Cuisine

TOP CHAMPAGNE

Henriot Blanc de Blancs NV Champagne (France) - 5 $110 ★★★★★

WHILE THERE IS NO doubt that we appreciate the big brand names of Champagne, it is wonderful to see an independent champagne take the top spot in this tasting. It is a reminder that Champagne is so much more than the famous names. Champagne Henriot was founded in 1808 by Apolline Henriot, the widow of Nicolas Henriot, a pretty audacious act for a woman in the 19th century. The Maison Henriot has been making audacious decisions ever since, the boldest of which is remaining steadfastly independent. Eight generations later, the house of Henriot is proud to be an independent, family-owned Champagne house producing no more than 1.3 million bottles of Champagne each year with a commitment to producing their impressive house style year after year. It’s a proud legacy passed down from mothers to sons. Blanc de blancs simply means ‘white of whites’ and when you see this emblazoned on a bottle it’s telling you that the wine is made entirely of white grapes – so this top-rated champagne is made from 100% chardonnay. Generally speaking, a blanc de blancs will enjoy the same characteristics that you would enjoy in a glass of good chardonnay: primary aromas and flavours of citrus and stone fruit alongside secondary characteristics such as brioche, nuts and vanilla as a result of age. This Henriot blanc de blancs Champagne delivered all of that and more and delighted our judges who described it as, “A Champagne with power and presence boasting ripe citrus, hints of white peach flesh, lemon curd and creamy brioche all combined beautifully in this elegant wine with a fine mousse and taut acidity. Every element exists together in perfect balance.” (A)

2 / Piper Heidsieck Vintage 2012 (France) ★★★★★ - 5 $120

Expressive aromas of toast, citrus, yeast, green apple and honey on the nose with a refined yet explosive mousse upon first sip. Beautiful acidity with a lifted nutty autolysis and browned-apple development character complete with beautiful brioche characteristics. A Champagne with great length and a superb toasty nuance on the finish. Opulent elegance. (B)

3 / Champagne Marion-bosser Premier Cru Brut 2012 (France) ★★★★★ - 7 $95

Oxidative in style with toasty baked-apple notes, rich with ripe stone fruit and a fine mousse. The breaded yeast notes complement and elevate the richness of the chardonnay component in this wonderful vintage blend. Lovely balance and relaxed suppleness with a fine acid spine that runs through the wine. (C)

4 / Charles Heidsieck Rosé Reserve NV - Gift Box (France) ★★★★★ - 2 $120

Lifted toasty, creamy brioche mixed with artisan strawberry jam and delicate petals abound on the nose of this delightful pink champagne. A wine with incredible structure that slides across the palate like velvet. Wonderful complexity and a long toasty finish with lingering flavours of wild berries. This is a slightly unconventional style but one that is a joy to drink nonetheless. (B)

5 / Champagne Laurent-perrier Cuvée Rosé NV (France) ★★★★★ - 3 $119.95

A pale, almost roof-tile-red colour with an elegant and persistent fine bead in the glass. The palate has a refined savouriness complemented with delicate berry notes intertwined through the long acid line present. It is a Champagne that is soft yet with presence and comes complete with a delightful creamy, toasty length. A supple and moreish wine. (D)

6 / Champagne Laurent-perrier Brut Millésimé 2008 (France)

★★★★ - 10 $119.95

Coming from the vintage of vintages, this Champagne is teeming with lemon curd and seductive creamy yet toasty aromas on the nose and possess a lithe fine bead in the glass. It has superb elegance on the deft palate with a refined creamy mouthfeel and a long satisfying finish. (D)

7 / Lanson Le Black Label Brut NV (France) ★★★★ - 2 $60

Bright citrus and lime-blossom aromas please on the nose and flow through to the palate interwoven with yellow and green characters playing in perfect harmony. A Champagne with a taut acid structure and pert pithiness that works in balance. The quality represents fantastic value at this price point. (E)

8 / Champagne Bollinger Special Cuvée NV (France) ★★★★ - 5 $120

The complex nose on this Champagne delights with lifted creamy brioche, white flowers and chewy red apple. These characters come through to the chalky, vibrant and lengthy palate. The palate is refined and supple with obvious tannin present and an almost cookie-dough character that is supremely delicious. (F)

Champagne Taittinger Brut Reserve NV (France) ★★★★ - 5 $90 (I)

Beaumet Vintage Champagne 2013 (France)

★★★★ - 5 $67 (A)

Champagne Ayala Rosé Majeur NV (France) ★★★★ - 3 $112 (F)

Champagne Bollinger Rosé NV (France) ★★★★ - 3 $148 (F)

Champagne Laurent-perrier La Cuvée NV (France) ★★★★ - 5 $90 (D)

Champagne Taittinger Brut Reserve Vintage 2014 (France)

★★★★ - 8 $125 (I)

Charles Heidsieck Brut Réserve NV – Gift Box (France) ★★★★ - 3 $100 (B)

G.H. Mumm Grand Cordon NV (France)★★★★ - 3 $69.49 (G)

H. Lanvin & Fils Brut NV (France)

★★★★ - 3 $58 (H)

Piper Heidsieck Cuvée Brut NV – Gift Box (France) ★★★★ - 3 $75 (B)

CHAMPAGNE

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2021-11-01T07:00:00.0000000Z

2021-11-01T07:00:00.0000000Z

https://cuisine.pressreader.com/article/282724820097090

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