Product Line
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Hure Freres Insouciance Rose NVThe NV Brut Rosé L’Insouciance (2016 base) is ethereal, lifted and very pretty, if a touch eccentric, with lovely red berry and floral character. The relatively high percentage of Chardonnay and partially blocked malolactic fermentation keeps the flavors bright. This release is 40% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay, 25% Meunier and 5% still red Pinot, based on 2016. Dosage is 6 grams per liter. Disgorged: July, 2018. ANTONIO GALLONI, VinousNVChampagneFrance376$140.00 As low as $126.00 -
Hure Freres Ludes Invitation Brut NVThis offers an up-front note of marzipan, with the richness well-balanced by the palate's vivid acidity. The fine, lively mousse carries flavors of plum, herb and lemon pith, revealing a tang of salted almond on the finish. Drink now. 1,000 cases made, 100 cases imported. ALISON NAPJUS, Wine SpectatorNVChampagneFrance376$115.00 As low as $103.50 -
Thienot Brut 2012The 2012 Brut Vintage offers up scents of apricot jam, tangerine oil, honey, spice, brioche and hazelnut. Racy and forward, the 2012 offers lovely complexity in an easygoing, mid-weight style. Drink it over the next few years. ANTONIO GALLONI, vinous2012ChampagneFrance376$145.00 As low as $130.50 -
Bonnaire Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs NVThe NV Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Brut is a clear, fresh and chalky Chardonnay from Cramant in the Côte des Blancs that opens with lovely intense and soft white fruit aromas. It is a mouth-filling, very elegant and finessed Cramant with highly digestible balance and stimulating lightness in alcohol (12%). The finish is charmingly round and fruity but also has the typical chalky texture that gives it perfect balance. This is an excellent cuvée with a delicate, salty, well-structured finish. I didn't see a lot number on the label nor on the bottle, but this should be a pretty fresh disgorgement and is mainly based on the 2013 vintage, as Jean-Emmanuel Bonnaire told me. Tasted April 2018.’ STEPHAN REINHARDT, The Wine AdvocateNVChampagneFrance376$108.00 As low as $97.20 -
Vincent Couche Elegance Exta Brut NVTight and tart, racy and refreshing, there’s licks and whiffs of salted cashews, sea spray, preserved lemon and an unusual character that I like to call ‘ozone’ as it smells of higher profile air, if you get my drift. It’s really tasty and feels super easy to drink, has good crunch and crispness, finishes long and mouth-watering with faint nutty character hanging around too. It’s so darn pleasing, and at the price point, feels compelling. MIKE BENNIE, The Wine FrontNVChampagneFrance376$135.00 As low as $121.50 -
Henri Giraud Blanc de Craie Grand Cru NVThe NV Blanc de Craie, 100% Chardonnay from vineyards in Aÿ and Louvois, is bright and finely sculpted, with terrific aromatic intensity, tons of nuance and all the vibrancy from the chalk-rich soils that give this cuvée its name. Citrus peel, white flowers, white pepper, mint and anise lead into the vivid, persistent finish. The Blanc is done entirely in oak, but it is neutral, so there is virtually no oak imprint at all in the flavors, only in the textural feel. One of the unique aspects of the Blanc de Craie is that the base vintage (2017 in this case) accounts for only 30% of the blend. Dosage is 6 grams per liter. ANTONIO GALLONI, vinous.comChampagneFrance376$205.00 As low as $184.50 -
Tenuta Aglaea Vermouth BiancoMade from a mix of local white grapes grown at high altitude, this has been infused with local organic spices and herbs, the main herb ingredient is Artemisia absinthium. With 125gm residual sugar, this rounds out a Vesper nicely! GABRIELLE POY, PWS2017VermouthItaly482$42.00 As low as $37.80 -
Tenuta Aglaea Vermouth DryMade from a field blend of white grapes; carricante, cataratto, inzolia, greganico and minella at high altitude, this has been infused with local organic spices and herbs, the main herb ingredient is Artemisia absinthium.This finishes drier than the Bianco with 40gm residual sugar. Pour this over ice with soda and a olive to garnish for a lovely aperitif. GABRIELLE POY, PWS2017VermouthItaly482$42.00 As low as $37.80 -
Henri Giraud Esprit Nature NVThe NV Esprit Nature is a fine introduction to this range. Silky and aromatic, with lovely palate presence, the Esprit Nature is a good choice for drinking now and over the next handful of years. Pear, white flowers and mint lend quite a bit of aromatic presence and overall lift. Dosage is 5 grams per liter. Disgorged: July 5, 2023. ANTONIO GALLONI
ChampagneFrance376$148.00 As low as $133.20 -
Hobo Wine Camp Folk Machine Clarksburg Chenin Blanc 2020This is 100% chenin blanc from Merritt Island in Clarksburg. Clean as a whistle, fresh and bright with a poised quince and mineral streak. Crunchy and delicious. MYLES, PWS2019Chenin BlancUSA362$41.00 As low as $36.90 -
Delamotte Brut NVBright straw. Vibrant aromas of lemon pith, pear skin and honeysuckle, with a chalky topnote. Dry, sharply focused lemon and lime flavors become deeper with air and pick up brioche and ginger nuances. Firm, chewy and dry, finishing with very good clarity and stony persistence. JOSH RAYNOLDS
Pillowy and charming, the latest rendition of Delamotte's NV Brut offers up attractive aromas of orchard fruit, fresh bread and citrus oil. Medium to full-bodied, seamless and elegant, with a pretty pinpoint mousse and lively balancing acids, it's drinking well out of the gates but will also develop gracefully for a few years in the cellar. WILLIAM KELLEY, Wine Advocate 2021
The Delamotte NV Brut blends approximately 55% Chardonnay with 35% Pinot Noir and 10% Pinot Meunier. It is clear, round and spicy on the predominantly fruity and vinous nose with its delicate chalk and hazelnut flavors. On the palate this is a lithe, finessed, fresh and elegant Brut with good structure and a pure, salty-mineral and cleansing finish. The mousse is highly delicate, the whole performance almost filigreed yet well structured. This is a delicious Brut STEPHAN REINHARDT
A cleverly orchestrated reductive edge to the nose, this has a layer of toasted cashew ahead of citrus, peach, spice, fine cherry and raspberry fruits. The palate's nicely crafted to deliver an even and smooth impression. Red fruit flavors run long and smooth, with some fresh bread dough notes too; nicely yeasty to close. JAMES SUCKLING
NVChampagneFrance376$93.00 As low as $83.70 -
Deutz Brut Classic NVThe NV Brut Classic is a pretty, entry-level wine. Warm, generous fruit comes together beautifully in this rich, expansive, mid-weight Champagne. The bouquet, texture and purity of the finish are all first-rate. The Brut Classic is equal parts Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay. Like all Deutz Champagnes, it undergoes full malolactic fermentation.ANTONIO GALLONI, Wine Advocate , 2010NVChampagneFrance376$98.00 As low as $88.20 -
Vilmart Emotion 201460% Pinot, 40% Chardonnay from vines averaging 60 years. This spends 6 years on lees.
Vilmart's 2014 Brut Rosé Emotion is laced with sweet dried cherry, dried herbs, blood orange and mint. It offers terrific breadth for the year, with the Pinot more in evidence than in the 2015 tasted alongside it (the blend is 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay for both). Eight grams of dosage feels expertly judged. Disgorged: February 2022. ANTONIO GALLONI2014ChampagneFrance376$325.00 As low as $292.50 -
Bereche & Fils Brut Reserve NVThe NV Brut Réserve is bright and finely sculpted right out of the glass. There's terrific purity and energy running through the Brut Réserve. Crushed red berry fruit, white pepper, crushed rocks and mint all race out of the glass. This release is based on 2020, with a good bit of reserve wine (35%) that serves to create terrific balance. The 5.5 grams of dosage is not at all felt. ANTONIO GALLONI, Vinous.comNVChampagneFrance376$150.00 As low as $135.00 -
Dom Perignon 2013A driven and serious DP with aromas of chalk, biscuits, apricot stones and lemons. Some spice and dried flowers, too. So sleek and sophisticated. Elegant. Yet, it’s long and powerful, with a sharp minerality. Tight and precise. Reminds me of bottles from the 1980s, such as 1988. It really takes off. Disgorged October 2021. Drinkable on release in January 2023, but better in a couple of years. A DP for the cellar. JAMES SUCKLING2013ChampagneFrance376Special Price $375.00 Regular Price $420.00 -
Rocher des Violettes Touche Mitaine Sec Montlouis 2020Beautifully expressive Chenin Blanc, fusing both crystalline acidity with flecks of richness; white flowers, ripe lemons and subtle honeyed notes. Energy in glass and complexity that continually morphs as you go back for another sip; Underrated gem! JOHN BARR, BEAUNE & BEYOND
100% Chenin blanc, hand-picked in successive tries from 4ha of vines averaging 35 years old and planted at 6500 vines/ha.
2020Chenin BlancFrance422$55.00 As low as $49.50 -
Rocher des Violettes Les Borderies Demi Sec Montlouis 2020From a single vineyard of 50+ year old vines on sand and silex (with pure limesonte just below).
Borderies is often the first vineyard to be harvested from slightly raisened fruit. Notes of jasmine, apple pie and crushed rocks on the nose lead into a subtle sweetness without heaviness. On the palate orchard fruits join in, signing off chalky minerality and a stream of quince-like phenolics which bring balance and punctuate the flow of sweetness. This is a delectable off-dry wine which could be served with cheese or richer seafood dishes. GABRIELLE POY
A little flint and white flowers with just picked anjou pear and a touch of pineapple and a little hint of bees wax. Fine and elegant with pure white fruits and a chalky mineral streak. Crystal clear and clean. Very pure. MYLES THOMSON, PWS
2020Chenin BlancFrance422$65.00 As low as $58.50 -
Rocher des Violettes Le Grand Poirier Molleaux Montlouis 2020From a 0.8 ha plot ‘Le Grand Poirier’ planted in 1950. This has about 50% botrytis and aged in older barrels. RS 85 g/l
Smells so very strongly of fresh sage and honey and pineapple and medjool dates soaked in warm water. Lovely earthiness. Linden leaf. Saffron. An unusual nuttiness. Pineapple syrup and pressed sage on the palate. The sweetness fills the mouth but this is a wine that needs your silence, your listening, your waiting. If you give it time, sit back, find a nook in the garden or tucked into your old armchair, it's a wine that gives so much more than sweetness. It hands you memories of rain on earth, of bruised clover underneath the ripening grapes, of bees, blue skies, black skies, pink-blazed-morning skies, mist-draped dawns. You can taste yeast, old wood, black coffee, a slowly melting fingertip of dark chocolate on your tongue, ginger-biscuit crumbs. It's something, this wine. TAMLYN CURRIN, Jancis Robinson
2020Chenin BlancFrance422$90.00 As low as $85.00 -
Rocher des Violettes Petillant Originel Montlouis 2019A mid-gold hue, with abundant pastry notes, honeysuckle, orange balm and oatmeal accents, pointing toward a fuller-weighted, very ripe and ambitious Mountlouis fizz. A warm year. This is a commune that has strutted past Vouvray on the opposite side of the Loire, and is today responsible for a good swag of the most exciting white-wine producers in the region, if not the world. The wine finishes textural and bright, marked by chenin's lanolin, tarte tatin and dried hay, before a plume of dutiful freshness. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold. NED GOODWINE MW, James Suckling
100% sparkling chenin blanc made in the Pétillant Naturel style from a single parcel in the lieu-dit “Le Moulin”
Preserved lemon and citrus pith with chalky notes sprinkled throughout and a delicate lift and soft fruit profile. Dry and chalky with a savoury edge. Pure with a seam of mineral that runs the length. Only 5 producers making this wine in Montlouis - very cool. MYLES THOMSON, PWS
2020Chenin BlancFrance422$59.00 As low as $53.10 -
Hobo Wine Camp Folk Machine Clarksburg Chenin Blanc 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!
2022Chenin BlancUSA362$46.00 As low as $41.40 -
Bereche & Fils Cramant Grand Cru 2017The 2017 Extra-Brut Cramant Grand Cru is a rich, textured wine. Lemon confit, marzipan, spice and a whole range of tropical accents are dialed up in this exuberant, open-knit Champagne. This is an especially flamboyant style, but it works nicely. The mousse is especially fine, giving the Cramant a decidedly vinous feel. This is tremendous showing in a very hard year that was better in the Côtes des Blancs than in the Marne Valley, where rot was especially problematic. Dosage is 3 grams per liter. Disgorged: July 2022. ANTONIO GALLONI, Vinous.com2013ChampagneFrance376$445.00 As low as $400.50 -
Rocher des Violettes Le Grand Clos Sec Montlouis 2021The 2021 Montlouis-sur-Loire Le Grand Clos has generosity and a come-hither side to its personality. However, the natural acidity of this later-ripening, clay-based parcel, 91-year-old vines and the 2021 vintage means that there's a vivid line of acidity that trips through the wine, providing direction and energy. Fully dry, it leaves the drinker with a sense of uprightness. It has some richness from barrel-aging (500-liter barrels, 30% new), which lends a sweet, creamy aspect. REBECCA GIBB MW, Vinous2021Chenin BlancFrance422$80.00 As low as $72.00 -
Rochers des Violettes Touche Mitaine 2021The Touche Mitaine parcel features Chenin Blanc vines aged 35 years, planted on clay and flint soils. It was vinified in used oak barrels of 228 litres, with an élevage lasting twelve months. Aromatically this is rich in powdered chalk, with layers of white peach and a fragrant, lifted, minty freshness. The palate matches this style, in a gently composed structure, polished and fresh, with the same minty, white peach substance. It is framed by firm acidity, which I find typifies the vintage. The alcohol is 12.8% CHRIS KISSACK
Pure and alluring, with apple and citrus cloaked in spices and salty brine. Remains racy through the smoky, vivid finish, thanks to mouthwatering acidity. Drink now through 2028. WINE SPECTATOR
2021Chenin BlancFrance423$52.00 As low as $46.80 -
Damien Pinon Tuffo Vouvray Sec 2022Damien Pinon is the third generation of his family to naturally farm Chenin Blanc in the chalky soils of Vernou-sur-Brenne in the appellation of Vouvray. His vines are old, creating lush, expressive white wines.
Ah Tuffo! This wine seems to never fail us. Not only is it a wonderful example of classic Vouvray it always delivers that little x-factor and bit of pizzaz we like. That lovely clay/waxed citrus and quince fruit comes at you straight off-the-bat with that slaty chalky thin that chenin does in the Loire so well. Some apple and pear drop generosity on the palate is cut by crunchy acidity and a little hit of phenolic grip that stick all those beautiful flavours to your mouth. There is a little floral flourish in the middle and spritz of mixed sweet spice on the finish. A cracker!2022Chenin BlancFrance422$38.00 As low as $34.20 -
Voyager Estate Chenin Blanc 2024Fruit for the Chenin Blanc comes from three organically farmed estate blocks on the Voyager Estate property. Voyager has some of the oldest Chenin Blanc in the Margaret River region, with some of the vines planted as far back as 1978. The vineyard soils are mostly gravelly loams with stony clay subsoils, providing excellent drainage and good moisture-holding capacity. The resulting fruit has exceptional balance.
One of the better chenin blancs from Voyager Estate to date as it has flavour and richness but stays neatly in the dry spectrum. Poached pears and quince, lemon balm and lime curd with an intriguing waft of lanolin and the tug of phenolics add to the palate's shape. There's refreshment throughout but also depth. Lovely. JANE FAULKNER, wine companion2023Chenin BlancAustralia432$29.00 As low as $26.10 -
Charles Heidsieck Brut Vintage 2013A blend of pinot noir and chardonnay from 10 grand and premier crus (Oger, Vertus, Chouilly, Cuis, Verzy, Aÿ, Ludes, Ambonnay, Tauxières, Avenay). 9g/L dosage. Drinking within 10 years. Charles Heidsieck2005ChampagneFrance376$220.00 As low as $198.00 -
Saint-Gall Blanc De Blancs Orpale 2008100% chardonnay from grand cru villages in the Côte des Blancs (Mesnil-sur-Oger, Cramant, Avize, Oger) from the 2008 vintage. 7g/l dosage
Luminous golden colour and fine cords of bubbles. The nose first reveals notes of citrus, candied lemon and yellow fruits. Then it evolves and reveals smoky notes of blond tobacco and roasted nuts. The finish is refreshing and long, ORPALE 2008 was imagined as a jewel of a cuvee. The 2008 Orpale is an exceptional, passionate cuvée that naturally has a special place at the table, served with gourmet aperitifs or with fine dishes during a meal. Domaine Wine Shippers, Importer
NVChampagneFrance376$315.00 As low as $283.50 -
Thienot Brut NV45% Chardonnay, 35% Pinot Noir, 20% Pinot Meuniere
An exotic sparkler, displaying rich, caramelized smoke and brioche notes, balanced with citrusy acidity and flavors of ripe apple, candied pineapple, lemon meringue and crystallized honey. Mouthwatering finish. Drink now through 2018 Wine SpectatorNVChampagneFrance376$110.00 As low as $99.00 -
Lointier Mellifera Extra Brut NV85% Pinot Noir
15% Meunier
Dosage 1,5g/lNVChampagneFrance376$120.00 As low as $108.00 -
Lointier Causica Extra Brut NV100 % Pinot Meunier
Dosage 1,5g/lNVChampagneFrance376$135.00 As low as $121.50 -
Apollonis Inspiration de Saison Extra Brut 2012A blend of meunier and chardonnay from the 2021 vintage.NVChampagneFrance376$128.00 As low as $115.20 -
Apollonis Monodie Vieilles Vignes Extra Brut 2013100% pinot meunier from the 2013 vintage.NVChampagneFrance376$158.00 As low as $142.20 -
Brocard Pierre Champagne 'Tradition' NVBrocard Pierre's entry-level and only blended-grape expression of Champagne, Cuvée Tradition Brut, spends three years on the lees in bottle before release, which in our opinion, makes it one of the best quality-for-value wine of Champagne.
The Tradition is made of Pinot Noir (80%), Chardonnay (10%) and Pinot Blanc (10%) grapes from vineyards planted on clay-calcareous soil near Celles-sur-Ource. 2018 vintage reserve wine makes up the dominant base, while 30% comes from different réserve vintages. The juice was fermented in oak (15%) and stainless steel (85%) at controlled temperature. The wine then spent 4 months in stainless steel, and it was aged on lees for 2.5 years. It has 6g/l of dosage.
A flattering nose dominated by the Pinot Noir. Good harmony in the mouth, strength associated with freshness but not heavy accompanied by a slightly mentholated finish. Ripe citrus. Unctuous mousse. Chalky, mineral and saline and mouth coating. Generous autolitic notes.
NVChampagneFrance376$89.00 As low as $80.10 -
Lassalle Brut Rose NV1er. 70% Pinot Noir 15% Chardonnay 15% Meunier. Montage de Reims. 8g/L dosageNVChampagneFrance376$135.00 As low as $121.50 -
Henri Giraud Grand Cru MV18The MV 18 is a classic Giraud Champagne. Apricot jam, tangerine peel, spice, honey and hazelnut give this mid-weight, classy Champagne tons of complexity and nuance. Readers will find a Champagne of notable purity and finesse. There's plenty of Giraud intensity, but in a mid-weight style that is hugely appealing. The blend is 80% Pinot Noir and 20% Chardonnay, all from Aÿ, based on 2018, with a blend of reserve wines that span vintages 1990 through 2017. Disgorged: November 14, 2022. ANTONIO GALLONI
This is the bottled essence of Henri Giraud, with the unmissable stamp of Aÿ Pinot Noir. Child of the ripe, voluminous yet fine 2018 vintage, this is replenished with wine from the house's famous perpetual reserve, created in 1990, and is loaded with promise. On the nose, the generous and bold fruitiness is seamlessly integrated into the soft, smoky oaky tones. Dried apricots and sweet nectarines meet exotic spices and candied orange. The concentration does not amount to too much on the pulpy-juicy palate. Prickly bubbles bring a notion of vibrancy and freshness to the rich whole. ESSI AVELLAM MWChampagneFrance376$575.00 As low as $517.50 -
Louis Roederer Rose Vintage 2016Firm and focused, this finely knit version offers a satiny texture and hints of smoke and oyster shell, which underscore flavors of pureed raspberry, peach skin and blood orange granita, with a rich touch of toasted brioche. Long, lightly spiced finish. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Drink now through 2030. Alison Napjus, Wine Spectator2016ChampagneFrance376$170.00 As low as $153.00 -
Canonita Aperitivo de Mallorca 750mlCanonita! What is it? Think Aperol but better. Ok. Bold statement but this stuff is absolutely delicious. It's made from the best organic Canoneta oranges from Mallorca's Sóller Valley.
The Valley is located on Mallorca's northwest coast and sheltered by the Tramuntana mountains is a magic place. Thanks to its unique terroir it is the centre of citrus cultivation in Mallorca for over a 1000 years and the valley is theoriginal home of the highly aromatic Canoneta orange, considered the "queen of oranges".
Carefully crafted by Antonio Nadal, Mallorca's oldest and most renown distillery, the Canoneta essence is blended with white wine and refined with a secret selection of herbs from our beautiful island.
Its beautifully fragrant with fresh crushed orange, citrus peel, delicate sweet floral notes and a gentle bitterness of fresh cut herbs. This is perfect as a spritz or even with tonic but honestly we would happily drink it with ice and a dash soda as an apertif all summer long.
NVVermouthSpain$49.00 As low as $44.10 -
Pol Roger Winston Churchill 2015The 2015 Brut Cuvée Sir Winston Churchill shows off the savory side of the vintage to great effect. Hints of dried pear, sage, mint, dried flowers, lemon oil and chamomile open gradually in this mid-weight, lithe edition of Pol Roger's tête de cuvée. The 2015 unfolds nicely with time in the glass, but I wouldn't think of opening a bottle anytime soon. Readers will find a nervy Winston Churchill marked by notable freshness and vigor more than size. This is a fine effort in a vintage that has proven to be far trickier than most observers originally envisioned. Dosage is 7 grams per liter. Disgorged September 2022. (95) ANTONIO GALLONI, Vinous
A strong effort in a less-acclaimed vintage, Pol Roger's newly released 2015 Cuvée Sir Winston Churchill opens in the glass with aromas of confit citrus, ripe orchard fruits and dried white flowers mingled with hints of honeycomb, freshly baked bread and anise. Medium to full-bodied, vinous and concentrated, with bright acids, chalky structuring extract and a pinpoint mousse, this inherently rather rich, gastronomic Champagne is quite tightly wound out of the gates and will reward a bit of bottle age. Stylistically, it is somewhat reminiscent of a modern-day version of the 1985. (94+) WILLIAM KELLEY, The Wine Advocate
Subtle and restrained pastry nuances with a hint of mushroom. Lots of seriousness and generosity of fruit but in a more restrained, quiet style. Gentle autolysis with mellow apple flesh and some earthiness, bright and classic. Elegant, with reserve wine complexity. Brisk on the finish with a nougat edge. Great stuff. DECANTER2015ChampagneFrance376$550.00 As low as $495.00 -
Frerejean Freres Brut Premier Cru 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!
NVChampagneFrance$85.00 As low as $76.50 -
Huet Vouvray Le Haut-Lieu Demi-Sec 2022The 2022 Le Haut-Lieu Demi-Sec is juicy, though never generous, but still a comforting Vouvray that remains focused; there's sufficient tension from the acidity despite the season's warmth. Welcoming and friendly from the off, there's fine fruit here with a pretty talc note. It has a sense of persistence and presence that elevates this wine from purely a fruity Chenin. Really charming. REBECCA GIBB MW2022Chenin BlancFrance422$120.00 As low as $108.00 -
Egly Ouriet Grand Cru Blanc de Noirs Les Crayeres NVA blend of the 2016 and 2015 vintages, the NV Brut Blanc de Noirs Grand Cru Les Crayères is an especially good rendition of this almost routinely sublime bottling. Unwinding in the glass with notes of pear, wild berries, clear honey, white flowers, praline and freshly baked bread, it's medium to full-bodied, beautifully layered and textural, with a taut, concentrated core, racy acids and a long, mineral finish. This chiseled, intensely flavored Champagne was disgorged this year with only one gram per liter dosage. 98+ WILLIAM KELLEY, the wine advocateNVChampagneFrance376$870.00 As low as $783.00 -
Alheit Vineyards Cartology Chenin Blanc 2021Cartology is a vinous exploration of Cape heritage. It’s intended to be a picture of the Cape seen through the lens of her old vineyards in a given vintage. The cuveé is composed of rare and extraordinary parcels of mature dryland bushvines, of heritage grapes, namely Chenin Blanc and Sémillon. These grapes have been planted in the Cape for centuries. Cartology has become our staple offering. It serves as a poster child for the project, and also seems to have become a flag bearer for Cape heritage wine in general.
The grapes were hand sorted and whole bunch pressed. The juice was very lightly settled (we like very cloudy raw juice) with no additions to the raw juice, wild fermentation took place in cements eggs, clay pots, foudres, and old barrels (various sizes). Fermentation of various parcels lasted anywhere between 3 weeks and 11 months. The wine was kept on lees for around 12 months, then rested in tank on fine lees without fining for a further five months prior to bottling. Very simple, careful winemaking.
The nose shows citrus oil and pear, with some subtle floral/honey tones. The palate is very well proportioned, with firm mid-palate structure, medium rich mouth feel, and long carry. Flavour persists and even intensifies throughout its length. The wine finishes dry and saline, refreshing the palate. This vintage has a sappy, thirst-quenching quality about it.2021Chenin BlancSouth Africa489$93.00 As low as $83.70 -
Bollinger Special Cuvee NV 1500mlThe NV Brut Special Cuvée is fabulous. Hints of pears, pastry crust and hazelnut lead to an expansive core of fruit. There is plenty of the signature Bollinger oxidative style in this rich, enveloping Champagne. Once again the Special Cuvée is one of the best Champagnes in its price range. ANTONIO GALLONI
… The complexity and richness of Special Cuvée is unparalleled among the entry non-vintage blends of every Champagne house, short of ascending to the mesosphere of Krug. Its grand recipe explains why, built on incredible depth of 50%-60% reserves. Triumphant complexity is a given at Bollinger, but it's the dynamic freshness and vitality that really set it apart as one of the most affordable Champagne benchmarks. (96) TYSON STELZER
Like its rosé counterpart, the latest release of Bollinger's NV Brut Special Cuvée is showing especially well, bursting from the glass with aromas of honeyed apples, crisp stone fruit, buttery pastry, ripe lemons and fresh walnuts. Medium to full-bodied, fleshy and vinous, with a deep core of beautifully ripe fruit, racy acids and a pillowy mousse, it's a charming, characterful wine that proves that Special Cuvée is firmly back where it belongs. WILLIAM KELLEY
NVChampagneFrance376$345.00 As low as $310.50 -
Delamotte Blanc de Blanc NVLight yellow. Mineral-tinged peach, melon and pear aromas display excellent clarity, picking up a subtle floral quality with aeration. Supple and seamless on the palate, offering vivid honeydew and pit fruit flavors accented by a vibrant lemon zest quality. Finishes very long, silky and precise, with an echo of juicy melon and strong mineral lift. JOSH RAYNOLDS, Vinous Media
NVChampagneFrance376$160.00 As low as $144.00 -
Lallier Grand Rose Grand Cru NVCrafted from Pinot Noir grapes originating from Montagne de Reims (Verzenay, Verzy, Bouzy et Ambonnay) with a hint of Chardonnay from Côte des Blancs, and then blended with 7% of still red wine originating from the Bouzy Grand Cru.
65% pinot noir, 35% chardonnay, 20% reserve wines, 36 months of aging at 8g/L disgorgement.NVChampagneFrance376$110.00 As low as $99.00 -
Apollonis Palmyre Brut Nature NVA blend of pinot meunier and chardonnay with zero dosage.NVChampagneFrance376$99.00 As low as $89.10 -
Chartogne-Taillet Les Couarres 2018The 2018 Extra-Brut Les Couarres is a dense, potent Champagne. The blend of 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay works so well here. A wine of substance and presence, Les Couarres impresses with its poise more than anything else. White flowers, kirsch, spice, Poire William and crushed rocks lend an exotic flair throughout. I especially admire the precision here. This is beautifully rendered. Dosage is 4-5 grams per liter. Disgorged: February 2023. ANTONIO GALLONI2018ChampagneFrance376$225.00 As low as $202.50 -
Louis Roederer Collection 244Based on the 2019 vintage, Roederer's NV Brut Collection 244 is the finest release of the house's reimagined non-vintage Brut to date. Offering up aromas of pear, peach and nectarine mingled with notions of white flowers, beeswax, freshly baked bread and buttery pastry, it's medium to full-bodied, layered and fleshy, with a pretty pinpoint mousse, racy acids and a long, chalky finish. The quality of the base vintage really shines through. WILLIAM KELLEY
The NV Collection 244 is gorgeous. Bright and focused, with a lovely cut, the 244 is immediately captivating. Dried pear, chamomile, herbs, mint and crushed rocks abound. Based on the 2019 vintage with 36% perpetual reserve wines from vintages 2012-2018, this vibrant, wonderfully crystalline Champagne impresses from beginning to end. Saline notes extend the finish effortlessly. ANTONIO GALLONI
The first impression is as invigorating as a sea breeze. I love the interplay of mirabelle, grapefruit and lychee fruit with minty freshness and waxiness from lees contact. And all this is welded to a beautifully proportioned palate with plenty of structure, the acidity bright and the mousse animating. Very salty finish that pulls you back for more. A cuvee of 41% chardonnay, 33% pinot noir and 26% pinot meunier. Of these, 15% fermented in oak and 85% in stainless steel. The final blend contained 36% reserve perpetual and 10% reserve wines of the 2012 - 2018 vintage from oak. JAMES SUCKLING
A pale silver/straw hue, the NV Champagne Collection 244 has 2019 as its base, with 42% Chardonnay, 26% Meunier, and the rest Pinot Noir. Expressive on opening, it's fresh with a beautiful floral perfume and reveals pure notes of red berries, cherry, fresh peach, and a lovely fresh bit of primary fruit. It has a fine and refined mousse, and the palate is supple and inviting. Medium-bodied and elegant, with a ripe core, it has a delicate salinity to balance its freshness and has an attractive, lightly tannic feel while retaining a refined and precise profile. Approachable and fantastic now, it will be exciting to see how this develops over time. It continues to be an exceptional value. JEB DUNNUCK
NVChampagneFrance376$120.00 As low as $108.00