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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Jeb Dunnuck (98+)
The 2008 Champagne Rare Rosé is straight-up sensational. Only the second time they’ve produced this cuvée, it offers a deep, full-bodied, powerful yet chiseled and laser-focused style carrying loads of wild strawberry fruit as well as notes of orange blossom, spice, and crushed rocks. Backward, austere, yet simply loaded with potential, it needs a solid 4-5 years of bottle age and will drink brilliantly for two decades or more.HK$5,375.00 -
James Suckling (97)
Pale salmon-copper color with aromas of raspberries, fresh and dried cherries, rose-water, grapefruit, salted almonds, cloves and white pepper. Silky and vibrant, with very fine bubbles and bright acidity. Beautiful combination of fresh fruit and subtle spice. Lingering, salted yellow-plum notes on the long, elegant finish. Dry. 8% pinot noir red wine from Les Riceys, blended with 40% pinot noir and 60% chardonnay, from 12 different villages. 7g/l. Drink or hold.HK$4,285.00 -
(1x150cl) 2014Jancis Robinson (17.5)
Very pale tomato red. Aged tamarind notes with some smoky and rose-petal character – really intriguing! There is richness on the way to a dry, appetising finish. Substantial wine with a relatively full body for a champagne. This could stand up to many a main course. Persistent. Lots to explore here.HK$6,045.00 -
(3x150cl) 2014Jancis Robinson (17.5)
Very pale tomato red. Aged tamarind notes with some smoky and rose-petal character – really intriguing! There is richness on the way to a dry, appetising finish. Substantial wine with a relatively full body for a champagne. This could stand up to many a main course. Persistent. Lots to explore here.HK$25,825.00 -
Jancis Robinson (17.5)
Very pale tomato red. Aged tamarind notes with some smoky and rose-petal character – really intriguing! There is richness on the way to a dry, appetising finish. Substantial wine with a relatively full body for a champagne. This could stand up to many a main course. Persistent. Lots to explore here.HK$5,170.00 -
Immerse yourself in the exquisite elegance of the Regis Poissinet Cuvee Irizee Meunier Extra Brut 2014. Born in the revered vineyards of Champagne, France, this prestige cuvée is the sublime creation of the esteemed Regis Poissinet. Delivering an unparalleled expression of Pinot Meunier, this 2014 vintage, Extra Brut, is distinct in its depth and complexity. Undergoing traditional Champagne method fermentation, and aged for over 72 months, the wine achieves a remarkable finesse. Displaying seductive bubbles, the opulent acidity harmonises flawlessly with notes of crisp apple, pear, and subtly toasted brioche. On the palate, layered undertones of honey and toasted nuts create a tantalising decadence. The Regis Poissinet Cuvee Irizee Meunier Extra Brut 2014 is indeed a testament to the mastery of Champagne-making, promising an unmatched tasting experience that resonates with unadorned purity and sophistication.
HK$1,975.00 -
(6x75cl) NVRelish the indulgence of the Regis Poissinet Terre d'Irizee Extra Brut NV, a distinguished champagne originating from the esteemed vineyards of Champagne-Ardenne in France. Expertly crafted by Regis Poissinet, this premium wine embodies the distinct flavours of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes. The grapes are meticulously harvested by hand to ensure optimal ripeness.
The 'Extra Brut' signifies a low dosage, conveying the pure, unadulterated essence of the terroir. Its sophisticated palate belies an exceptional minerality and a crisp acidity, readied by five years of fermentation to offer a nuanced, well-balanced finish.
Regis Poissinet is a maverick winemaker, adhering to a thoughtful viticulture approach, limiting mechanical intervention and employing traditional wine-making techniques. This attention to detail continues in the cellar, championing slow, natural fermentation. Embrace the elegance of Regis Poissinet Terre d'Irizee Extra Brut NV, a testament to masterful French wine production.
HK$3,205.00 -
(6x75cl) NVVinous - Antonio Galloni (94)
The NV (2021) Extra Brut Expression is super impressive. Crushed flowers, gingerbread, dried pear and spice waft from the glass. Aromatic and also quite agile, Geoffroy's Expression is a total delight. This release is equal parts 2021 and a perpetual reserve that goes back to the 1970s, with the perpetual reserve playing an especially important role given the base year. It's all class here. Dosage is 3 grams per liter. Disgorged: March 2025.HK$2,550.00 -
(6x75cl) 2011Experience the luxurious depth of the Roger Brun Cuvee des Sires Grand Cru Brut 2011, a remarkable Champagne from the prestigious vineyards of Grand Cru Ay in Champagne, France. Expertly crafted by renowned winemaker, Roger Brun, a loyal follower of traditional methods, this champagne imbues finesse and grandiosity. Employing 100% Pinot Noir grapes and a remarkable blend that has been aged in the cellar for at least 7 years, it embodies an exhilarating complexity.
The Roger Brun Cuvee des Sires Grand Cru Brut 2011 showcases striking notes of ripe apples, pear, and toasted nuts, flourishing on the palate. Enwrapped with a creamy mousse and delicate bubbles, it completes with an audacious, long finish. This vintage, holding an exquisite balance of richness and refreshment, is truly a testament to the artistry of Champagne production. Indulge in the brilliance of Roger Brun Cuvee des Sires Grand Cru Brut 2011, a wine connoisseur's delight.
HK$3,000.00 -
(6x75cl) 2013
Roger Brun Cuvee des Sires Grand Cru Brut 2013 embodies the pinnacle of Champagne craftsmanship. Produced in the esteemed Grand Cru vineyards of the Côte des Blancs, this exquisite brut is a harmonious blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes meticulously handpicked. Roger Brun, a venerable family-owned estate with a legacy spanning over a century, employs the traditional méthode champenoise, ensuring each bubble is fine and persistent. Aged for an impressive duration of 36 months on lees, the wine develops a profound depth and complexity, revealing notes of ripe orchard fruits, toasted brioche, and subtle mineral undertones. The refined balance and elegant structure make this Grand Cru a quintessential expression of terroir and savoir-faire. Ideal for celebratory occasions or as a distinguished addition to any fine wine collection, Roger Brun Cuvee des Sires Grand Cru Brut 2013 is a testament to exceptional quality and timeless sophistication.
HK$3,255.00 -
(6x75cl) 2014Indulge in the elegance of the Roger Brun Cuvee Romance 1er Cru Brut Rose 2014, a palette-delighting Rosé perfectly epitomising the prestige of Champagne-land’s artisanal winemaking. Produced by family-owned maison Roger Brun, operating from grand cru village of Ay, is specifically recognised for producing champagnes of deep complexity and rare balance. The Romance Rosé is born from a blend of 85% Pinot Noir and 15% Chardonnay, with a small part of the blend barrel-aged for texture. Upon pouring, the wine reveals its subtle salmon hue, while the nose is intoxicated with hints of ripe red fruit and fresh almonds. The palate swirls with a perfect harmony of rounded velvety richness, precise minerality and animated acidity. A wine of such elusive sophistication, the Roger Brun Cuvee Romance 1er Cru Brut Rose 2014 perfectly incarnates the authenticity and excellence of singular terroir interpretation, thus earning the love from the finest wine savants.
HK$2,670.00 -
Jancis Robinson (18)
Apple skins and membrillo. Rain-bruised orange blossom and iced cardamom. On the palate, it's a dragonfly, like catching light and shadows. A tiny note of something sweet, almost nougat, that disappears without a trace in a second. Lemon-drizzle cake and then the bitter fragrant bite of grapefruit peel. And then, the wake of this constantly moving wine is chalk, soaked in rain and soaked in lemon and packed in white pepper and trace-etched with slightly green tobacco leaves. Like all these Coulon wines, almost impossible to pin down with words. Defiant and glorious.HK$5,075.00 -
Jancis Robinson (18)
Another deep, sonorous nose. Edgy, but not for the sake of edgy. The depth to these Coulon wines is remarkable. Yes, it's toast and layers and fruit and spice and minerals in abundance, but the flavours are almost secondary to the anima of the wine. This is a wine that slams into your whole body; one sip; feel the reverberations. These wines are all about the energy, the resonance, the sheer life force of life. Like copper wires pulsing with electricity. Like a cello solo in the Carnegie Hall. You feel it more than you drink it.HK$2,935.00 -
Radiating aristocratic sophistication, the Roger Coulon Premier Cru Heri-Hodie Vrigny Extra Brut NV is a testament to eight generations of masterful vineyard cultivation. Located in Vrigny, in the heart of Champagne's prestigious Montagne de Reims, Roger Coulon meticulously maintains his vineyards, ensuring each grape's perfect ripening. This Premier Cru Extra Brut, a carefully selected blend of Pinot Meunier, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay, delivers a sensational spectrum of flavours.
Hand-harvested and aged for a minimum of six years in oak barrels, the Roger Coulon Premier Cru Heri-Hodie Vrigny Extra Brut NV oscillates between refined elegance and invigorating vigour. Its delicate perlage reveals layers of crisp orchard fruits, subtle nutty undertones, and a vibrant lick of citrus. With its distinct minerality and extraordinarily long finish, this stimulating champagne is more than a celebratory fizz, it's a true connoisseur's elixir.
HK$2,345.00 -
(3x75cl) 2015Indulge in the exquisite allure of Romain Henin L'Appel de la Foret 2015, a quintessential Burgundy that marries traditional winemaking methods with innovative viticulture. The product of meticulous craftsmanship, this wine was produced in Bourgogne's Vosne-Romanée region by the highly esteemed Romain Henin. As a proponent of biodynamic winemaking, Henin cultivates his vines without the use of chemicals, respecting the cycles of nature to yield grapes with heightened terroir expression. This wine was aged for eighteen months in fine-grain oak barrels, finely polishing the robust fruit flavours and intensifying the depth of its minerality.
The Romain Henin L'Appel de la Foret 2015 encapsulates pure elegance in a bottle. It bears the hallmark of the Henin estate with its enviable complexity, harmonious balance, and a smooth, lingering finish. A luxurious choice for collectors and enthusiasts alike, this wine is a testament to Henin's mastery and devotion to creating distinguished Burgundy wines.
HK$4,595.00 -
(12x37.5cl) NVVinous (92)
(full malo; 9 g/l dosage; LAH9T): Light yellow-gold. Smoky citrus and orchard fruits on the deeply perfumed, mineral-tinged nose. Offers broad, toasty orange and pear skin flavors with an undercurrent of dusty minerals. Picks up floral and ginger nuances with air, along with hints of iodine and tarragon. Rich yet lively blanc de blancs with powerful back-end lift and finishing grip.HK$4,280.00 -
Vinous (92)
(full malo; 9 g/l dosage; LAH9T): Light yellow-gold. Smoky citrus and orchard fruits on the deeply perfumed, mineral-tinged nose. Offers broad, toasty orange and pear skin flavors with an undercurrent of dusty minerals. Picks up floral and ginger nuances with air, along with hints of iodine and tarragon. Rich yet lively blanc de blancs with powerful back-end lift and finishing grip.HK$4,580.00 -
Vinous (92)
(full malo; 9 g/l dosage; LAH9T): Light yellow-gold. Smoky citrus and orchard fruits on the deeply perfumed, mineral-tinged nose. Offers broad, toasty orange and pear skin flavors with an undercurrent of dusty minerals. Picks up floral and ginger nuances with air, along with hints of iodine and tarragon. Rich yet lively blanc de blancs with powerful back-end lift and finishing grip.HK$4,115.00 -
(1x75cl) 1979Vinous (95)
The 1979 Dom Ruinart impresses for its energy and tension, both signatures of this great Champagne vintage. Nuanced and beautifully articulate to the core, the 1979 is magnificent tonight. Well-stored bottles will continue to drink well for at least another handful of years. The pure vibrancy of the fruit is remarkable.HK$6,045.00 -
(6x75cl) 1986Wine Advocate - Robert Parker (93)
No tasting note.HK$16,290.00 -
Vinous (90)
The 1990 Dom Ruinart (original release) was also pretty, although it revealed a slightly flabby and unfocused personality compared to the more vibrant wines of the night.HK$5,655.00 -
Vinous (97+)
The 2006 Dom Ruinart Blanc de Blancs Brut is simply fabulous. In most vintages, Dom Ruinart is a big, ample Champagne that shows the structure of the Montagne de Reims Chardonnay in the blend. The 2006 has plenty of textural resonance and richness, and yet I am also struck by its tension. Both bottles I tasted point to a Dom Ruinart that is quite a bit more polished and sophisticated than it often is at this stage.HK$8,145.00 -
Vinous (97+)
The 2007 Dom Ruinart is the first vintage made entirely by Chef de Caves Frédéric Panaïotis, which shows just how long the production cycle is in Champagne. A striking, tightly-coiled wine, the 2007 Dom Ruinart will leave readers week at the knees. In this vintage, Panaïotis took Dom Ruinart, which has traditionally relied on a relatively high percentage of Chardonnay from the Montagne de Reims and tilted the balance to 75% Côtes des Blancs and 25% Montagne de Reims fruit. As a result, the 2007 is much more chiseled and steely than is the norm. The citrus, slate, crushed rock, white pepper, mint and floral notes really sizzle in this powerful, dramatically rich Champagne, with bright saline notes that add freshness and vivacity to the striking finish. The 2007 is a stunning Champagne by any measure. Although it is very early, the 2007 has the potential to go down as one of the great Dom Ruinarts. It is every bit that special. Dosage is under 5 grams per liter, a pretty striking change from the 2006, which was closer to 10. Readers who can grab the 2007 won’t want to miss it.HK$10,025.00 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (100)
The 2010 Dom Ruinart (magnum) is a modern-day legend, one of the greatest wines ever made in Champagne. Ample and explosive, with stunning richness, the 2010 has it all, starting with captivating aromatics, beautifully delineated fruit, striking saline intensity and magnificent balance. In magnum, the 2010 offers that extra kick of palate presence that fills out the layers just a touch more than the standard 750ml bottle. Readers who can find it should not hesitate. In a very short time, this will be regarded as one of late Chef de Caves Frédéric Panaïotis' masterpieces. Dosage is 5 grams per liter. Disgorged in late 2024.HK$11,025.00 -
Wine Advocate (96)
Tasted from magnum and disgorged in December 2021 with a dosage of five grams per liter, the 2007 Dom Ruinart Rosé—the first vintage under Frédéric Panaïotis's guidance—is showing brilliantly. It offers a complex bouquet of mandarin, blood orange, red plum and wild raspberry, enriched by notes of roasted cocoa and a subtle smoky reduction. On the palate, it is full-bodied, vinous and elegantly muscular, with a flamboyant and layered core of fruit, bright acidity and a long, delicately perfumed finish. Slightly more tightly wound than the 2009 Dom Ruinart Rosé, the magnum format only enhances its energy and texture. The blend is 80% Chardonnay—predominantly from the Côte des Blancs—complemented by 20% Pinot Noir vinified as red wine from the house’s vineyard in Aÿ.HK$11,305.00 -
Wine Advocate (97)
Disgorged in August 2018 with a dosage of four grams per liter, the 2009 Dom Ruinart Rosé is another standout in this cuvée’s lineage. It soars from the glass with a deep bouquet of blood orange, blackberry, Sichuan pepper and red blossoms, mingling with accents of cacao nibs and pastry. On the palate, it is full-bodied, vinous and muscular, with superb concentration and a luscious fruit core enlivened by a pillowy mousse and lively acidity that carries it to a long, perfumed finish where Pinot Noir phenolics assert themselves gracefully. At once harmonious and seductive, the blend is composed of 15% Pinot Noir from Aÿ vinified as red wine, with the remainder Chardonnay sourced from Cramant, Avize, Chouilly, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger and Sillery. Harvested in the latter part of September, this marks the final vintage matured under crown cap before the house’s transition to cork.HK$2,185.00 -
Wine Advocate (97)
Disgorged in August 2018 with a dosage of four grams per liter, the 2009 Dom Ruinart Rosé is another standout in this cuvée’s lineage. It soars from the glass with a deep bouquet of blood orange, blackberry, Sichuan pepper and red blossoms, mingling with accents of cacao nibs and pastry. On the palate, it is full-bodied, vinous and muscular, with superb concentration and a luscious fruit core enlivened by a pillowy mousse and lively acidity that carries it to a long, perfumed finish where Pinot Noir phenolics assert themselves gracefully. At once harmonious and seductive, the blend is composed of 15% Pinot Noir from Aÿ vinified as red wine, with the remainder Chardonnay sourced from Cramant, Avize, Chouilly, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger and Sillery. Harvested in the latter part of September, this marks the final vintage matured under crown cap before the house’s transition to cork.HK$5,575.00 -
Wine Advocate (97)
Disgorged in August 2018 with a dosage of four grams per liter, the 2009 Dom Ruinart Rosé is another standout in this cuvée’s lineage. It soars from the glass with a deep bouquet of blood orange, blackberry, Sichuan pepper and red blossoms, mingling with accents of cacao nibs and pastry. On the palate, it is full-bodied, vinous and muscular, with superb concentration and a luscious fruit core enlivened by a pillowy mousse and lively acidity that carries it to a long, perfumed finish where Pinot Noir phenolics assert themselves gracefully. At once harmonious and seductive, the blend is composed of 15% Pinot Noir from Aÿ vinified as red wine, with the remainder Chardonnay sourced from Cramant, Avize, Chouilly, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger and Sillery. Harvested in the latter part of September, this marks the final vintage matured under crown cap before the house’s transition to cork.HK$10,175.00 -
(6x75cl) 2016Wine Advocate (91+)
Disgorged in July 2022 with a dosage of five grams per liter, Ruinart’s 2016 Brut Millésimé opens with aromas of nashi pear, peach and lemon zest, mingling with blackcurrant leaf and a faint hint of passion fruit on the upper register. The palate is medium- to full-bodied, textural and enveloping, with a fleshy core of fruit supported by vibrant, mouthwatering acidity and a persistent, saline finish. While it currently reveals less character than the house’s other vintage-dated cuvées, its structure suggests considerable potential for development with further bottle age.HK$3,650.00 -
(1x75cl) NVJancis Robinson (17)
Bready nose with some real interest. Solid stuff – something to get your teeth into, in a good way. Very clean and neat and tastes as though it had quite a bit of age on lees.HK$1,270.00
