Tasting notes:

A design for a relatively new line in the Champagne Pommery range – sitting between the entry-point brut non-vintage and top-end prestige cuvée, Apanage 1874 impressed the judges for its striking and elegant appearance. Of particular appeal was the pared-back look, authentic and historic cues, and the upmarket yet disruptive overall design for what is a difficult middle-ground sector of the Champagne category: multi-vintage expressions between £60 and £100. Praise was also heaped on the use of the traditional Champagne collar medallion as the main label, as well as the gold-coloured film under the capsule – which ensures there’s a finish on the bottle’s neck after the capsule has been removed. (Patrick Schmitt MW)