Champagne of the Week

Champagne Pol Roger 2012

Based originally in Aÿ, Pol Roger moved to Epernay in 1851. This was just two years after he had made his first wine sale 170 years ago in 1849. Still family owned – and by the same family – Champagne Pol Roger is highly respected for its quality, and the …

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Champagne Fleury Brut Nature

The Fleury family is based in the Cotes de Bar in the south of Champagne. They have been growing grapes since 1895 and only started bottling their own wine in 1929. This was because grape prices were so low during the Depression that Robert Fleury thought it more economically viable …

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Champagne Tarlant Brut Tradition

The family traces its origins to 1687 when Pierre Tarlant cultivated his first vineyards in Aisne. Some 100 years later, they moved to the village of Oeuilly in the Marne Valley where they have remained since 1780. Today, 12th generation Benoit and Melanie Tarlant are in charge. I have met …

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Champagne Palmer & Co Collection 1999

In the decade of the 1990s, 1999 produced good to very good but not great wines. 1995 is generally better. So too 1996 although that is now recognised as being over-rated (if only they had picked later). 1998 is usually superior  to 1999 and if you can find 1997, that …

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Champagne Apollonis Monodie Extra Brut 2008

The family that owns Champagne Apollonis can trace winegrowing back to the 17th century. Proprietor Michel Loriot’s ancestor, Leopold Loriot (born in 1867), was a saxophonist in the brass band of Festigny, where the family is still based in the Marne Valley. Music courses through their lives and Monodie is …

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Champagne Laurent-Perrier La Cuvée

Tasting non-vintage Champagne is tricky because what I tasted may not be the same where you are. This is because the production of non-vintage being usually very large, they can be of different batches that have been sent out around the world. I am, however, certain the one I tasted …

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A Champagne Great

Back to Back 2008 • 24 July 2019 There is now universal consensus among winegrowers and wine writers that 2008 is one of the greatest vintages of Champagne. On Wednesday 24 July 2019, you will have a chance to enjoy two of the most acclaimed champagnes of this already exceptional vintage in …

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Champagne William Deutz 2006

Champagne Deutz is the house champagne of the Peninsula Hong Kong. Dedicated to the founder of the house, Cuvée William Deutz is one of their top wines. It is made up of about two-thirds Pinot Noir, a third of Chardonnay, and a pinch of Pinot Meunier. 2006 is a  very …

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Charles Heidsieck Brut Reserve

This entry level non-vintage overdelivers big time. Not reductive nor skinny. Yet, not oxidative at all. Instead, there’s roundness of freshness, depth, and developed and layered fruit. Bright light gold. Quince, brioche, dried citrus peel and star anise spice. Medium-plus bodied. Versatile. Enjoyable as an aperitif and with first courses, …

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