Tag: tasting

  9. Tasting Review: Vintage 2004… Overshadowed by 2002?

    April 2, 2020

    Vintage 2002 is legendary in Champagne and has often been named the vintage of the century. But did the hype and unanimity of its success result in the unfair neglect of another, perhaps equally, great vintage? We conducted a blind tasting to find out.

  10. Veuve Clicquot: Exploring Vintage 2008

    March 26, 2020

    We met with recently departed Veuve Clicquot cellar master Dominique Demarville last summer, shorty after it was announced that he would be departing at the end of the year. A marvellous final tasting with Demarville at Clicquot saw us explore 2008, from the perspective of non-vintage, vintage, and prestige cuvée.

  11. Champagne 2019: Year in Review

    February 15, 2020

    Our 2019 Champagne Review takes a look back at an eventful year for the world’s best sparkling wine, highlighting the best new releases from around the region.

  12. The Next Chapter: Louis Roederer Cristal 2012 and Cristal Rosé 2012

    December 11, 2019

    Eighteen months on from the release of Cristal 2008, the next instalments in the collection have arrived: Cristal 2012 and Cristal Rosé 2012. Described by cellar master Jean-Baptiste Lécaillon as “the next chapter”, 2012 is the first vintage of 100% biodynamically farmed Cristal.

  13. Tasting Review: Champagne Latest Releases

    November 16, 2019

    Despite frequently tasting newly released champagnes, we rarely take the opportunity to sit down and taste just new releases. At our tasting at Frederick’s earlier this week we did exactly that, tasting a range of styles from some of the top champagne producers side by side.

  14. Tasting Review: How Well Does Champagne Age?

    October 5, 2019

    Earlier this week, Jancis Robinson MW presented our standout champagne tasting of the year to a packed St James’s Room at 67 Pall Mall. The theme was champagne’s ageing potential and guests sampled ten pairs (an old and current vintage) from ten major brands.

  15. Laurent-Perrier: Something New, Something New, Something… New

    October 3, 2019

    A year of change for Laurent-Perrier sees the house welcome a new champagne, Blanc de Blancs Brut Nature NV; a redefined prestige cuvée concept, Grand Siècle Iterations; and finally, a new chef de cave, Dominique Demarville. We caught up in June to find out more.

  16. Rare Champagne: New House, Same Vision

    September 2, 2019

    Last year, Rare Champagne separated from parent brand Piper-Heidsieck, becoming the third champagne house of the burgeoning EPI group. We met veteran chef de cave Régis Camus at the vast premises in Reims earlier this summer to taste some treasures, both old and new.

  17. Eric Rodez: Artisanal Champagne

    August 15, 2019

    Having been Mayor of Ambonnay and cellar master of Champagne Rodez – considered one of the best grower champagne producers in the region – for over 30 years, Eric Rodez is one of Champagne’s most eminent figures. We met in June to find out more about the man behind the distinctive blue glasses.

  18. Louis Roederer: Something Old, Something New

    August 12, 2019

    A memorable evening at Louis Roederer earlier this year saw us taste the new vintage releases from 2013, preview Cristal 2012 and Cristal Rosé 2012, and sample the upcoming magnum launches from the Cristal Vinothèque programme. This one’s not to be missed!

  19. 2019 Champagne and Sparkling Wine World Champs: Gold & Silver Medals

    July 15, 2019

    The 2019 Champagne and Sparkling Wine World Championships was the biggest and best competition yet, with a record-breaking number of entries. The 186 Gold and 212 Silver medal award winners were announced last week – we review the Champagne winners here.

  20. Lanson: 2018 Vins Clairs Tasting and Clos Lanson Vertical 2014-2006

    June 13, 2019

    Lanson Chef de Cave Hervé Dantan is a huge fan of vintage 2018, telling us: “It was a dream, this harvest.” We visited the house in Reims earlier this year to sample the vins clairs and conduct a vertical tasting of all the Clos Lanson vintages from 2006-2014.

  21. New: Laurent-Perrier Vintage 2008

    June 7, 2019

    Laurent-Perrier have just launched their latest vintage champagne: Vintage 2008. Chef de Cave Michel Fauconnet described 2008 as one of his “favourite years for vinification” and it’s easy to see why. The enriched texture from extended lees ageing makes this the best vintage from Laurent-Perrier since Vintage 2002.

  22. New Release: Dom Pérignon P2 2002

    May 13, 2019

    Combining all the vibrancy of the 2002 vintage with the complexity and youthful vigour afforded by extended lees ageing, the recently released Dom Pérignon P2 2002 is one of the best champagnes of the decade and has already received a coveted 20/20 score from Jancis Robinson MW.

  23. Moët & Chandon: 2018 Vins Clairs Tasting

    May 10, 2019

    Moët & Chandon winemaker Amine Ghanem talked us through the trials and tribulations of the 2018 vintage during our last visit to Champagne. He acknowledged it was a “challenging” vintage, but overall still “one of the best years region wide” – the resulting base wines he showed us were outstanding.

  24. Billecart-Salmon: 2018 Vins Clairs Tasting

    April 22, 2019

    Billecart-Salmon were one of the first houses to pick grapes last year, kicking off their harvest on 22nd August. We tasted the vins clairs with new Chef de Cave Florent Nys, and also shared a comprehensive range of finished champagnes.

  25. New: Bollinger La Grande Année 2008

    April 11, 2019

    Yesterday, Bollinger launched their latest vintage champagne, La Grande Année 2008. From the vintage of the century and with a redesigned bottle that decelerates oxygen exchange, this could be their best yet. We compared it in bottle, magnum and jeroboam at The Ledbury in London.

  26. New Release: Pol Roger Brut Vintage 2012 & Blanc de Blancs 2012

    April 10, 2019

    Today, Pol Roger launch their eagerly anticipated Brut Vintage 2012, following the release of Blanc de Blancs 2012 last month. From a vintage whose reputation rivals that of both 2002 and 2008, these champagnes are highly anticipated by critics and consumers alike.

  27. Ruinart: 2018 Vins Clairs Tasting

    March 26, 2019

    As a winemaker, Ruinart Chef de Cave Frédéric Panaïotis is excited by vintage 2018, “a year of extremes.” However, as a human, he’s worried about what it signifies for our changing climate. We tasted the vins clairs from this exceptional year at the house in Reims.

  28. New Release: Dom Pérignon Rosé 2006

    March 5, 2019

    With a red wine content of more than 20% and having spent 10+ years ageing on the lees, it is perhaps unsurprising Chef de Cave Vincent Chaperon describes new Dom Pérignon Rosé 2006 as one of his favourite ever vintages.

  29. LIVE Bollinger Tasting and Q&A

    March 1, 2019

    On Wednesday 6th March 2019, we’ll be going LIVE on Instagram TV with Bollinger winemaker Karl Reuter, who’ll be guiding us through a tasting of six Bollinger champagnes and answering questions put to him by the live audience.

  31. New Release: Vazart-Coquart Blanc de Blancs Special Club 2010

    February 16, 2019

    Based in the Grand Cru village of Chouilly, Vazart-Coquart have access to some of the greatest vineyards in the whole of Champagne. Their new release, Special Club 2010, is an exquisite example of the power of Chardonnay from the Côte des Blancs.

  32. New Release: Dom Ruinart Blanc de Blancs 2007

    January 25, 2019

    Last week, Ruinart launched the latest iteration of their prestige cuvée champagne: Dom Ruinart Blanc de Blancs 2007. The brilliant young winemaker Caroline Fiot was in London to present the new release, alongside the house NV cuvée and the previous vintage of Dom Ruinart.

  33. Available Now: Dom Pérignon 2008

    January 10, 2019

    After a wait of over 6 months, one of the most anticipated champagnes of the century – Dom Pérignon 2008 – has finally arrived. Described by legendary Chef de Cave, Richard Geoffroy, as “a miracle year,” demand will certainly be high. Secure you allocation now.

  34. Mr Dom Pérignon’s Life in Bottles

    December 13, 2018

    Read Jancis Robinson’s review of our recent Dom Pérignon Retrospective tasting – including scores, tasting notes and a league table of all 23 champagnes tasted, spanning 1990-2009. Full article on JancisRobinson.com.

  35. Tasting Review: 2008 vs 2009

    December 12, 2018

    With vintage 2008 currently dominating the attention of the champagne trade and associated media outlets, we decided to organise a tasting of champagne pairs from 2008 and 2009 (hosted by Jancis Robinson MW), to objectively compare the merits of both vintages and evaluate the price premium and superiority of 2008.

  36. 2008 and 2009 Champagnes Compared Blind

    December 11, 2018

    Are the differences between 2008 and 2009 champagnes blindingly obvious? Read Jancis Robinson’s review, tasting notes and scores from our 2008 vs 2009 champagne tasting – including Dom Pérignon and Louis Roederer Cristal.

  37. Rare Champagne Vertical Tasting

    December 9, 2018

    Following the recent release of Rare Le Secret, the 20-year clandestine project of Rare Champagne Chef de Cave Régis Camus, we were invited to a vertical tasting of past Rare Champagne vintages – dating all the way back to 1979 – with the secretive cellar master himself.

  38. Prestige Cuvées – Nyetimber v Champagne

    October 26, 2018

    “That English sparkling wine v champagne blind comparison moves up a notch or two.” Read Jancis Robinson’s report of our recent Nyetimber 1086 vs Champagne Prestige Cuvées blind tasting at 67 Pall Mall.

  39. Nyetimber 1086 vs Champagne Prestige Cuvées

    October 25, 2018

    English sparkling wine producer Nyetimber made history with the launch of the first English prestige cuvées last month. Our panel of expert critics, including Jancis Robinson MW, blind tasted these groundbreaking wines alongside a range of prestige cuvée champagnes.

  40. Krug Grande Cuvée & Vintage Vertical Tasting: 2000-2010

    October 22, 2018

    At our most recent tasting at 67 Pall Mall, guests blind tasted Krug Grande Cuvée Editions 162-166 NV (2006-2010), and Krug Vintages 2000-2004, including Krug 2000 from magnum. Find out which champagnes were the highest rated on the evening here.

  41. A Visit to Champagne Palmer & Co

    October 19, 2018

    During our trip to Reims last week, we visited Champagne Palmer & Co to meet with Managing Director Rémi Vervier. After hunting in the underground cellars for the biggest bottle we could find, we discussed harvest 2018 and tasted two stunning examples of Palmer Vintage Collection.

  42. Tasting of 88 Champagnes from 1988

    October 17, 2018

    Last weekend, we attended a veritable extravaganza of champagne and food: a tasting of 88 champagnes from 1988 organised by fizz fanatic Peter Crawford and hosted at multiple Michelin-starred restaurants Domaine Les Crayères and L’Assiette Champenoise. Read our review of every champagne tasted.

  43. New Release: Pol Roger Sir Winston Churchill 2008

    October 2, 2018

    Pol Roger launched their much-awaited prestige cuvée Sir Winston Churchill 2008 in London this evening. After the success of their Brut Vintage 2008, described as “one of their greatest ever years”, expectations for the prestige cuvée are sky-high.

  44. Coming Soon: Pol Roger Sir Winston Churchill 2008

    October 1, 2018

    Champagne fanatic and life-long Pol Roger devotee Peter Crawford recently tasted a bottle of Sir Winston Churchill 2008 at the house in Épernay. With its release imminent, Crawford’s tasting note suggests it may exceed expectations.

  45. A Moment in History for English Sparkling Wine: Nyetimber 1086

    September 28, 2018

    Since 1988, Nyetimber have been busy revolutionising English sparkling wine and this week they raised the bar again with the launch of their new prestige cuvée range ‘1086’. We tasted the new vintage-dated sparkling white and sparkling rosé at The Ritz launch event.

  46. Review: Louis Roederer Cristal Vertical Tasting

    September 24, 2018

    Last week’s Louis Roederer Cristal Vertical Tasting compared every vintage of Cristal produced this century, from 2000-2009. Guests also tasted the two latest vintages of Cristal Rosé, and Cristal 2006 from both bottle and magnum. Read the full write-up here.

  50. Vive La Difference: Almost 300 Champagnes Rated

    September 5, 2018

    In his extensive 2018 Champagne tasting report, James Suckling documents the noteworthy developments in the region over the past year, including soon-to-be-released Dom Pérignon 2008, and highlights some exciting future releases.

  51. The Original ‘Champagne Charlie’

    August 13, 2018

    “Little did I realise ‘Charlie’ was no mythical bon viveur, he was actually a real person: the enterprising and extraordinary Charles Heidsieck.” Read David ‘Vinosaurus’ Kermode’s full report of our recent Charles Heidsieck Dinner and Tasting here.

  52. Laurent-Perrier Grand Siècle NV: Bottle vs Magnum

    August 10, 2018

    We recently compared a bottle and magnum of Laurent-Perrier Grand Siècle NV and were surprised by how fresh and youthful the larger format was showing, despite being a blend of older vintages. Read the full tasting report here.

  53. David Kermode Discovers Charles Heidsieck’s ‘Finest Bubbles’

    August 5, 2018

    A ‘Champagne Charlie’ in another life himself, wine journalist David Kermode attended our Charles Heidsieck Dinner and Tasting at Frederick’s last week to sample a range of new and old vintages from this reformed house. Read his report for The Buyer here.

  54. Charles Heidsieck Dinner with Stephen Leroux

    August 3, 2018

    This week, Director of Charles Heidsieck Stephen Leroux hosted our Charles Heidsieck Dinner and Tasting at Frederick’s, Islington. With an expertly paired champagne/food menu and a rare magnum of Brut Millésime 1983 to taste, it was a night to remember.

  55. New Release: Louis Roederer Cristal 2008

    June 22, 2018

    The long-awaited Louis Roederer Cristal 2008 was officially launched in London on Monday evening. Jean-Baptiste Lécailon described it as “the most Cristal of all Cristals”. Having already been awarded 100/100 from many critics, is this the best ever vintage?

  56. New Release: Dom Pérignon 2008

    June 20, 2018

    After much anticipation, Dom Pérignon have finally revealed their latest vintage: Dom Pérignon 2008. Launching what could be one of their best ever vintages at the wonderful La Résidence de France in London on Tuesday, the house also revealed Dom Pérignon P3 1990.

  57. June 2018 Champagne Range Tasting

    June 13, 2018

    Our Champagne Range Tasting on Wednesday 13th June at Frederick’s, Islington was once again a roaring success. The sun shone as fifty guests tasted nearly forty champagnes, including many new releases and even a few magnums. Browse the photographs here.

  58. Champagne André Robert: 2017 Vins Clairs

    May 31, 2018

    The 2017 vins clairs we tasted at grower house Champagne André Robert were some of the best in the region. Located in the legendary village of Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, we met with fifth generation family member Claire Robert and her husband Jean-Baptiste.

  59. New Champagne: Charles Heidsieck Blanc de Blancs NV

    May 22, 2018

    Charles Heidsieck were one of the first houses to make an all-Chardonnay champagne, back in 1947. In a tribute to their rich history of Chardonnay, the house revealed a brand new cuvée last week: Charles Heidsieck Blanc de Blancs NV.

  60. Champagne Corbon: 2017 Vins Clairs and Vintage 1984

    May 20, 2018

    Located in the Grand Cru village of Avize, grower producer Champagne Corbon are a well-known name in the region. Fourth generation family member Agnès showed us some still wines and champagnes, including the “worst of her lifetime” – vintage 1984.

  61. Veuve Clicquot: 200th Rosé Anniversary

    May 17, 2018

    To commemorate the 200th anniversary since Madame Clicquot invented blended rosé champagne, Veuve Clicquot revealed the first ever Jeroboam of Rosé NV during a celebratory dinner at Manoir de Verzy and shared the secrets of their red winemaking expertise at a tasting in London.

  62. Lanson: 2017 Vins Clairs and old Vintage Collection Magnums

    May 14, 2018

    Our vins clairs visit to Champagne ended at Lanson, with Chef de Cave Hervé Dantan. Here we tasted a comprehensive range of base wines, current champagne releases and some stunning magnums of Vintage Collection, from 1979-1990.

  64. Philipponnat: 2017 Vins Clairs and new Clos des Goisses 2009

    May 9, 2018

    Charles Philipponnat describes 2017 as a “funny vintage”. We visited the house of Philipponnat to taste the vins clairs and find out just what he means. Whilst there, we also sampled an incredible range of champagnes, including new Clos des Goisses 2009.

  68. Taittinger: 2017 Vins Clairs and Comtes de Champagne 2008

    April 27, 2018

    Despite the complicated growing season, Taittinger produced some delicious Chardonnay base wines in 2017. We tasted a range of vins clairs with winemaker Loïc Dupont, who has produced a small amount of Comtes de Champagne 2017.

  71. Global Launch of Bollinger R.D. 2004

    March 23, 2018

    Yesterday we attended the launch of Bollinger R.D. 2004. A champagne that has aged on the lees for 12+ years is now tasting delightfully fresh and forward, with all the complexity of a recent disgorgment. We also experimented with the effects of different dosages and disgorgements on R.D.

  73. New Release: Pol Roger Brut Vintage 2009

    February 8, 2018

    New Pol Roger Brut Vintage 2009 is a wonderfully fresh, fruit-forward champagne from a generous and warm vintage. We tasted it alongside the previous release – Pol Roger 2008 – for comparison.

  74. New Release: Charles Heidsieck Blanc des Millénaires 2004

    February 6, 2018

    We kicked off 2018 with the launch event of the long-awaited Blanc des Millénaires 2004. Director of Charles Heidsieck, Stephen Leroux, presented this stunning champagne and we also had a taste of the new rosé vintage: Rosé Millésime 2005.

  75. Jancis Robinson: Krug vintage vertical back to 1988

    January 31, 2018

    Read Jancis Robinson’s report of our outstanding Krug vintage vertical tasting last November. “This would have been a dream tasting anyway, but I particularly love tasting a group of wines blind.”

  76. Champagne Provenance: Why It Matters

    January 17, 2018

    Establishing provenance, or a ‘record of ownership’, is absolutely essential in the champagne business. The conditions under which each bottle has been sourced and stored can significantly impact the eventual enjoyment it provides.

  77. Coming Soon: Bollinger R.D. 2004

    January 13, 2018

    The latest iteration of Bollinger R.D. (Recently Disgorged) will hit the market in late-March 2018. Here we share our thoughts on the bottle of Bollinger R.D. 2004 that we tasted with cellar master Gilles Descôtes last year.

  78. Champagne Palmer & Co

    January 12, 2018

    After impressing us at several tasting events in the past, we added a range of Palmer & Co champagnes to our website last year. One of the newest houses in the region, what is their history and what do their champagnes taste like? The Finest Bubble reveal all.

  79. Coming Soon: Charles Heidsieck Blanc des Millénaires 2004

    January 10, 2018

    After twelve years of waiting, we finally have a new vintage: Blanc des Millénaires 2004. Not yet officially launched, but available to purchase in February 2018, here we share our tasting notes from a bottle sampled with cellar master Cyril Brun.

  80. New: Laurent-Perrier La Cuvée NV

    January 5, 2018

    Last year, Laurent-Perrier announced that their brut non-vintage – the fifth best-selling champagne in the world – was to be discontinued and replaced with an entirely original blend. The new champagne, La Cuvée NV, proved to be an instant hit, winning a Gold medal at CSWWC 2017. Read our review here.

  81. Year in Review: Champagne in 2017

    December 29, 2017

    We take a look back at the most exciting Champagne releases of the year, from entirely new blends to re-releases of old classics and from non-vintages with updated base years to the latest vintage releases of prestige cuvées. We also highlight worthy award winners and review the year for TFB. Roll on 2018!

  82. Laurent-Perrier Grand Siècle Vertical Tasting

    December 18, 2017

    We were recently offered the opportunity to taste some older vintages of Laurent-Perrier Grand Siècle: 1) A blend of 1999, 1997 and 1996, and 2) A blend of 1997, 1996 and 1995. Sampled alongside the current release, the results were very interesting.

  84. Video: Prestige Cuvée vs Vintage Tasting with Jancis Robinson

    November 29, 2017

    Did you miss our latest Champagne tasting? Fear not! Full coverage of our spectacular Prestige Cuvée vs Vintage tasting with Jancis Robinson MW is now live. Watch a video footage comparison of each unique pair from the comfort of your home.

  85. Piper-Heidsieck: New Rare Rosé 2007

    November 22, 2017

    Piper Heidsieck recently released their first ever rosé vintage of the esteemed prestige cuvée Rare. We tasted it with head winemaker Régis Camus alongside Essentiel NV – also just launched in the UK – and some old vintages of Rare.

  86. Dom Ruinart Rosé Vertical Tasting

    November 10, 2017

    We were invited to a weekend at The Savoy for a vertical tasting of Dom Ruinart Rosé champagnes with head winemaker Frédéric Panaïotis. With 2002, 1998 and 1988 on show, it was a stunning showcase of pink champagne.

  87. November 2017 Champagne Tasting

    November 9, 2017

    Browse the photographs from our latest Champagne Range Tasting at Frederick’s. Over fifty guests tasted 42 champagnes from Bollinger, Dom Pérignon, Gosset, Louis Roederer, Pol Roger, Piper-Heidsieck, Taittinger and more…

  88. Jancis Robinson: Champagne Showdown

    November 3, 2017

    Read Jancis Robinson’s review for the Financial Times of our recent Prestige Cuvée vs Vintage Champagne tasting at 67 Pall Mall. “Think seriously about buying a vintage-dated bottling,” Jancis advises.

  89. New Release: Moët Grand Vintage 2009

    November 1, 2017

    Last week, Moët & Chandon launched Grand Vintage 2009. As is customary with a new release, they also launched two Grand Vintage Collections, 2002 and 1990. Read the review of our tasting with head winemaker, Benoît Gouez.

  90. The Future According to Taittinger

    October 20, 2017

    Our trip to Reims in August included a smorgasbord of Taittinger: over twenty champagne tasted with head winemaker Loïc Dupont, including an interesting look into the future with Comtes de Champagne 2008 and 2012.

  92. Time-Travelling with Lanson: from 2016 to 1959

    October 6, 2017

    The first ever Noble Cuvée Blanc de Blancs and Brut vintages; Black Label NV blends based on the last vintage of the previous six decades; and a comparison of vintage and prestige cuvée. Our recent trip to Lanson had it all.

  95. Louis Roederer: The Old, The New & Everything in Between

    September 28, 2017

    Is there a better way to spend a Sunday evening than dinner with Jean-Baptiste Lécaillon at the Louis Roederer family mansion? We tasted new Cristal 2008 and the exclusive late-release Cristal Vinothèque 1995.

  97. Krug Vintage 2004

    September 7, 2017

    Yesterday, Krug launched their new Vintage 2004 in London. This latest release completes a special trilogy of Krug Vintages – 2002, 2003 & 2004 – not seen since the late 80s. We tasted it with Olivier Krug today.

  98. Krug: A Visit to Clos du Mesnil & The New Krug Maison

    September 4, 2017

    We visited Krug over August bank holiday weekend with Jancis Robinson MW. With an unexpected visit to Clos du Mesnil, a tour of the new Maison, a mini-vertical tasting and dinner at the house, it was well-worth the long drive!

  99. Champagne Salon Blanc de Blancs 2006

    August 1, 2017

    Last month, the tiny yet ultra-prestigious Champagne Salon released their latest vintage: Salon Le Mesnil Blanc de Blancs 2006. Just the 40th release since its inception in 1905, this is another seriously rare cuvée with outstanding ageing potential. Read tasting notes and more info here.

  100. Champagne Barons de Rothschild

    July 6, 2017

    In 2003, the biggest name in wine turned their attention to the sparkling variety and founded Champagne Barons de Rothschild. We tasted the full range at the London Wine Fair in May with Managing Director, Frédéric Mairesse. Read our thoughts here.

  101. Dom Pérignon Launches Vintage 2009

    June 19, 2017

    Dom Pérignon launched their new Brut Vintage 2009 last month before 2008 – the first time in history they have skipped a vintage. We tasted it alongside 2003 and 2006 with head winemaker Richard Geoffroy, who described it as “majestic and persistent”.

  103. Lanson: New 2017 Extra Age Range

    April 25, 2017

    Champagne Lanson have just released the new Extra Age range! An exciting blend of the 2004, 2005 & 2006 vintages, we tasted them with Lanson UK Managing Director, Paul Beavis at 67 Pall Mall and were seriously impressed with their affordable quality.

  104. Henri Giraud: Barking Mad or Genius?

    April 20, 2017

    In 2009, Champagne Henri Giraud invested in 10 terracotta egg-shaped tanks to assess their effect on the maturation of wine. The house now has more than 50 clay containers and are producing more. Have they gone crazy or are they one step ahead of the field?

  105. Vins Clairs: 2016 Vintage Summary

    April 17, 2017

    Our definitive 2016 Vintage Report, based on Vins Clairs tastings at ten Champagne houses with the winemakers. Extreme weather has produced surprisingly fresh and balanced base wines, but what potential does 2016 really have? Read our full summary.

  106. Bollinger: 2016…. The Next 1988?

    April 12, 2017

    The difficult 2016 vintage appears to have been kind to Champagne Bollinger. We tasted the Vins Clairs at the winery in Aÿ last month and the house are optimsitic – even drawing likeness to the magnificent 1988 vintage! We judged for ourselves…

  109. Moët & Chandon: Innovation, Innovation, Innovation

    April 6, 2017

    Enlightening, educational and at times jaw-dropping, our visit to Moët was one of a kind. Amine Ghanem showed us the 2016 Vins Clairs, new Grand Vintage 2008, a 1988 magnum and the ultra-prestige MCIII.

  116. Tasting: Krug Clos d’Ambonnay 2000

    September 30, 2015

    Just the fourth vintage from this legendary Grand Cru vineyard, Krug released Clos d’Ambonnay 2000 earlier this month. We tasted it last week at the LVMH offices, read our thoughts here.

  120. Dom Pérignon – Les 3 Étages: Review

    May 12, 2015

    On Friday night, we attended Les 3 Étages: a unique experience of Dom Pérignon – and tasted the newly launched 2005 vintage, P2 1998, P3 1971 (and an extra special surprise Champagne!)

  121. New Release – Tasting Dom Pérignon 2005

    May 7, 2015

    We tasted the new Dom Pérignon 2005 alongside the previous vintage, 2004. Richard Geoffroy and his team have produced something spectacular, and from a tough vintage.

  122. Bottle vs Magnum: Is Bigger Really Better?

    April 30, 2015

    A tasting last October shocked us so much, we are running our own tasting and taking the concept even further. But why do magnums taste so much more youthful?

  123. Dom Pérignon – Les 3 Étages

    April 15, 2015

    Les 3 Étages: a unique experience of Dom Pérignon. Hosted over three floors, each representing a different Plénitude, this exclusive event offers guests the opportunity to taste Vintage 2005, P2 1998 and P3 1971.

  124. Champagne Tasting: Wed 17th June 2015

    March 27, 2015

    Our first Champagne Tasting of 2015 will be an informal walk-around event at Frederick’s, Islington on Wednesday 17th June – tasting Louis Roederer, Krug, Pol Roger & more!

  125. Champagne Bureau Annual Tasting 2015

    March 13, 2015

    With 786 guests, 5,000 glasses used and 3,000 bottles opened, this was the largest Champagne tasting in Europe. Read our thoughts on the Champagnes presented.

  127. TFB Launch Night – Part 4

    December 26, 2014

    Richard discusses the origins of rosé Champagne, tastes the Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame Rosé 1998 and shares an interesting thought on the future of rosé.

  128. TFB Launch Night – Part 3

    December 19, 2014

    In this third instalment, Richard shares an interesting tasting note from Dom Pérignon, tastes Krug 1998 and tells us what his favourite Krug is.

  129. TFB Launch Night – A Review

    December 15, 2014

    “Champagnes …. each and every one is different and totally worth encountering.”
    A prodigious review of the evening by one of our guests.

  130. TFB Launch Night – Part 2

    December 12, 2014

    In the second part of our launch night video, Richard compares the original release Dom Pérignon 1998, with the second release, Dom Pérignon P2 1998 (launched in 2014).

  131. TFB Launch Night – Part 1

    December 5, 2014

    Our launch night was a huge success and took place at Moët Hennessy’s London office. Here is Part 1 of our video coverage, featuring Dom Ruinart Blanc de Blancs 1998 from magnum.

  132. A Trip to Dom Pérignon, Hautvillers

    October 31, 2013

    From Islington to Champagne. Visiting Hautvillers Abbey and tasting Oenothèque in the historical and spiritual home of Dom Pérignon.

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