Louis Roederer, Collection 243, Champagne, France NV

Tina Gellie 95

Anne Krebiehl MW 94

Michaela Morris 95

£49-£65.50 Widely available via UK agent

Maison Marques et Domaines

Founded in 1776, Louis Roederer is the largest family-managed Champagne house, today run by seventh-generation Frédéric Rouzaud, with wines made since 1989 by chef de cave Jean-Baptiste Lécaillon. Launching with 241 in 2021, Collection replaced Brut Premier as Louis Roederer’s multi-vintage cuvée, the collection number allowing consumers to identify the vintage of the base wine so they can choose their preferred level of youth or maturity. Collection 243 is based on the 2018 vintage, incorporating 31% of wine from a perpetual reserve that was started in 2012, as well as 10% from oak-aged reserve wines from vintages between 2009 and 2017. A blend of 42% Chardonnay, 40% Pinot Noir and 18% Pinot Meunier with a dosage of 8g/L, a quarter of the wine underwent malolactic fermentation.

Tina Gellie Great mousse and vibrant aromas of crunchy, fresh green apple, then a palate of more tangy apple and lemongrass riffs, digestive biscuit nuttiness and a wonderful chalky texture. Elegant, complex and impossible not to like.

Anne Krebiehl MW Subtle autolysis on the nose, lemony hints, fine mousse on a bright, balanced body. Beautifully clean and rounded while staying elegant and bright.

Michaela Morris An elegant and precise nose exudes hints of pie crust, chalky minerals and pure citrus. Delicate and refined with depth and layers. Truly classic and gorgeously attractive, with telltale chalkiness at the fore. What more could you want?

Drink 2024-2040 Alcohol 12.5%

Nominated by Simon Field MW