TOP CHAMPAGNE OVER $100
Louis Roederer Brut Premier NV -2 $103.99 ★★★★★
LOUIS ROEDERER CHAMPAGNE unwittingly made headlines in the early 2000s when ‘Cristal’ was briefly celebrated by high-profile hip hop artists. The love affair ended abruptly when a dismissive comment by Roederer’s managing director, Frederic Rouzaud, was published. However, this mini crisis barely dented the reputation of this revered house which was founded in 1776.
FORESIGHT & FORTITUDE
Louis Roederer inherited the house in 1833 and committed to identifying and acquiring the best vineyard land, an unusual strategy as, at that time, farming grapes held little value. But his foresight paid dividends and in 1876 he crafted the first ever prestige cuvée named ‘Cristal’, specifically for Tsar Alexander of Russia. Sadly, more than half of the vineyards were destroyed during WWI, but with typical determination they rebuilt. Roederer now owns 240 hectares of vineyard encompassing 410 parcels across a range of crus and varietals. They remain fiercely independent and deeply committed to crafting exceptional wines, producing three million bottles annually. To ensure continuity of style and quality during periods of uncertainty, Roederer has created a signature blend from multiple vintages comprising 40% pinot noir, 40% chardonnay and 20% pinot meunier. Aged for three years before disgorgement, this blend is labelled Brut Premier.
A classic style that is fresh and energetic yet powerfully complex. Warm toasty, yeasty aromas lead to rich flavours that are layered and creamy. A long structural line and textural finish adds to the sensual architecture that is both seductive and delicious. (B)
2 / Taittinger Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs Brut 2007
★★★★★ -2 $399
A precise and elegant blanc de blancs style with a seamless and purposeful structure to showcase the beauty of chardonnay. A persistent fine bead highlights fresh citrus and white floral aromas that lead to flavours of ripe lemon, green apple, flint, honey and toast. (G)
3 / Laurent Perrier Brut Millesime 2007 ★★★★★ -2 $119.95
A beautiful example of the balance between power and delicacy, which is the calling card of the best Champagnes. The aromas are toasty and warm while flavours of grilled lemon with a touch of spice are creamy and long. (F)
4 / Billecart-salmon Brut Rosé NV ★★★★★ -2 $142.50
The delicate lilac hue sparkles freshly in the glass. The aromas of pink cherries and rose petal launch into a delicious palate of ripe strawberries, baking spices and fresh cream. A beautifully woven wine with complexity and finesse. (A)
5 / Taittinger Prélude Grands Crus Brut NV ★★★★★ -2 $124
Bright lemon and red apple aromas lead to warm, rich flavours of caramel, honey and toast tempered with tight acidity. An exact style with a punchy personality, wonderful balance and persistence. (G)
6 / Collet Rosé Brut NV ★★★★★ -2 $123
A vibrant and deeply coloured rosé with aromas of fresh strawberry jam. The palate is energetic with generous flavours of red berry fruits and spice that are rich and creamy. The finish is persistent and long. (D)
7 / Charles Heidsieck Rosé Reserve Brut NV ★★★★★ -2 $109.99
A pale copper colour with delicate and inviting toasty aromas. Toasty brioche notes are supported with warm lemon and red fruit flavours. A generous yet velvety style with presence and persistence. (C)
8 / Laurent Perrier Cuvée Rosé Brut NV ★★★★★ -2 $149.99
With a delightful salmon hue, this wine is focussed with an elegant structure. Red currant and strawberry aromas drift into a savoury, nutty and toasty palate. The fine acidity freshens the finish. (F)
9 / Ayala Cuvée Perle d’ayala Brut 2006 ★★★★ -2 $205
A lively mousse with floral and berry fruit aromas lead to cherry, red rose and savoury flavours with some caramel notes. A powerful yet harmonious style with volumes of personality. (E)
10 / Laurent Perrier Ultra Brut NV ★★★★ -2 $129.95
Lovely lifted aromatics of fresh citrus and white florals lead to a structured palate of freshly baked crusty bread, lemon-lime and candied fruits. A great example of a wine with impressive mouthfeel with no added sugar. (F)
Bollinger Special Cuvée Brut NV★★★★ -2 $115
Generous with toasty, slightly herbal aromas that lead to a wonderfully chalky palate with an underlay of walnuts and almond notes. A delicate yet savoury style with terrific concentration. (E)
Laurent Perrier Grand Siècle Brut NV ★★★★ -2 $249.95
A generous yet gracious style with beautiful poise. Straw-coloured with aromas of ripe citrus and white peach lead to layers of precisely composed soft flavours in a creamy style that is textural and rich. (G)
Ayala Blanc de Blancs Brut 2012 ★★★★ -2 (E) $128
Ayala Rosé Majeur Brut NV ★★★★ -2 (E) $105
Bollinger Rosé Brut NV ★★★★ -2 (E) $135