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JAMES SUCKLING’S TOP 5 CHAMPAGNES TO BUY NOW

JACQUESSON CHAMPAGNE DIZY CORNE BAUTRAY EXTRA-BRUT 2008

SCORE: 100

A phenomenal champagne of such purity. Immense power with refinement. A very precise feel with a super fine, sliced-brioche nose and white-peach, fine-lemon and chalky mineral notes. So fresh. There’s such intensity, focus and delicacy to the palate. So focused and so detailed with seamless, fluid, ripe Chardonnay flavour and layers of savoury baked biscuits building on the finish. Wonderfully complete structure and texture. The power here is considerable and the acidity drive is simply wild. Wow! Drink or hold.

BILLECART-SALMON CHAMPAGNE LE CLOS ST-HILAIRE BRUT 2002

SCORE: 100

From a 1ha parcel of Pinot Noir, planted in 1964. This makes such a striking impression with incredible freshness and purity, married with intensity and length. The aromas of fresh, toasted almond are striking. Fresh forest mushrooms too. The palate has intensity that’s truly bracing and delivers such power and length. Exceptional! Drink or hold.

KRUG CHAMPAGNE BRUT 2002

SCORE: 100

Exotic and opulent with dried peaches and apricots, yet wild with croissant and pie crust. Full body. Layered and energetic. So complex with nutmeg and cinnamon. Perfect champagne.

TAITTINGER CHAMPAGNE COMTES DE CHAMPAGNE BRUT ROSÉ 2007

SCORE: 99

The light rust and amber colour is enticing. Aromas of dried rose petals, cinnamon and nutmeg. Hints of dried meat, smoke and sage. Full body and compact, creamy texture. So fine and delicious. Great, subtle and complex flavours. More like a lightly aged, Premier Cru Volnay, but with the magic of champagne. Drink now.

DE VENOGE CHAMPAGNE LOUIS

XV BRUT 1995

SCORE: 98

A fantastic bottle of 1995 with a superb core of ripe fruit and praline and dried apricot. Fullbodied. Impressive length of almonds and other nuts. Peaches too. So open and exciting. Wonderful example of mature champagne with unique energy. Disgorged in 2006. Drink now.