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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Falstaff (98)
Light yellow gold with silver reflections and a very fine, persistent mousse. Fine blossom honey, tangerine, kumquat, yellow peach, white nougat - immensely multifaceted and fresh. Complex, juicy, with fine stone fruit, it is lively and taut with a touch of biscuit and almond on the finish. It is mineral and has a fine lime touch. The wine lingers long and has great ageing potential. One of the best Grand Cuvées ever made, definite ageing potential for decades.HK$20,000.00 -
Falstaff (98)
Light yellow gold with silver reflections and a very fine, persistent mousse. Fine blossom honey, tangerine, kumquat, yellow peach, white nougat - immensely multifaceted and fresh. Complex, juicy, with fine stone fruit, it is lively and taut with a touch of biscuit and almond on the finish. It is mineral and has a fine lime touch. The wine lingers long and has great ageing potential. One of the best Grand Cuvées ever made, definite ageing potential for decades.HK$17,610.00 -
HK$13,500.00 -
Jancis Robinson (19)
A blend of 198 wines from 11 different years, with the youngest the acclaimed 2012, back to a precious, powerfully aromatic lot of Verzenay Pinot Noir 1996. The final blend – 52% Pinot Noir, 35% Chardonnay and 13% Meunier – was bottled in 2013 and aged for seven years in Krug’s cellars in Reims. Yields in 2012 were 20% lower than usual because of a succession of meteorological events including frost, rain, storms and hail in winter and spring 2012, followed by the driest ripening season since 1974. Notably intense aroma with crème pâtissière dominant. Masses of extract and remarkable acidity underpinned by great depth of flavour and beautiful balance on the finish. I think this is going to be a really great, glamorous Krug Grande Cuvée that will continue to develop in bottle for many years to come. I suspect it will be even more enjoyable from the end of 2020. The length on the palate is remarkable. This is magnificently precise, a great tribute to the work of the old cellarmaster Eric Lebel, who is still in the background, and a wonderful welcome to his successor Julie Cavil, who has been learning from him since 2006.HK$6,335.00 -
Jancis Robinson (19)
A blend of 198 wines from 11 different years, with the youngest the acclaimed 2012, back to a precious, powerfully aromatic lot of Verzenay Pinot Noir 1996. The final blend – 52% Pinot Noir, 35% Chardonnay and 13% Meunier – was bottled in 2013 and aged for seven years in Krug’s cellars in Reims. Yields in 2012 were 20% lower than usual because of a succession of meteorological events including frost, rain, storms and hail in winter and spring 2012, followed by the driest ripening season since 1974. Notably intense aroma with crème pâtissière dominant. Masses of extract and remarkable acidity underpinned by great depth of flavour and beautiful balance on the finish. I think this is going to be a really great, glamorous Krug Grande Cuvée that will continue to develop in bottle for many years to come. I suspect it will be even more enjoyable from the end of 2020. The length on the palate is remarkable. This is magnificently precise, a great tribute to the work of the old cellarmaster Eric Lebel, who is still in the background, and a wonderful welcome to his successor Julie Cavil, who has been learning from him since 2006.HK$12,160.00 -
Jancis Robinson (19)
A blend of 198 wines from 11 different years, with the youngest the acclaimed 2012, back to a precious, powerfully aromatic lot of Verzenay Pinot Noir 1996. The final blend – 52% Pinot Noir, 35% Chardonnay and 13% Meunier – was bottled in 2013 and aged for seven years in Krug’s cellars in Reims. Yields in 2012 were 20% lower than usual because of a succession of meteorological events including frost, rain, storms and hail in winter and spring 2012, followed by the driest ripening season since 1974. Notably intense aroma with crème pâtissière dominant. Masses of extract and remarkable acidity underpinned by great depth of flavour and beautiful balance on the finish. I think this is going to be a really great, glamorous Krug Grande Cuvée that will continue to develop in bottle for many years to come. I suspect it will be even more enjoyable from the end of 2020. The length on the palate is remarkable. This is magnificently precise, a great tribute to the work of the old cellarmaster Eric Lebel, who is still in the background, and a wonderful welcome to his successor Julie Cavil, who has been learning from him since 2006.HK$10,955.00 -
Jancis Robinson (18.5+)
Deep copper gold. Tiny, tiny bead. Much more obvious acidity, age and (lightly oaky?) savour on the nose than Cristal 2013. Aérien with blossomy notes with a little mandarin. Very marked acidity on the palate. A real wake-up call! Sleek and fresh and truly spring-like with a light yeasty note on the very long finish. The most pleasure to be had initially is in the nose and the finish. The palate is still a bit of shock. This should have a long life. Bone-dry finish and playing the intellectual card. Throbs on the palate with all its vibrancy. Long. Tighter than the 168ème Édition. Structure dominates fruit.HK$5,625.00 -
Jancis Robinson (18.5+)
Deep copper gold. Tiny, tiny bead. Much more obvious acidity, age and (lightly oaky?) savour on the nose than Cristal 2013. Aérien with blossomy notes with a little mandarin. Very marked acidity on the palate. A real wake-up call! Sleek and fresh and truly spring-like with a light yeasty note on the very long finish. The most pleasure to be had initially is in the nose and the finish. The palate is still a bit of shock. This should have a long life. Bone-dry finish and playing the intellectual card. Throbs on the palate with all its vibrancy. Long. Tighter than the 168ème Édition. Structure dominates fruit.HK$14,245.00 -
Jancis Robinson (18.5+)
Deep copper gold. Tiny, tiny bead. Much more obvious acidity, age and (lightly oaky?) savour on the nose than Cristal 2013. Aérien with blossomy notes with a little mandarin. Very marked acidity on the palate. A real wake-up call! Sleek and fresh and truly spring-like with a light yeasty note on the very long finish. The most pleasure to be had initially is in the nose and the finish. The palate is still a bit of shock. This should have a long life. Bone-dry finish and playing the intellectual card. Throbs on the palate with all its vibrancy. Long. Tighter than the 168ème Édition. Structure dominates fruit.HK$10,635.00 -
(6x75cl) NVJancis Robinson (19)
Tasted blind. Mellow nose. Savoury and almost meat and two vegy. Very firm. Marked acidity. Throat-warming finish. Very fine peacock’s tail finish. Edgy and youthful and very good. A second taste suggests it falls away a little. And it’s a tad dry on the end.HK$11,400.00 -
Jancis Robinson (18)
Really quite a deep orangey colour. Real evolution on the Pinot-dominated nose. Flattering breadth with a relatively low acid impression. Firm structure. Very long.HK$5,805.00 -
(1x300cl) NV
Jancis Robinson (18)
Really quite a deep orangey colour. Real evolution on the Pinot-dominated nose. Flattering breadth with a relatively low acid impression. Firm structure. Very long.HK$23,290.00 -
(1x300cl) NVJames Suckling (98)
A very vinous rosé with sliced strawberry and peach aromas and flavors with a steely undertone. Hints of cream and biscuit. It’s medium-bodied, tight, linear and precise with pinpointed structure that goes straight to the center palate and carries on through the long finish. Very fine tannins provide drive and length. Drink or hold.HK$32,800.00 -
(1x75cl) NVJames Suckling (98)
A very vinous rosé with sliced strawberry and peach aromas and flavors with a steely undertone. Hints of cream and biscuit. It’s medium-bodied, tight, linear and precise with pinpointed structure that goes straight to the center palate and carries on through the long finish. Very fine tannins provide drive and length. Drink or hold.HK$4,190.00 -
Wine Spectator (96)
A mouthwatering rosé that wraps a racy spine of acidity in the plushly creamy, cashmere-like mousse, offering a fine frame for the rich and finely meshed range of flavors, with baked raspberry, passion fruit and Mandarin orange peel fruit accented by chopped hazelnut, fleur de sel, candied ginger and lime blossom notes that echo for days on the vivid finish. Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier. Disgorged autumn 2019. Drink now through 2030.HK$11,290.00 -
Wine Spectator (96)
A mouthwatering rosé that wraps a racy spine of acidity in the plushly creamy, cashmere-like mousse, offering a fine frame for the rich and finely meshed range of flavors, with baked raspberry, passion fruit and Mandarin orange peel fruit accented by chopped hazelnut, fleur de sel, candied ginger and lime blossom notes that echo for days on the vivid finish. Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier. Disgorged autumn 2019. Drink now through 2030.HK$17,220.00 -
Wine Advocate (96)
Based on the 2014 vintage, complemented by some 33% reserve wines from six other vintages, Krug's new NV Brut Rosé 26ème Édition is showing beautifully, offering up aromas of tart red berries and plums mingled with notions of warm biscuits, dried fruits, flowers and orange zest. Medium to full-bodied, taut and incisive, with terrific concentration, racy acids and a long, penetrating finish, it's an intensely flavored, electric wine that stands out as a particularly good recent release from this storied house.HK$7,850.00 -
Wine Advocate (96)
Based on the 2014 vintage, complemented by some 33% reserve wines from six other vintages, Krug's new NV Brut Rosé 26ème Édition is showing beautifully, offering up aromas of tart red berries and plums mingled with notions of warm biscuits, dried fruits, flowers and orange zest. Medium to full-bodied, taut and incisive, with terrific concentration, racy acids and a long, penetrating finish, it's an intensely flavored, electric wine that stands out as a particularly good recent release from this storied house.HK$15,745.00 -
James Suckling (98)
Aromas of bread dough and watermelon with peaches on the nose. Some dried fruits. Full-bodied with phenolic tannins, like a fine pinot noir. The finish is very Burgundian with rose hip tea and dried lemons and kumquats. Crunchy. Delicious finish. Drink now or hold.HK$9,890.00 -
James Suckling (98)
Aromas of bread dough and watermelon with peaches on the nose. Some dried fruits. Full-bodied with phenolic tannins, like a fine pinot noir. The finish is very Burgundian with rose hip tea and dried lemons and kumquats. Crunchy. Delicious finish. Drink now or hold.HK$15,745.00 -
(1x75cl) NVWine Spectator (95)
Offers plenty of fruit including raspberry and black currant, with hints of orange—but also notes of ginger, sweet baking spices and toast. This is complex and beautifully balanced, with a long, fresh and expansive aftertaste.HK$5,510.00 -
HK$6,980.00 -
Indulge in the refined complexities of La Borderie Trois Contrees Brut NV, a symbol of French viticulture at its finest. This extraordinarry sparkling wine hails from the illustrious Loire Valley, lovingly cultivated by the dedicated Cognard family at the historical La Borderie vineyard. Carefully blended from 50% Chenin Blanc, 30% Cabernet Franc, and 20% Chardonnay, it exhibits an enticing balance of sophistication and vigour.
The grapes, having ripened under the valley's favourable microclimate, are hand-harvested, pressed gently to preserve their integrity and then left to ferment using natural yeast in temperature-controlled vats. The resulting wine is matured on lees for a generous period to create a robust body and nuanced flavours. With its beautiful pale golden hue, delicate effervescence and provocative notes of ripe apple, toasted brioche, and refined minerality, the La Borderie Trois Contrees Brut NV is a testament to this revered winemaker's unwavering pursuit of excellence and authenticity.
HK$2,142.00 -
(1x75cl) 2013Exquisite and rare, the La Rogerie Heroine Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Avize 2013 hails from a celebrated vineyard of Grand Cru status in Avize, Champagne. Crafted by La Rogerie, a winery admired for using biodynamic viticulture, this vintage shines with exceptional purity. Harvested from 50-year-old Chardonnay vines, the wine undergoes meticulous fermentation using indigenous yeast within French oak. The winery's use of partial malolactic fermentation presents a tantalising equilibrium of creamy richness and crisp acidity.
La Rogerie Heroine Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Avize 2013 flaunts an elegant palate of candied citrus, apple sorbet, and almond brioche, married beautifully with delicate minerality. The wine is aged upon its lees for six years before disgorgement, acquiring a textured depth and finesse that distinguishes it among wine connoisseurs. A superior exemplar of Avize Champagne, this 2013 vintage embodies the masterful winemaking of La Rogerie.
HK$940.00 -
Exquisitely crafted, La Rogerie Heroine Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Avize 2014 is a vintage champagne that emanates finesse and complexity. Produced by La Rogerie, known for cultivating vines in the most prestigious Grand Cru villages in Champagne, this wine hails from the renowned Grand Cru Village of Avize, located in the Côte des Blancs, famed for its Chardonnay vineyards. This champagne showcases pure, 100% Chardonnay grapes handpicked and grown in the mineral rich, limestone soils. Accentuated by a subtle dosage, its depth, brightness and harmony result from a meticulous six-year aging in ancient limestone cellars. Offering an elegant minerality and light freshness on the nose, it unfurls on the palate with a rich texture, refined effervescence, and sumptuous notes of candied lemon, brioche, and white chocolate. Supremely balanced, with an enduring finish, the La Rogerie Heroine Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Avize 2014 is a testament to the elegance of an exceptional Blanc de Blanc champagne.
HK$6,030.00 -
(6x75cl) NVWine Advocate (95)
Based on the 2022 vintage and disgorged in January 2025 with a dosage of 1.5 grams per liter, the NV Blanc de Blancs Bourg/Sud reveals a deep bouquet of orange oil, freshly baked bread, pear and early-blooming spring flowers. It is medium- to full-bodied, fleshy and textural, with a palate laden with ripe yet racy acids and framed by chalky structuring extract that imparts a compensatory impression of freshness, culminating in a long, saline finish. The 2022 vintage represents the first to be vinified in the new winery and also marks a considerable increase in the proportion of reserve wines, which has risen to 40%. As readers will recall from my previous writing, this cuvée is born from the division of La Rogerie’s Lieux de Vie: the new Bourg/Sud is sourced from sites in the southern part of the estate and is heavily based on Avize fruit.HK$6,505.00 -
The splendour of Champagne is perfectly incarnate in Labruyere Page Blanche Blanc Blancs Grand Cru NV NV. Hailing from the prestigious Labruyere Family who have been venerated vintners since 1850, this exquisite tipple is sourced exclusively from Grand Cru vineyards in Verzenay, France. Precision is the motto when crafting this varietal. 100% Chardonnay, carefully hand-harvested, these delicate grapes are carefully pressed to retain optimal freshness. Fermentation in oak casks followed by at least 5 years of maturation on lees results in a remarkable texture and deep complexity. The result? A sublime effervescence teeming with invigorating notes of orchard fruits and almond, tied together with a crisp mineral finish. Labruyere Page Blanche Blanc Blancs Grand Cru NV NV embodies the finest tradition of Champagne production, an undeniably brilliant addition to any discerning connoisseur's collection.
HK$3,280.00 -
(6x75cl) NVA creation that epitomises excellence, Lahaye Blanc De Noirs NV stands as an exquisite testament to the art of winemaking. A product of France's Champagne region, this blend of 100% Pinot Noir is carefully crafted by artisan winemaker Benoit Lahaye, noted for his keen devotion to biodynamic practices.
The Lahaye Blanc De Noirs NV brings forth a distinct clarity from carefully selected grapes, treated with minimal intervention, echoing Domaine Lahaye's respect for nature. Via the traditional méthode champenoise, each bottle undergoes a lengthy 6-year ageing process on lees, enhancing the depth of character and elegance. With a modest dosage of 3 grams per litre, expect a dry, crisp palate with a rich bouquet of ripe red fruits and delicate toasted notes.
As a tribute to the virtuosity of its maker, Lahaye Blanc De Noirs NV realises a standard of refinement to satiate the most discerning palates – a timeless classic amongst prestigious sparkling wines.
HK$2,865.00 -
(6x75cl) NVRenowned for its spellbinding elegance, the Laherte Freres Brut Ultradition NV is an exquisite blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Meunier grapes, marking a harmonious balance. Hailing from the celebrated terroir of Chavot in the Champagne region of France, it is an exquisite portrayal of artisan winemaking by the Laherte family, who have passionately crafted wines since 1889. Employing traditional methods, the wine undergoes natural fermentation, maturing in oak barrels, and extended ageing on lees highlight a finesse of its charm. This champagne showcases a plethora of complex flavours, enveloping the palate with delicate fruit notes, interlaced with a delightful minerality. Its vibrant acidity and subtle elegance leave a memorable, lingering finish, making the Laherte Freres Brut Ultradition NV an iconic representation of the Laherte Freres' innovative winemaking prowess. A delight for discerning palates, it offers a refined indulgence like no other.
HK$2,440.00 -
(6x75cl) 2017Celebrated for its elegance and artistry, the Laherte Freres Empreintes 2017 is a testament to the mastery of Chavot's most venerable vintner. Crafted from a blend of Pinot Noir (45%) and Chardonnay (55%), meticulously handpicked from esteemed heirloom vineyards; this remarkable champagne exudes sophistication and depth. The Laherte Freres, now managed by the seventh generation, is renowned for its traditional and biodynamic winemaking methods. The Empreintes 2017, aged for a minimum of two years on lees in large oak foudres and finished with a modest dosage, bespeaks fine craftsmanship. It is an aromatic orchestra of tart apple, honeyed pear, and toasted brioche, underpinned by a distinct mineral edge. Its elegant mousse and impressive persistence bear witness to the brilliance of its terroir-driven character. Trust your palate to savour the Laherte Freres Empreintes 2017 – a sublime amalgamation of tradition, terroir, and time.
HK$6,445.00
