Champagne Blend
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Sourced from the prestigious Grand Cru village of Mailly, located at the heart of the Montagne de Reims, and benefiting from over three years’ ageing, our non-vintage United Kingdom Cuvée is a classic blend of 75 percent Pinot Noir and 25 percent Chardonnay.
All the hallmarks of Grand Cru are here, with brioche and flowers on the nose and an elegant palate which marries notes of lemon grass, gingerbread and honeysuckle. The wine effortlessly combines structure and finesse, and reverberates with a really authoritative Grand Cru crescendo on the finish.
All the hallmarks of Grand Cru are here, with brioche and flowers on the nose and an elegant palate which marries notes of lemon grass, gingerbread and honeysuckle. The wine effortlessly combines structure and finesse, and reverberates with a really authoritative Grand Cru crescendo on the finish.
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£28.50
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£111.60
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£61.00
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£120.60
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£150.00
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A pioneer of the Hunter Valley, Australia’s oldest viticultural area, Tyrrell’s wines is a by-word for the highest quality and age-worthy Sémillon. Today Tyrrell’s still sets the benchmark for the region.
Fun and approachable in the image of Bruce Tyrrell (patriarch and Managing Director), but not short of complexity. The nose has a pronounced autolytic character – brioche and other baked delights – from almost two years on the lees. Famously, Bruce’s father was inspired to make sparkling wine by a visit to Bollinger, so it’s no surprise that a proportion of the blend is barrel-fermented, contributing to a rich, round palate. There’s plenty of refreshing acidity too, thanks to a relatively cool 2011 in the Hunter Valley. Much, much more than just an alternative to you-know-what.
Fun and approachable in the image of Bruce Tyrrell (patriarch and Managing Director), but not short of complexity. The nose has a pronounced autolytic character – brioche and other baked delights – from almost two years on the lees. Famously, Bruce’s father was inspired to make sparkling wine by a visit to Bollinger, so it’s no surprise that a proportion of the blend is barrel-fermented, contributing to a rich, round palate. There’s plenty of refreshing acidity too, thanks to a relatively cool 2011 in the Hunter Valley. Much, much more than just an alternative to you-know-what.
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£66.60
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£80.82
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Billecart-Salmon is one of the few remaining Champagne houses to be owned by the original family and was established in 1818 by Nicolas-François Billecart. Most of Billecart-Salmon's fruit comes from a small vineyard holding, though this is supplemented with grapes bought in from the Marne Valley and the Montagne de Reims. Meticulous production techniques, from the use of their own cultured yeast to its long, slow, cool fermentation, ensure that the family has 100 percent control of production.
This is without doubt one of the finest, yet least known, Grande Marque Champagnes, made with mainly Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier. This Champagne is lively, elegantly textured and fresh, with a very long finish.
This is without doubt one of the finest, yet least known, Grande Marque Champagnes, made with mainly Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier. This Champagne is lively, elegantly textured and fresh, with a very long finish.
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Gusbourne Estate has become a standard-bearer of high quality English sparkling and still wines. The estate sits on the low slopes of the ancient Kentish escarpment at Appledore, consisting exclusively of south-facing slopes. The combination of a warm and dry local microclimate, the sea’s moderating influence and the estate’s clay and sandy loam soils, ensure the production of exceptional quality grapes.
Gusbourne’s Appledore vineyards cover a complex geological mosaic which, thanks to the skills of winemaker Charlie Holland, is captured in this wine. A blend of 72 percent Chardonnay, 22 percent Pinot Noir and six percent Pinot Meunier, this wine has benefited from more than 18 months on the lees. It has an attractive mid-gold hue, with ripe aromas of orchard fruit, citrus zest and a seam of minerality.
Gusbourne’s Appledore vineyards cover a complex geological mosaic which, thanks to the skills of winemaker Charlie Holland, is captured in this wine. A blend of 72 percent Chardonnay, 22 percent Pinot Noir and six percent Pinot Meunier, this wine has benefited from more than 18 months on the lees. It has an attractive mid-gold hue, with ripe aromas of orchard fruit, citrus zest and a seam of minerality.
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The Champagne grower-producer Gaston Chiquet has made a name for itself as one of the best. In a region with thousands of small producers, it is a credit to owners Antoine and Nicolas Chiquet. Based in the evocatively named Dizy, the family first planted vines in 1746 but did not produce Champagne until 1935, when brothers Ferdinand and Gaston Chiquet took the bold step of setting up their own label, rather than merely selling grapes to the larger houses. Today they produce 15,000 cases a year.
This is a classic apéritif Champagne. Deliciously light, crisp citrus and apple orchard flavours mingle with sundry red-berried fruit. It is beautifully plumped out in the middle, courtesy of Premier Cru Pinot Noir fruit from the evocatively named village of Dizy, ending with delicate toasty notes.
This is a classic apéritif Champagne. Deliciously light, crisp citrus and apple orchard flavours mingle with sundry red-berried fruit. It is beautifully plumped out in the middle, courtesy of Premier Cru Pinot Noir fruit from the evocatively named village of Dizy, ending with delicate toasty notes.
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£156.30
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Orange blossom, red fruit and gingerbread jump out of the glass. There is a more exotic stone fruit element as well. The mousse is delicate and fine, with lingering and persistent fine bubbles. Plenty of autolytic character on the palate, with a creamy finish. Enjoy this on its own or for something a bit different, with some popcorn as recommend when tasting at Iron Horse!
Fergus Stewart, Private Account Manager
Fergus Stewart, Private Account Manager
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Hambledon Vineyard has a long and fascinating history. Not only does the village have the reputation as the cradle of cricket, long before Lord’s it seems, but it is also the location of the first English commercial vineyard, courtesy of the Francophile Sir Guy Salisbury Jones, who developed the vineyards in the early 1950s. After an uneventful hiatus the vineyard was purchased by Ian Kellett in 1999 and his investments of both patience and capital are now yielding fruit, quite literally, in the form of some of the best located Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier grapes in the country.
Fruits of the 2011 harvest, with reserve sines added from 2010, this is a most impressive effort, its lees-ageing imparting gentle biscuity notes and adding weight and structure to the first impressions, which recall English orchard fruit, yellow fruits and quince.
Fruits of the 2011 harvest, with reserve sines added from 2010, this is a most impressive effort, its lees-ageing imparting gentle biscuity notes and adding weight and structure to the first impressions, which recall English orchard fruit, yellow fruits and quince.
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For over 25 years Nyetimber has had a single aim: to make the finest English sparkling wine, one to rival the very best in the world, including Champagne. A true pioneer, Nyetimber was the first producer of English sparkling wine to exclusively grow the three celebrated grape varieties: Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay. Each bottle of Nyetimber is made from 100 percent estate-grown grapes.
This sparkling wine has a fine mousse that enhances the toasty, almond and honey notes. The acidity is poised and provides the perfect foil to the baked apple and spice on the palate. Perfect served chilled as an apéritif, but also good with lighter starters, shellfish or poultry.
This sparkling wine has a fine mousse that enhances the toasty, almond and honey notes. The acidity is poised and provides the perfect foil to the baked apple and spice on the palate. Perfect served chilled as an apéritif, but also good with lighter starters, shellfish or poultry.
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Gardet Brut Reserve showcases the character of aged reserve wines, as well as the ‘prestige' style of this Champagne house. This is two-thirds Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier with one-third Chardonnay, 25% reserve wine added, aged on lees 5 years, the dosage being 5 g/L. Dark straw-yellow colour with some golden hues. The bouquet is full, rich, with strong toasty overtones, backed by layers of creamy notes. This is a robust wine with intense flavours, quite open in expression.
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£32.00
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Chantale Bara has now taken over from the legendary Paul, her father, to ease the Champagne House of Bara into its seventh generation. Established in 1833, La Maison Bara has built a reputation as the great ambassador for the Champagne village of Bouzy. The Champagnes are colourful and rich, voluptuous and honeyed, yet always finely balanced and pleasingly textured.
The reputation of Bouzy resides in the quality and style of its Pinot Noirs, generally ripe, rich and very expressive. All three of these adjectives apply to this, the signature wine from Champagne Bara: a charming, forward Champagne, with a nose evocative of nectarine, plum and spice, then delicious flavours in the mouth which combine ripe fruity notes, a very fine mousse and an elegant, finely sculpted finish.
Paul Bara is a legend in Champagne. He took over the firm as a teenager 60 years ago and remembers every vintage in perfect detail. He belongs to the sixth generation to run the company since it was founded in 1833. Many major champagne houses have approached Bara over the years to try to buy the 30 exceptional locations he controls in the village...Despite the traditional methods, Bara's wines have a very elegant fruitiness, which is unique in Bouzy.
Juhlin's Champagne Guide, 2008
The reputation of Bouzy resides in the quality and style of its Pinot Noirs, generally ripe, rich and very expressive. All three of these adjectives apply to this, the signature wine from Champagne Bara: a charming, forward Champagne, with a nose evocative of nectarine, plum and spice, then delicious flavours in the mouth which combine ripe fruity notes, a very fine mousse and an elegant, finely sculpted finish.
Paul Bara is a legend in Champagne. He took over the firm as a teenager 60 years ago and remembers every vintage in perfect detail. He belongs to the sixth generation to run the company since it was founded in 1833. Many major champagne houses have approached Bara over the years to try to buy the 30 exceptional locations he controls in the village...Despite the traditional methods, Bara's wines have a very elegant fruitiness, which is unique in Bouzy.
Juhlin's Champagne Guide, 2008
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£32.00
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The Champagne grower-producer Gaston Chiquet has made a name for itself as one of the best. In a region with thousands of small producers, it is a credit to owners Antoine and Nicolas Chiquet. Based in the evocatively named Dizy, the family first planted vines in 1746 but did not produce Champagne until 1935, when brothers Ferdinand and Gaston Chiquet took the bold step of setting up their own label, rather than merely selling grapes to the larger houses. Today they produce 15,000 cases a year.
A blend of 30 percent Chardonnay, 40 percent Pinot Meunier and 30 percent Pinot Noir, this has nine grams per litre dosage. The nose has pure, red-berry aromatics of strawberries, raspberries and hints of pink grapefruit. The palate is vibrant with an attractive weight from the dosage.
The NV Brut Rose Premier Cru is a beautifully poised, centered wine. Predominantly Pinot Noir, the Rose impresses for its breadth and rich, voluminous personality. Hints of crushed flowers, Rose petals and sweet red berries linger on the refined, polished finish. The Rose is 40% Pinot Meunier, 30% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay, including 18% still red Pinot.
Drink: 2012-2016.
Antonio Galloni - Wine Advocate - eRobertParker.com - Nov 2012
A blend of 30 percent Chardonnay, 40 percent Pinot Meunier and 30 percent Pinot Noir, this has nine grams per litre dosage. The nose has pure, red-berry aromatics of strawberries, raspberries and hints of pink grapefruit. The palate is vibrant with an attractive weight from the dosage.
The NV Brut Rose Premier Cru is a beautifully poised, centered wine. Predominantly Pinot Noir, the Rose impresses for its breadth and rich, voluminous personality. Hints of crushed flowers, Rose petals and sweet red berries linger on the refined, polished finish. The Rose is 40% Pinot Meunier, 30% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay, including 18% still red Pinot.
Drink: 2012-2016.
Antonio Galloni - Wine Advocate - eRobertParker.com - Nov 2012
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Moët & Chandon can trace its history back to 1743 when it was established by Claude Moët. It is now part of the massive LVMH group and is by far the largest House in Champagne, producing a staggering 24 million bottles a year and with nearly 30 kilometres of cellars in which to mature its stocks.
Moët et Chandon’s Brut Impérial, the House’s non-vintage cuvée, is still the number one best-selling non-vintage Champagne. Enticing with green apple and citrus fruit notes, it has an impressive depth and elegance.
Moët et Chandon’s Brut Impérial, the House’s non-vintage cuvée, is still the number one best-selling non-vintage Champagne. Enticing with green apple and citrus fruit notes, it has an impressive depth and elegance.
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£377.40
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This fascinating cuvée is currently dominated by the excellent 2008 ( base) vintage, with its reserve wines matured in a solera. Its low dosage and high concentration is signalled by a green apple character, a flinty backdrop and a subtle rather intriguing finish which combines notes of iodine, oatmeal and honey. A legend.
Simon Field MW, Champagne Buyer
Simon Field MW, Champagne Buyer
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Bara’s Rosé is a cornucopia of delight, its redcurrant and rosehip core energised by the addition of 12% of Pinot Noir from Bouzy (where else?) , its balletic mid-palate bursting with joie de vie and exhorting the drinker to the highest possible spirits. With 2008 as its base year and plenty of Reserve Wine adding complexity, this is a broad-shouldered, vinous Champagne with a lively mousse and no lack of focus on the finish.
Simon Field MW, Wine Buyer
Simon Field MW, Wine Buyer
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Citrus, candied lemon and mandarin on the nose, with a hint of golden apple. Layers of complexity on the palate combining fresh citrus fruit with notes of brioche and biscuit from extended lees ageing. A blend of 55% Pinot Noir, 27% Pinot Meunier, 18% Chardonnay; this is a very fine example of English Sparkling wine.
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£386.64
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£144.42
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The first decade of the twenty-first century seems to have favoured the even years in Champagne vintages, with 2006 no exception. Mailly has crafted an outstanding wine, the blend favouring, as usual, 75% Pinot Noir over 25% Chardonnay. Rich ripe and savoury flavours are displayed on a bed of orchard fruit with a generous mousse and crisp, cleansing acidity completing a very satisfactory assemblage.
Simon Field, MW - Wine Buyer
Simon Field, MW - Wine Buyer
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£36.00
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£145.32
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£180.00
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The enthusiastically engaging Benoît Marguet-Bonnerave, the fifth generation in the family, is at the helm of Marguet. Benoît has coverted the vineyards (in two villages, Ambonnay and Bouzy, both Grand Cru) to biodynamic farming since 2009 and uses extremely low quantities of sulphites in the winemaking. He has been particularly successful with his rosé, made from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir by the saignée method.
Who better than Benoît Marguet, doyen of Ambonnay, to complete our UKC Grand Cru trilogy? Sourced from the finest Grand Cru villages, this is perfectly balanced and richly structured. It is an exuberant and beautifully fragrant wine, with red berries and other summer fruits dancing harmoniously on the palate.
Who better than Benoît Marguet, doyen of Ambonnay, to complete our UKC Grand Cru trilogy? Sourced from the finest Grand Cru villages, this is perfectly balanced and richly structured. It is an exuberant and beautifully fragrant wine, with red berries and other summer fruits dancing harmoniously on the palate.
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Mailly is one of the great Grand Cru villages in the Montagne de Reims. With a membership of 70 growers, the village's eponymous co-operative is one of the most dynamic in the region. One has only to visit its splendid seven-story gravity-fed installation to realise that this is a rather special organisation, the quality of its wines matched only be the peerless efficiency of its management. With a gifted winemaker in Hervé Dantan, Mailly is able to exploit the full potential of these top-graded vines.
The 2008 vintage was outstanding in Champagne and Mailly has crafted a typically complex wine, dominated by toasty and savoury Pinot Noir with the balancing Chardonnay providing just that; a joyful and harmonious balance. The wine’s fruit-stone core cedes to a long refreshing finish, while its impressive concentration bodes well for the future.
The 2008 vintage was outstanding in Champagne and Mailly has crafted a typically complex wine, dominated by toasty and savoury Pinot Noir with the balancing Chardonnay providing just that; a joyful and harmonious balance. The wine’s fruit-stone core cedes to a long refreshing finish, while its impressive concentration bodes well for the future.
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£36.00
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£145.32
Magnum
£75.00
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£405.00
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£152.10
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Hambledon Vineyard has a long and fascinating history. Not only does the village have the reputation as the cradle of cricket, long before Lord’s it seems, but it is also the location of the first English commercial vineyard, courtesy of the Francophile Sir Guy Salisbury Jones, who developed the vineyards in the early 1950s. After an uneventful hiatus the vineyard was purchased by Ian Kellett in 1999 and his investments of both patience and capital are now yielding fruit, quite literally, in the form of some of the best located Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier grapes in the country.
A beautiful vivid pink with a bright red berry hue, it displays an array of wild strawberry aromas on the nose that lead to a generous, complex palate of buttered toast, ripe lemon and juicy hedgerow fruit.
A beautiful vivid pink with a bright red berry hue, it displays an array of wild strawberry aromas on the nose that lead to a generous, complex palate of buttered toast, ripe lemon and juicy hedgerow fruit.
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Ready, but will improve,
Dr Andrew Pirie, founder and winemaker at Apogee, has been the most influential figure in the Tasmanian wine industry over the past four decades. With Australia's first PhD in viticulture, he initiated and built some of Tasmania's largest and most important vineyards and wineries. Apogee means the highest point, and the name represents what Andrew hopes will be the culmination of 40 years of choosing sites and developing vineyards.
Bright and fresh with a vibrant mousse and creamy texture, the 2012 Apogee is a blend of 56 percent Pinot Noir and 44 percent Chardonnay. There is a delicious mingling of red fruit aromas with a fine lemon citrus energy on the palate and the Brut finish (12g/l dosage) is savoury with notes of brioche coming through, pointing to its 24 months on the lees. It is delicious, fine and extremely sophisticated.
Bright and fresh with a vibrant mousse and creamy texture, the 2012 Apogee is a blend of 56 percent Pinot Noir and 44 percent Chardonnay. There is a delicious mingling of red fruit aromas with a fine lemon citrus energy on the palate and the Brut finish (12g/l dosage) is savoury with notes of brioche coming through, pointing to its 24 months on the lees. It is delicious, fine and extremely sophisticated.
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£36.95
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£399.00
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£149.58
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Ready, but will keep,
Dr Andrew Pirie, founder and winemaker at Apogee, has been the most influential figure in the Tasmanian wine industry over the past four decades. With Australia's first PhD in viticulture, he initiated and built some of Tasmania's largest and most important vineyards and wineries. Apogee means the highest point, and the name represents what Andrew hopes will be the culmination of 40 years of choosing sites and developing vineyards.
Bright and fresh with a vibrant mousse and creamy texture, the 2012 Apogee is a blend of 56% Pinot Noir and 44% Chardonnay. There is a delicious mingling of red fruit aromas with a fine lemon citrus energy on the palate and the Brut finish (12 g/l dosage) is savoury with notes of brioche coming through, pointing to its 24 months on the lees. It is delicious, fine and extremely sophisticated.
Catriona Felstead MW, Wine Buyer
Bright and fresh with a vibrant mousse and creamy texture, the 2012 Apogee is a blend of 56% Pinot Noir and 44% Chardonnay. There is a delicious mingling of red fruit aromas with a fine lemon citrus energy on the palate and the Brut finish (12 g/l dosage) is savoury with notes of brioche coming through, pointing to its 24 months on the lees. It is delicious, fine and extremely sophisticated.
Catriona Felstead MW, Wine Buyer
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£36.95
Bottle 6 x 75cl1cs
£149.58
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Delicate strawberry nose – but the palate is much more assertive, with just-ripe redcurrant and cranberry fruit which has an authentic Pinot Noir style about it. Dry, creamy texture. Proper, valid rosé flavour – a step up from their previous vintages, with lovely red fruit juice throughout.
Richard Hemming MW - jancisrobinson.com, 2nd Feb 2017
Richard Hemming MW - jancisrobinson.com, 2nd Feb 2017
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£37.95
Bottle 6 x 75cl1cs
£154.08
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Billecart-Salmon is one of the few remaining Champagne houses to be owned by the original family and was established in 1818 by Nicolas-François Billecart. Most of Billecart-Salmon's fruit comes from a small vineyard holding, though this is supplemented with grapes bought in from the Marne Valley and the Montagne de Reims. Meticulous production techniques, from the use of their own cultured yeast to its long, slow, cool fermentation, ensure that the family has 100 percent control of production.
Billecart-Salmon is renowned for the quality of its delicate rosé – and rightfully so. This is a delightful rosé with a charming, fruity nose and palate with hints of roasted nuts.
Billecart-Salmon is renowned for the quality of its delicate rosé – and rightfully so. This is a delightful rosé with a charming, fruity nose and palate with hints of roasted nuts.
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£65.00
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£275.82
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Champagne Lahaye, Grand Cru, Brut Nature
Benoît and Valérie Lahaye registered their property as fully biodynamic in 2003, quite a big decision in such a marginal climate. The seriousness of their intent is demonstrated in their Champagnes; real vins de terroir of astonishing complexity and depth. The wines are rich and perfectly balanced, their good levels of acidity harmoniously matched by impressive extract and maturity of fruit.
Vinified in fût, this is a blend of 90 percent Pinot Noir and 10 percent Chardonnay. The wine has an astonishing purity of flavour, showing its full biodynamic pedigree and a real gout de terroir, its vinous quality in no way overshadowing the pinprick acuity of its attack. Notes of mandarin and quince are also evidenced. One for fruits de mer.
Benoît and Valérie Lahaye registered their property as fully biodynamic in 2003, quite a big decision in such a marginal climate. The seriousness of their intent is demonstrated in their Champagnes; real vins de terroir of astonishing complexity and depth. The wines are rich and perfectly balanced, their good levels of acidity harmoniously matched by impressive extract and maturity of fruit.
Vinified in fût, this is a blend of 90 percent Pinot Noir and 10 percent Chardonnay. The wine has an astonishing purity of flavour, showing its full biodynamic pedigree and a real gout de terroir, its vinous quality in no way overshadowing the pinprick acuity of its attack. Notes of mandarin and quince are also evidenced. One for fruits de mer.
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£38.00
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Hambledon Vineyard has a long and fascinating history. Not only does the village have the reputation as the cradle of cricket, long before Lord’s it seems, but it is also the location of the first English commercial vineyard, courtesy of the Francophile Sir Guy Salisbury Jones, who developed the vineyards in the early 1950s. After an uneventful hiatus the vineyard was purchased by Ian Kellett in 1999 and his investments of both patience and capital are now yielding fruit, quite literally, in the form of some of the best located Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier grapes in the country.
A standard-bearer for the quality that England can achieve, this is a very assured wine, with a firm acidic spine, but also complexity and detail. Great focus and precision.
A standard-bearer for the quality that England can achieve, this is a very assured wine, with a firm acidic spine, but also complexity and detail. Great focus and precision.
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£42.00
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£453.60
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£50.40
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£172.32
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£195.00
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Which grapes are included in the blend, and their proportion, is one of the key factors determining the style of most Champagnes. Three grapes are used - Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier.
26% of vineyards in Champagne are planted with Chardonnay and it performs best on the Côtes des Blancs and on the chalk slopes south of Epernay. It is relatively simple to grow, although it buds early and thus is susceptible to spring frosts. It produces lighter, fresher wines than those from Burgundy and gives finesse, fruit and elegance to the final blend. It is the sole grape in Blancs de Blancs, which are some of the richest long-lived Champagnes produced.
Pinot Noir accounts for nearly 40% of the plantings in Champagne and lies at the heart of most blends - it gives Champagne its body, structure, strength and grip. It is planted across Champagne and particularly so in the southern Aube district.
The final component is Pinot Meunier and this constitutes nearly 35% of the plantings. Its durability and resistance to spring frosts make the Marne Valley, a notorious frost pocket, its natural home. It ripens well in poor years and produces a soft, fruity style of wine that is ideal for blending with the more assertive flavours of Pinot Noir. Producers allege that Pinot Meunier lacks ageing potential, but this does not deter Krug from including around 15% of it in their final blends.