Tasting notes:

Sparkling wine doesn’t get much better than this. But that’s because it’s a great vintage, a brilliant producer, and a strict selection of the best Chardonnay grapes – a combination that was of course only discovered after this Champagne was tasted, and declared our best fizz of the competition. The first sip wowed with its mix of creamy coffee, vanilla essence, dried peach, and a touch of pineapple, closely followed by zesty flavours such as bitter lemon and grapefruit pith. In addition to these were notes of caramelised almonds, candied citrus, then grilled nuts and a fine chalky taste and texture too, giving a bone dry feeling to the long finish. Wonderful now, but like all great vintage Champagnes, it can be cellared. Patrick Schmitt MW