Krug Grande Cuvée 170ème, £210
Each year this dazzling cuvée is re-created; a blend of over 120 individual wines spanning more than 10 different vintages from 1998 to 2014. The precision and attention to detail continues to make it one of the best Champagnes in the world, without question.
The Krug Grande Cuvée 170ème edition showcases an aromatic noze, full of blooming flowers, dried fig, citrus candy, and gingerbread cookies. Harmonised by a palate of toasted almonds, apricot brioche, and croissants with a hint of lemon tart and honey. Another spectacular release.
Available at Champagne Direct.
Bollinger PN TX17, £83.95
Bollinger’s latest 100% Pinot Noir release is the perfect Blanc de Noir to embrace in 2023. The 2017 vintage is cellar aged for more than twice the required time, giving it a delightful golden hue. Expect dried flowers, mocha, and liquorice on the nose with a baked nectarine, honey, and creme de cassis palate. Oo la la!
Available at Lea & Sandeman.
Cuvée Karma 2016, £460
Feeling luxe? Only 1,000 bottles are released each year of what can only be described as one of the most breathtakingly beautiful bottles on the planet. Each engraved with a single diamond, it’s not just the external aesthetic that pleases the senses.
The Champagne is produced from Cru vineyards throughout Épernay, then aged for no fewer than six years. The result is a stunning nose of cocoa, almonds, and jasmine with a citrus-spice, danish pastry, and soothing smoke on the finish.
Available at Victor and Charles.
Lanson Noble Cuvée Blanc De Blanc 2004, £150
Lanson only release their Noble Cuvée vintages for truly spectacular wines and I genuinely believe this is one of the most underrated Champagnes on the market. The 100% Chardonnay showcases a dreamy gold within the bottle as hints of acacia flowers, honey blossom, and candied citrus emerge. As time progresses, hazelnuts, honeycomb, and almond cookies begin to develop. The palate is generous, offering sugar- coated lemon rind, salted malt biscuits, and nectarines with an extremely long and zesty finish.
Available at Champagne King.
Champagne Frerejean Frères Cuvée Des Hussards 2012, £136
This is the top Cuvée from Frerejean Frères and believe me when I say it is worth the excitement. The 2012 vintage saw 85% Chardonnay and 15% Pinot Noir grapes taken from a variety of Premier and Grand Cru vines within the Côte des Blancs.
With only 20,000 bottles in existence, it’s also extremely limited. The nose gives you a burst of white flowers, summer fruits, and guava fruits. Silky and generous on the palate, you can expect to taste nectarine, apple, pear, peaches and a slight mineral kiss on the finish.
Available at Hedonism.
Telmont Blanc De Blanc 2013, £140
This is another new discovery which I’ve fallen head over heels in love with in 2022. The 2013 has been aged for eight years, adding emphasis to the tasting notes. The 100% Chardonnay showcases its vibrant nose of lemongrass, honey spit roast pineapple, and jasmine. Take a sip and more of that sumptuous pineapple reveals itself alongside melon, baked nectarines, and a sugar glazed creme caramel.
Available at Telmont.
