Champagne
Champagne, the epitome of elegance and celebration, is widely regarded as the pinnacle of sparkling wines. As one of the most prestigious wine regions in the world, Champagne has captured the hearts of wine enthusiasts and connoisseurs with its exceptional quality, refined craftsmanship, and iconic vineyards.
Historically, Champagne has been dominated by some world-acclaimed Champagne House, which source grapes and harvest from Champagne growers. These famous Grandes Marques include Louis Roederer (Cristal), Dom Pérignon, Krug, Moët & Chandon, Veuve Clicquot, and Bollinger, all of them are revered for their notable names that display unrivalled winemaking prestige and pedigree.
In the recent decade, the emerging Grower Champagne trend in Champagne is shaking up the industry by challenging the dominance of the big Champagne houses. These small-scale producers, also known as "Récoltant-Manipulant" or RM, grow their own grapes and produce their own Champagne, showcasing the unique terroir and character of their vineyards. Jacques Selosse, Ulysse Collin, and Champagne Vilmart & Cie are among the most prominent names in this trend, producing some truly artisanal and terroir-driven Champagnes.
Champagne is primarily made from three main grape varieties: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier. These grapes are carefully selected and blended to create a harmonious and complex flavour profile. Chardonnay contributes elegance, freshness, and finesse, while Pinot Noir adds structure, depth, and fruitiness. Pinot Meunier brings a touch of roundness and vibrancy to the blend.
The region of Champagne is divided into several distinct sub-regions, including Montagne de Reims, Côte des Blancs, and Vallée de la Marne. Each sub-region has its unique terroir, characterized by variations in soil composition and microclimates, which influence the style and character of the wines produced.
Champagne offers various styles, from non-vintage blends to vintage cuvées and prestigious prestige cuvées. While Non-vintage Champagnes typically epitomise the house style, the vintage Champagnes are made from grapes harvested in one particular year (top vintages such as 1996, 2002, 2008 etc), in which these wines showcase the unique characteristics of the specific vintage.
The prestige cuvées, often the flagship wines of the renowned Champagne houses, are the pinnacle of excellence. These exceptional Champagnes are created using the finest grapes, the most meticulous winemaking techniques and often benefit from extended ageing to achieve unparalleled complexity and finesse.
Champagne is synonymous with celebration, elegance, and luxury. Its effervescent charm and timeless appeal have made it the drink of choice for countless special occasions and memorable moments. With its rich history, iconic vineyards, and unrivalled quality, Champagne continues to captivate wine enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike.
Champagne
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(1x300cl) 2006Diebolt-Vallois Fleur de Passion Brut 2006 exemplifies the pinnacle of Champagne craftsmanship. Produced in the esteemed vineyards of Epernay, this vintage is a testament to Diebolt-Vallois' unwavering dedication to quality. The meticulous méthode traditionnelle employed ensures a refined effervescence, achieved through extended aging on the lees for over five years. Sourced from premier Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes, the 2006 release exhibits a harmonious balance of elegance and complexity. The terroir-rich soil imparts subtle mineral notes, while the precise blending process highlights nuances of citrus zest and brioche. As a revered producer with decades of heritage, Diebolt-Vallois combines traditional expertise with innovative techniques, resulting in a Brut that captivates the palate with its persistent finish and luminous brightness. Perfect for discerning connoisseurs, the Diebolt-Vallois Fleur de Passion Brut 2006 stands as a distinguished addition to any fine wine collection.
HK$6,060.00 -
(6x150cl) 2008Indulge in the extraordinary Diebolt-Vallois Fleur de Passion Brut 2008, a coveted Champagne bursting with character. Produced in Cramant, the heart of the Côte des Blancs, this 100% Chardonnay is sourced from Grand Cru vineyards. The Diebolt-Vallois family, esteemed winemakers since 1920, approach winemaking as an artform, culminating in this exceptional vintage. Curated through traditional vinification in oak barrels, 'Fleur de Passion' embodies the perfect balance of power and finesse. It offers profound complexity with vibrant acidity and an enveloping creamy texture. The palate reveals nuanced flavours of ripe lemon and brioche, layered with a mineral-chalky undertone and outstanding length. Critics have lauded its elegance, describing it as a triumph from this celebrated producer. A remarkable embodiment of the terroir, Diebolt-Vallois Fleur de Passion Brut 2008 is indeed a connoisseur's choice, tantalising the palate and captivating the senses with every sip. A standout toast to the inimitable Diebolt-Vallois craftsmanship.
HK$36,190.00 -
(6x75cl) 2008Indulge in the extraordinary Diebolt-Vallois Fleur de Passion Brut 2008, a coveted Champagne bursting with character. Produced in Cramant, the heart of the Côte des Blancs, this 100% Chardonnay is sourced from Grand Cru vineyards. The Diebolt-Vallois family, esteemed winemakers since 1920, approach winemaking as an artform, culminating in this exceptional vintage. Curated through traditional vinification in oak barrels, 'Fleur de Passion' embodies the perfect balance of power and finesse. It offers profound complexity with vibrant acidity and an enveloping creamy texture. The palate reveals nuanced flavours of ripe lemon and brioche, layered with a mineral-chalky undertone and outstanding length. Critics have lauded its elegance, describing it as a triumph from this celebrated producer. A remarkable embodiment of the terroir, Diebolt-Vallois Fleur de Passion Brut 2008 is indeed a connoisseur's choice, tantalising the palate and captivating the senses with every sip. A standout toast to the inimitable Diebolt-Vallois craftsmanship.
HK$22,520.00 -
Decanter (96)
Lemon peel and wet chalk notes grow to include ripe apricot, flowers, marzipan and spice. Although the wine never loses its elegance, it shows impressive intensity and concentration and has the substance to linger almost indefinitely. It is from the oldest vines of the domaine, particularly the lieu-dit Les Buzons, fermented in cask without malolactic fermentation, and bottled unfined and unfiltered. One of the greats, this will age for decades to come.HK$7,860.00 -
(6x75cl) 2012Envelop your palate in the taste of premium champagne with Diebolt-Vallois Fleur de Passion Brut 2012. This exceptional bottle emanates from the famed Champagne region of France, meticulously crafted by the prestigious Diebolt-Vallois winery. A family-run venture, Diebolt-Vallois's illustrious heritage dates back to the 15th century, and their expertise is truly reflected in this vintage.
The Diebolt-Vallois Fleur de Passion Brut 2012 is made using 100% Chardonnay grapes, purely selected from the house's oldest vines — a testament to the meticulous attention to quality and detail. The result is the embodiment of elegance: a profound golden hue, a bouquet brimming with sublime harmony, and a palate offering hints of ripe fruits and toasted almonds, making this vintage a symphony for the senses. Its vibrant acidity, perfectly complemented by an expressive minerality, showcases the beautiful complexity of this champagne.
This is a wine for true connoisseurs, offering a remarkable tasting experience that encapsulates the legacy of Diebolt-Vallois.
HK$9,300.00 -
(1x75cl) 1964Vinous (97)
Dom Pérignon’s 1964 is another stunner. Wow. Here it is the wine’s detail and precision that really stand out. Hints of smoke and slate add nuance, but that is selling this majestic Champagne short. The 1964 is a wine to drink and simply enjoy for the pure pleasure it provides, without thinking too much.HK$6,655.00 -
(1x75cl) 1975Vinous - Neal Martin (97)
The 1975 Dom Pérignon was an original release. It has a similar colour to the 1975 Dom Pérignon Œnothèque tasted alongside, maybe just slightly deeper, but there is little between the two. The nose is gorgeous, a little more secondary aromas by comparison, hints of butterscotch and dried honey, a little quince, yet supremely well-defined and focused. The palate has a waxier texture than the Œnothèque, but is so elegant and poised, emitting plenty of energy on the finish. Frankly, there is little to choose between this and the Œnothèque...and I was lucky to have both. Tasted at Jordi's 50th birthday at Nando's.HK$8,955.00 -
(1x75cl) 1980HK$3,325.00 -
(12x75cl) 1985Vinous - Antonio Galloni (97)
Both 1982 Champagnes are utterly spellbinding. It is amazing to taste these wines at 30 years of age and see that their signatures are all very much intact. Of course, the magnum format is so ideal for Champagne. The 1982 Krug Vintage is warm, toasty and totally expressive, with gorgeous exotic orange peel and white truffle overtones. This is one of my very favorite Krug vintages. Although fully mature, the 1982 is going to continue to develop at a glacial pace. The 1982 Dom Pérignon is just a little more focused and vibrant in style. Here it is the wine’s salivating minerality that really sings. It, too, is quite youthful and vibrant for its age. What a flight.HK$61,230.00 -
(1x75cl) 1990James Suckling (99)
This is really incredible with orange peel, dried pineapple and flan. Exotic. Full body, round and savory. Crazy character at the finish of cooked pineapple and tart tartine. Gorgeous; can't believe it.HK$3,490.00 -
James Suckling (99)
This is really incredible with orange peel, dried pineapple and flan. Exotic. Full body, round and savory. Crazy character at the finish of cooked pineapple and tart tartine. Gorgeous; can't believe it.HK$30,155.00 -
James Suckling (99)
This is really incredible with orange peel, dried pineapple and flan. Exotic. Full body, round and savory. Crazy character at the finish of cooked pineapple and tart tartine. Gorgeous; can't believe it.HK$33,690.00 -
Wine Advocate (98)
The brilliant 1996 Dom Perignon, which has largely disappeared from the marketplace, may be the finest young example of DP I have ever tasted. Notes of crushed rocks, honeysuckle, lemon oil, orange marmalade, and white pear provide a stunning aromatic display as well as palate impression. Great acidity and huge flavor intensity backed up by vibrant acidity make this an exquisite Champagne. It should drink well for 20-25 years, possibly longer. Readers should remember that the 1971 Dom Perignon Rose is still drinking exquisitely. I recently had the 1969 and 1970 Dom Perignons (from magnum), and both were drinking brilliantly. It makes one realize just how long-lived these wines can be. Production is confidential, but there must be hundreds of thousands of cases of Dom Perignon since it available in most of the world’s luxury hotels and restaurants.HK$5,055.00 -
(6x75cl) 1996Wine Advocate (98)
The brilliant 1996 Dom Perignon, which has largely disappeared from the marketplace, may be the finest young example of DP I have ever tasted. Notes of crushed rocks, honeysuckle, lemon oil, orange marmalade, and white pear provide a stunning aromatic display as well as palate impression. Great acidity and huge flavor intensity backed up by vibrant acidity make this an exquisite Champagne. It should drink well for 20-25 years, possibly longer. Readers should remember that the 1971 Dom Perignon Rose is still drinking exquisitely. I recently had the 1969 and 1970 Dom Perignons (from magnum), and both were drinking brilliantly. It makes one realize just how long-lived these wines can be. Production is confidential, but there must be hundreds of thousands of cases of Dom Perignon since it available in most of the world’s luxury hotels and restaurants.HK$19,810.00 -
Jancis Robinson (18.5)
Served not blind immediately after 2002 through to 2006 (which were all served blind), so of course it seemed particularly beautiful. Pale creamy minerally savoury nose. Really lively and punchy. Some smokiness. A hint of honey. Very good bottle.HK$14,710.00 -
Vinous (94)
The 2000 Dom Pérignon is a gorgeous wine to drink now, as it is already showing quite a bit of aromatic and flavor complexity. Although the 2000 doesn’t have the multi-dimensional personality or structure of the very best DPs, it does offer tremendous drinking pleasure today. Hints of pastry, baked apple and mint add nuance, with a touch of reduction that lends an added kick of freshness. Ultimately, the 2000 is a very drinkable and delicious Dom Pérignon.HK$4,370.00 -
Vinous (94)
The 2000 Dom Pérignon is a gorgeous wine to drink now, as it is already showing quite a bit of aromatic and flavor complexity. Although the 2000 doesn’t have the multi-dimensional personality or structure of the very best DPs, it does offer tremendous drinking pleasure today. Hints of pastry, baked apple and mint add nuance, with a touch of reduction that lends an added kick of freshness. Ultimately, the 2000 is a very drinkable and delicious Dom Pérignon.HK$2,205.00 -
Vinous (94)
The 2000 Dom Pérignon is a gorgeous wine to drink now, as it is already showing quite a bit of aromatic and flavor complexity. Although the 2000 doesn’t have the multi-dimensional personality or structure of the very best DPs, it does offer tremendous drinking pleasure today. Hints of pastry, baked apple and mint add nuance, with a touch of reduction that lends an added kick of freshness. Ultimately, the 2000 is a very drinkable and delicious Dom Pérignon.HK$12,630.00 -
Vinous (98)
I remember the first time I tasted the 2002 Dom Pérignon with then-Chef de Caves Richard Geoffroy at Hautvillers. It was the upcoming release at the time. As was his custom, Geoffroy served the 2002 in a flight that included a number of previous releases. The bouquet was immediately stunning for its audacity. I had never tasted anything like it. Two thousand-two was a year marked by extreme ripeness in the Chardonnays, and that opulence has always been a big part of the wine’s profile. Today, what strikes me most about the 2002 is its timelessness. That youthful opulence remains, yet the 2002 is still vibrant, almost shocking in its freshness. Apricot, ripe peach, tangerine oil, butter and dried flowers all build towards a captivating crescendo of aromas and flavors that saturates the finish. Readers can look forward to another two decades of exceptional drinking.HK$2,915.00 -
Vinous (98)
I remember the first time I tasted the 2002 Dom Pérignon with then-Chef de Caves Richard Geoffroy at Hautvillers. It was the upcoming release at the time. As was his custom, Geoffroy served the 2002 in a flight that included a number of previous releases. The bouquet was immediately stunning for its audacity. I had never tasted anything like it. Two thousand-two was a year marked by extreme ripeness in the Chardonnays, and that opulence has always been a big part of the wine’s profile. Today, what strikes me most about the 2002 is its timelessness. That youthful opulence remains, yet the 2002 is still vibrant, almost shocking in its freshness. Apricot, ripe peach, tangerine oil, butter and dried flowers all build towards a captivating crescendo of aromas and flavors that saturates the finish. Readers can look forward to another two decades of exceptional drinking.HK$10,975.00 -
(6x75cl) 2003Vinous (95)
The 2003 Dom Pérignon remains surprising for its body, freshness and overall intensity. A Champagne of phenolic power and resonance, the 2003 drinks well now, but also clearly has the stuffing to age. I was hardly surprised to learn that a P2 Edition will be released within the next year or so. My basic feeling about the 2003 remains the same it is a Champagne that will only be fully appreciated down the line.HK$10,500.00 -
(3x150cl) 2004Vinous (98)
The 2004 Dom Pérignon is a totally different beast. It is the product of a very long and cool growing season marked by heavy summer rains in some sectors of the region and then ideal conditions through to harvest. After a brutally torrid 2003, the vines responded by setting a huge crop. In fact, 2004 remains the most abundant vintage in the history of Champagne. The best wines, though, well, they have always impressed with their laser-like cut and focus. That’s exactly what comes through in the 2004 Dom Pérignon. Tasted from magnum, the 2004 shows all the linear energy and crystalline precision of the year, but with that extra magic that comes from fermentation and longer aging in the big bottle. The 2004 has long been one of my favorite Dom Pérignons. From magnum, it is especially captivating.HK$11,015.00 -
Vinous (98)
The 2004 Dom Pérignon is a totally different beast. It is the product of a very long and cool growing season marked by heavy summer rains in some sectors of the region and then ideal conditions through to harvest. After a brutally torrid 2003, the vines responded by setting a huge crop. In fact, 2004 remains the most abundant vintage in the history of Champagne. The best wines, though, well, they have always impressed with their laser-like cut and focus. That’s exactly what comes through in the 2004 Dom Pérignon. Tasted from magnum, the 2004 shows all the linear energy and crystalline precision of the year, but with that extra magic that comes from fermentation and longer aging in the big bottle. The 2004 has long been one of my favorite Dom Pérignons. From magnum, it is especially captivating.HK$8,790.00 -
(3x150cl) 2005Vinous - Antonio Galloni (95)
The 2005 Dom Perignon opens with the classic Dom Pérignon bouquet. Warm toasty notes meld into expressive fruit in a supple, silky Champagne endowed with stunning depth, nuance and complexity. Sweet floral notes add lift as the wine opens up in the glass… In 2005, the release is scheduled to last about six months, which means production is down around 50% over normal levels. All I can say is the 2005 is fabulous, especially in a vintage that required considerable sorting to eliminate rampant rot in the Pinots.HK$13,835.00 -
(6x75cl) 2005Vinous - Antonio Galloni (95)
The 2005 Dom Perignon opens with the classic Dom Pérignon bouquet. Warm toasty notes meld into expressive fruit in a supple, silky Champagne endowed with stunning depth, nuance and complexity. Sweet floral notes add lift as the wine opens up in the glass… In 2005, the release is scheduled to last about six months, which means production is down around 50% over normal levels. All I can say is the 2005 is fabulous, especially in a vintage that required considerable sorting to eliminate rampant rot in the Pinots.HK$10,070.00 -
Vinous (96)
Powerful, dense and tightly wound, the 2006 Dom Pérignon is fabulous today. To be sure, the 2006 is a broad, virile Champagne, but I find it compelling because of its phenolic depth and overall intensity. Chef de Caves Richard Geoffroy adds that August was quite cold and wet, and that ripening only happened at the very end of the growing season. Although numbers alone can never explain a wine, I find it interesting that the 2006 has more phenolics than the 2003. Readers will have to be patient, as the 2006 is easily the most reticent Dom Pérignon in the years spanning 2002 and 2009. I am confident the 2006 will have its day, but in its youth, it is not especially charming or easy to drink.HK$8,905.00 -
Falstaff (100)
Light golden yellow, silver reflections, fine, persistent mousse. Touches of brioche underneath nuances of yellow tropical fruit, notes of peach and pineapple, citrus zest, discreet blossom honey, also toasted nut nuances and floral-mineral notes. Complex, pleasant fruit expression, juicy fruit notes, savoury nuances, taut acidity, rich but with finesse and so perfectly balanced, salty-smoky finish. Has super length and great development potential, world class.HK$7,660.00 -
Falstaff (100)
Light golden yellow, silver reflections, fine, persistent mousse. Touches of brioche underneath nuances of yellow tropical fruit, notes of peach and pineapple, citrus zest, discreet blossom honey, also toasted nut nuances and floral-mineral notes. Complex, pleasant fruit expression, juicy fruit notes, savoury nuances, taut acidity, rich but with finesse and so perfectly balanced, salty-smoky finish. Has super length and great development potential, world class.HK$12,250.00 -
Falstaff (100)
Light golden yellow, silver reflections, fine, persistent mousse. Touches of brioche underneath nuances of yellow tropical fruit, notes of peach and pineapple, citrus zest, discreet blossom honey, also toasted nut nuances and floral-mineral notes. Complex, pleasant fruit expression, juicy fruit notes, savoury nuances, taut acidity, rich but with finesse and so perfectly balanced, salty-smoky finish. Has super length and great development potential, world class.HK$10,290.00 -
James Suckling (97)
This is a DP that shows the ripeness of the 2009 vintage yet remains full of energy. Gorgeous aromas of cream, apple, mango, honeysuckle, and chalk follow through to a full body and super fine, tight texture. Dense and agile. Vinous. It’s like a top grand cru white Burgundy. Think Batard-Montrachet. More depth than the 2006. Drink now.HK$8,560.00
