TOP 5 CHAMPAGNES

We gave perfect scores in our tastings to these superb wines.

HENRI GIRAUD CHAMPAGNE ARGONNE BRUT ROSÉ 2012 100 POINTS

This is something else on the nose, with saltines, dried orange, grapefruit, flowers, white pears, peaches, white pepper, rust and five spice. Unique in the wine world. 90 per cent pinot noir and 10 per cent chardonnay.

KRUG CHAMPAGNE BRUT 2008 100 POINTS

This is very structured and framed with an almost red sensibility. Very phenolic. Full-bodied in a tightly wound ball with so much going on. Very pinot-like. The bubbles just fade into the finish of the wine, which goes on for minutes.

LAURENT-PERRIER CHAMPAGNE GRAND SIÈCLE LES RÉSERVES N.20 100 POINTS

This is a beautifully complex wine. Flinty, even smoky on the nose, with preserved lemon, quince, smoked almond, sea urchin, olive and white pepper, as well as some mushroom, pie crust and salted caramel. Energetic, yet with a dense and oily palate.

LOUIS ROEDERER CHAMPAGNE CRISTAL 2008 100 POINTS

A masterpiece. A benchmark. Tight with fantastic precision and structure. Sharp line of acidity throughout, with fine bubbles.

TAITTINGER CHAMPAGNE COMTES DE CHAMPAGNE BLANC DE BLANCS 2008 100 POINTS

The perfect blanc de blancs. Full-bodied with a lovely framework of acidity and dry fruit, such as apples, pears and peaches. Opulent, dense and muscular. Yet, it’s balanced and harmonious. Has everything.