot noirFrance376$245.00 As low as $220.50 -
Vilmart Coeur de Cuvee 201580% Chardonnay, 20% Pinot Noir from vines averaging 60 years old, the wine spends nearly 6 years on lees. Most importantly only the heart of the pressing is taken - 1400 litres instead of the usual 2100 litres, hence the name 'coeur de cuvee.'
The 2015 Brut Coeur de Cuvée is a pretty dense wine that belies its deceptively mid-weight structure. What surprises me most about the 2015 is how closed it is. In most years, especially warm years, Coeur de Cuvée is quite a bit more open and voluptuous, but the 2015 does not come across like that at all. Rather, it is super-classic in bearing, with tons of gravitas from the 60-year-old vines just waiting to emerge. There are none of the awkward herbal notes that penalize so many wines. Bright saline notes extend the finish effortlessly. The 2015 is a brilliant Coeur de Cuvée. ANTONIO GALLONI
2015chardonnay, Pinot noirFrance376$325.00 As low as $292.50 -
Vilmart Coeur de Cuvee 2016The 2016 Brut Coeur de Cuvée is an elegant, sensual Champagne. In other words, classic Vilmart. Crushed flowers, mint, chalk, slate, dried herbs and citrus peel are all beautifully delineated. Brisk acids wrap it all together in style. The 2016 needs a few years to be at its most expressive, as it is pretty reserved today. Even so, all the elements are impeccably put together. The barrels used here are one to three years old. Dosage is 7 grams per liter. Disgorged: September, 2022. (94+) ANTONIO GALLONI, Vinous
Notes of honeysuckle and lime blossoms, blood orange peel, anise and cardamom are a fragrant overtone heralding this fresh Champagne, which shows good tension and drive. The refined, chalky mousse is lacy in texture, buoying finely meshed flavors of ripe apricot and quince paste, raw almond, vanilla wafer and candied ginger. Ends with a long, mouthwatering finish. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Disgorged September 2022. Drink now through 2036. (95) WINE SPECTATOR2016chardonnay, Pinot noirFrance376$340.00 As low as $306.00 -
Carbon Brut NVMore product information will be added here soon! In the meantime, if you do have any questions at all about this product or others in our store, you can contact us by phone or email. Our friendly and experienced team are always happy to assist - we love drinking, selling, talking about and being in and around wine!
NVPinot Meunier, Pinot noirFrance376$430.00 As low as $387.00