Tag: vintage

  6. The Taittinger Collection: 1983-2016

    December 1, 2021

    We are selling an extremely rare complete set of The Taittinger Collection: The Art of Champagne – 13 champagnes in total, from vintage 1978 to vintage 2008.

  10. New Release: Dom Ruinart Blanc de Blancs 2009

    April 16, 2021

    A tribute to Dom Thierry Ruinart, the visionary figure on the initiative of Ruinart’s foundation, Dom Ruinart Blanc de Blancs is a creation inspired by the exceptional vintages of Chardonnay.

  11. New Release: Pol Roger Sir Winston Churchill 2012

    March 8, 2021

    Pol Roger only release Sir Winston Churchill in the very best years, the last being 2009 and today they launch Pol Roger Sir Winston Churchill 2012. This latest vintage marking the 19th release since 1975 the first vintage.

  12. 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.

  13. 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.

  14. Philipponnat: A Full Range Tasting

    March 14, 2020

    We met with sixteenth generation family member and current head of house Charles Philipponnat last summer to taste the range, including the latest non-vintage creations, vintage wines and some exclusive single parcel Pinot Noirs from the famed Clos des Goisses vineyard.

  15. Bollinger: Feeling Hot, Hot, Hot

    March 1, 2020

    During a visit to the house of Bollinger in Aÿ last year, we explored champagnes from some of the region’s hottest ever vintages, dating as far back as 1947. We also held a mini-vertical of Special Cuvée base vintages, tasted a trio of R.D.s and had a look at the new Coteaux Champenois.

  16. Wine of the Week: Charles Heidsieck Blanc des Millénaires 2004

    December 23, 2019

    This week, Jancis Robinson MW named Charles Heidsieck Blanc des Millénaires 2004 her wine of the week. During a recent tasting, Jancis was impressed by the sheer confidence, appeal and completeness of this latest prestige cuvée from Charles Heidsieck.

  17. 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.

  18. The Krug Experience: Tasting Review and Photos

    November 29, 2019

    Essi Avellan MW recently hosted our latest Krug Experience tasting, in which guests sipped no less than twelve Krug champagnes (both Grande Cuvée and Vintage), including four examples from magnum. Check out the review and photos of the event here.

  19. 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.

  20. Billecart-Salmon: Champagnes Old & New

    October 20, 2019

    An insightful visit to Billecart-Salmon earlier this summer involved an extensive tour of the cellars with newly appointed chief executive Mathieu Roland-Billecart – who proudly showed off their many shiny new winemaking toys – and a tasting of champagnes both old and new with winemaker Florent Nys.

  21. 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.

  22. 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.

  23. Champagne Salon Blanc de Blancs 2008

    September 29, 2019

    Not many champagnes are as eagerly anticipated as Salon 2008. Produced only in magnums (just 8,000 were made) and exclusively available as part of a specially designed wooden case, the ultimate rarity just got rarer. We met president Didier Depond in June to find out more.

  24. 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.

  25. Charles Heidsieck: Chardonnay, Chardonnay, Chardonnay

    August 29, 2019

    This summer, we stopped off at Charles Heidsieck’s majestic garden and reception facility, Pavilion des Crayères, for a quick-fire visit and tasting with managing director Stephen Leroux. We sampled the new Coteaux Champenois and Collection Crayères releases.

  26. Taittinger: The Elusive Comtes Magnum!

    August 26, 2019

    We were truly spoilt during our recent tasting at Taittinger, which included not one, but two(!), of the notoriously rare Comtes magnums. Discussion centred around the newly released 2013 vintage, the future for Comtes, and the recently renovated vinification of Comtes Rosé.

  27. The Krug Symphony, Conducted by Olivier

    August 22, 2019

    Scheduling appointments at twenty champagne houses in one week is never an easy task, but perhaps our greatest feat of organisation was pinning down Olivier Krug. We managed to catch up with the globetrotting face of the company amidst his ever-busy international schedule for a whopper of a tasting this June.

  28. 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!

  29. Palmer & Co: Bottles vs Magnums and Vintage Collection

    August 10, 2019

    Our last visit to Palmer & Co’s new winery in Reims included a comparison of the current range from bottle and magnum and a selection of older vintages from the late release Blanc de Blancs and Vintage Collections.

  30. Leclerc Briant: Champagne Range Tasting and Bioenergetic Innovations

    July 23, 2019

    We recently visited Leclerc Briant with Jancis Robinson MW. General manager Frédéric Zeimett and winemaker Hervé Jestin discussed the winemaking innovations happening at Leclerc Briant and we tasted a range of champagnes, including Hervé’s personal project.

  33. New Limited Edition Champagne: Palmer & Co Grands Terroirs 2003

    June 24, 2019

    A newly released limited edition champagne from Palmer & Co challenges the notion that hot vintages are unsuitable for producing wines with long-term ageing potential. Grand Terroirs 2003 is named in tribute to the unique vineyards that make it so expressive and fresh.

  34. 2018 Vins Clairs: A Vintage Summary

    June 14, 2019

    Earlier this year, we tasted a range of 2018 vins clairs with winemakers at fifteen different houses in Champagne. Thanks to exceptional weather throughout the year, some have been calling it ‘the vintage of the century’ and expectations are already sky-high. But just how much potential does 2018 have?

  35. 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.

  36. Champagne Boizel: 2018 Vins Clairs and Champagne Range Tasting

    June 12, 2019

    Based in Épernay, Champagne Boizel have a long and illustrious history with a tradition of trendsetting. We met with Florent Boizel, who has taken over the reins from his recently retired father, to sample some 2018 vins clairs and taste the range of finished champagnes.

  37. 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.

  38. 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.

  39. Philipponnat: 2018 Vins Clairs Tasting

    May 6, 2019

    “The biggest challenge was not making too much!” With an abundance of ripe and healthy grapes, Philipponnat had a successful harvest in 2018, a vintage which sixteenth generation family member Charles Philipponnat likens to 1995, 2009 and 2012.

  41. 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.

  42. Bollinger: 2018 Vins Clairs Tasting

    April 19, 2019

    Shortly after the 2018 harvest, Bollinger Chef de Cave Gilles Descôtes declared that “2017 was the worst harvest of my life and 2018 is the best”. We visited the house in Aÿ to taste the base wines and also tasted some of the rarer grape varieties, such as Arbane, Petit Meslier and Pinot Gris.

  43. Laurent-Perrier: 2018 Vins Clairs Tasting

    April 15, 2019

    “Everything is good, my work now is to find which ones are very good.” Laurent-Perrier had a successful harvest in 2018, a year which Chef de Cave Michel Fauconnet believes will most certainly produce a stunning vintage champagne and hopefully a strong Alexandra Rosé as well.

  44. 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.

  45. Veuve Clicquot: 2018 Vins Clairs Tasting

    April 9, 2019

    An insightful vins clairs tasting with Dominique Demarville, Veuve Clicquot’s eminent Chef de Cave, painted a clear picture of the 2018 vintage. Fresh, ripe and mature, with plenty of ageing potential, the base wines at Clicquot were either exceptional or good… none of them were bad.

  46. Taittinger: 2018 Vins Clairs Tasting

    April 7, 2019

    The unusual weather patterns in 2018 produced the “perfect conditions for the vineyard”, according to new Taittinger Chef de Cave Alexandre Ponnavoy. We met last month to taste the vins clairs, which displayed incredible specificity: each wine showcasing the distinctive characteristics of its individual origins.

  47. Piper-Heidsieck and Rare Champagne: 2018 Vins Clairs Tasting

    April 4, 2019

    Émilien Boutillat chose a good vintage to start his new role as Piper-Heidsieck cellar master. “The quality of the grapes was perfect all over the region,” he told us. We tasted the base wines and shared a magnificent lunch paired with Rare Champagne.

  48. Louis Roederer: 2018 Vins Clairs Tasting

    March 29, 2019

    Not many are as excited as Jean-Baptiste Lécaillon about 2018s potential, a year he describes as having “the density of 2002 and the precision of 2008.” During our visit, we also tasted the latest Cristal Vinothèque’s and a mind-blowing pair of Cristal magnums.

  49. 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.

  50. 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.

  51. 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.

  53. 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.

  54. 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.

  55. Single Vineyard Champagne: Fad or Future?

    January 19, 2019

    Since the early 21st century, a quiet revolution has been occurring in Champagne, and the ever-burgeoning demand for artisanal, hand-crafted cuvées continues to flourish. What are the origins of single vineyard champagnes, why are they so popular, and are they a fad or the future?

  56. Champagne in 2019: What Can We Expect?

    January 16, 2019

    Our previous write-up highlighted what a spectacular year 2018 was for champagne. The good news? 2019 is set to be even bigger! In this article, we look to the future and discuss which champagnes we can expect to be released in 2019.

  57. 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.

  58. ‘Week of Effervescence’

    December 14, 2018

    At JancisRobinson.com, this is the ‘Week of Effervescence’. All this week, new articles have been published on all things sparkling. Here we share links to the articles not already featured in our News & Reviews section, including a Cristal vertical and an English sparkling wine tasting.

  59. 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.

  60. 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.

  61. 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.

  62. Louis Roederer Cristal 2008 vs Cristal 2009

    December 10, 2018

    With media attention surrounding the new release now somewhat subdued, we evaluate the price premium of Cristal 2008 – “the most Cristal of all Cristals” – versus Cristal 2009, which has just entered an ideal drinking window.

  63. 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.

  66. Bollinger and Louis Roederer Special Offers

    November 16, 2018

    For our third weekly Christmas promotion, we have special offers on Bollinger and Louis Roederer champagnes, including three stunning new releases: R.D. 2004, Brut Vintage 2012 and Rosé 2012. Toast the end of the year in style with up to 27% off!

  67. 2018: The Vintage of the Century?

    November 5, 2018

    With record-breaking rainfall in the winter, unprecedented sunshine hours in the spring and summer and the earliest harvest on record, 2018 has been a truly exceptional year in Champagne. With harvest now over, we share some feedback from the top winemakers in the region on what is set to be a standout vintage.

  68. 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.

  69. 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.

  70. 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.

  71. 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.

  72. 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.

  74. The Next Outstanding Vintage: 2012

    September 19, 2018

    Vintage 2008 has been stealing all the headlines lately but what about the future? Despite low yields due to frost and hail in the early season, a perfect August produced exceptionally mature and healthy grapes in 2012. Is this the next outstanding vintage?

  76. Champagne: Glossary of Terms

    August 14, 2018

    Popping a cork has become so synonymous with celebration that the particularly unique vinous qualities of Champagne can be easily overlooked. Here we shed light on the complexities of our favourite effervescent tipple, by defining some of the key terms involved in Champagne and its production.

  77. Coming Soon: Pol Roger Sir Winston Churchill 2008

    August 8, 2018

    Last year, Pol Roger described Sir Winston Churchill 2008 as “the best vintage since 1988 and the most investible Churchill we’ve ever made.” Due for release in Autumn 2018, we look forward to what is certain to be one of the most exciting releases this year.

  78. Record-Breaking Year: A Look Forward to the 2018 Harvest

    August 6, 2018

    Record-breaking weather in 2018 is likely to produce one of the largest champagne harvests in living memory that will once again begin early, in late-August. What can we expect from this climatically exceptional vintage?

  80. 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?

  81. 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.

  82. Coming Soon: Dom Pérignon 2008

    June 15, 2018

    Although not officially launching in London until next week, the long-awaited Dom Pérignon 2008 was revealed – along with veteran Chef de Cave Richard Geoffroy’s retirement – in Champagne earlier this week. Here’s what we know so far.

  83. 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.

  84. Great Value Magnum Champagne

    June 8, 2018

    We have long been obsessed with Champagne aged in magnum and always encourage friends and customers to choose magnums over bottles. However, many are put off by the price premium. Here we highlight some of the best value magnums available on the market today.

  85. 2017 Vins Clairs: A Vintage Summary

    June 1, 2018

    Earlier this year, we travelled to Champagne to visit thirteen different Champagnes houses and taste the 2017 Vins Clairs with their winemakers. Challenging weather has rendered this vintage one to forget for many, but there are some promising surprises. Which ones have the most potential? Read our full summary.

  86. 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.

  87. Coming Soon: Louis Roederer Cristal 2008

    May 30, 2018

    Rarely is a champagne launch met with as much excitement as that surrounding Louis Roederer Cristal 2008 – tipped to be the best ever vintage. Set to hit the market within the next month, here we provide an overview of our previous tastings and outline what to expect from this remarkable release.

  88. New Release: Taittinger Comtes de Champagne 2007

    May 21, 2018

    Last week saw the official launch of Taittinger Comtes de Champagne 2007. New Chef de Cave Alexandre Ponnavoy was in London to discuss the latest vintage, which will be a very limited and rare release.

  89. 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.

  90. 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.

  96. March 2018 Champagne Range Tasting

    March 27, 2018

    Browse the photographs from our March 2018 Champagne Range Tasting at Frederick’s in Islington. Over fifty guests tasted a whopping fifty champagnes, including new releases, from brands such as Bollinger, Dom Pérignon, Louis Roederer, Pol Roger, Piper-Heidsieck, Taittinger and more…

  97. 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.

  99. 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.

  100. Krug Vertical Tasting: 1988-2004

    February 1, 2018

    Last year, we blind tasted every vintage of Krug produced since 1988 with Olivier Krug and Jancis Robinson MW. With over ten vintages, a Grande Cuvée and a magnum thrown in for good measure, it was a truly special occasion.

  101. 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.”

  102. 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.

  103. 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.

  104. 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.

  105. 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.

  106. 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.

  107. Grape Expectations: What to Expect from Champagne in 2018

    January 2, 2018

    Here, we cast our minds to the future. With many big releases confirmed for next year, such as Louis Roederer Cristal 2008 and Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame 2008, it is sure to be exciting. But what do we know for sure and what can we predict?

  108. 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!

  109. 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.

  110. 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.

  111. 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.

  112. 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…

  113. 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.

  114. 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.

  116. 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.

  120. 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.

  121. 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!

  122. 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.

  124. 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”.

  126. 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.

  127. 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.

  129. 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.

  130. Charles Heidsieck Rosé Millésimé 2006

    February 28, 2017

    Ranked 2nd out of 14 in our recent Rosé Champagne blind tasting, Charles Heidsieck Rosé 2006 is a stunner and great value with a £95 RRP. Definitely one of the best Rosé’s on the market.

  131. 2016: No Celebration for Champagne

    February 17, 2017

    “Everything that could go wrong, did.” The most difficult growing season in Champagne for 60 years was saved by late sunshine. A miraculous vintage? Definitely. A future great? Probably not.

  132. Fourteen Shades of Pink

    February 3, 2017

    A blind tasting of thirteen Rosé Champagnes and one English Sparkling with FT’s Alice Lascelles, Richard Bampfield MW, Simon Stockton and Frederick’s restaurant manager Matt. Just another Wednesday.

  133. Champagne: Glossary of Terms

    August 20, 2016

    Popping a cork has become so synonymous with celebration that the particularly unique vinous qualities of Champagne can be easily overlooked. Here we shed light on the complexities of our favourite effervescent tipple, by defining some of the key terms involved in Champagne and its production.

  134. Portfolio June 2016

    May 23, 2016

    Download or Request our new June 2016 portfolio. With all the Champagne brands we list and interesting articles on different vintages, bottles v magnums and overviews of the different Champagnes, this portfolio is a must have when buying Champagne

  138. 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.

How Your Champagne Is Packaged - 100% Eco-Friendly Packaging:

Over Night Delivery

Our boxes are 100% recyclable cardboard and "paper bubble wrap" is efficient to both transport and dispose of. Additionally we seal the boxes with paper tape.

Same Day Guaranteed Delivery

All same day deliveries are made in TFB "Jute Bags" a 100% recyclable material highly durable, made with tightly woven and sewn jute material that give their free-standing ability, and as a result, many customers use it for shopping bags. They are 100% bio-degradable.