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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Champagne | 18 | 98 (VN (AG)) | HK$1,850.00 | |||||
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (98)The 2004 Rosé Cuvée Alexandra (magnum) is another utterly breathtaking wine from Laurent Perrier. A Champagne of total finesse and understatement, the 2004 is totally mind-blowing. Crushed rose petal, sweet red-toned fruit, mint, chalk, white pepper and slate are some of the many notes that are woven together. The 2004 is aging so well. It's a timeless beauty, an outstanding choice for drinking now and over the next decade or so. Dosage is 6 grams per liter. Disgorged: June 2024. |
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Champagne | 1 | 98 (VN (AG)) | HK$4,360.00 | |||||
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (98)The 2004 Rosé Cuvée Alexandra (magnum) is another utterly breathtaking wine from Laurent Perrier. A Champagne of total finesse and understatement, the 2004 is totally mind-blowing. Crushed rose petal, sweet red-toned fruit, mint, chalk, white pepper and slate are some of the many notes that are woven together. The 2004 is aging so well. It's a timeless beauty, an outstanding choice for drinking now and over the next decade or so. Dosage is 6 grams per liter. Disgorged: June 2024. |
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Champagne | 1 | 98 (VN (AG)) | HK$8,090.00 | |||||
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (98)The 2004 Rosé Cuvée Alexandra (magnum) is another utterly breathtaking wine from Laurent Perrier. A Champagne of total finesse and understatement, the 2004 is totally mind-blowing. Crushed rose petal, sweet red-toned fruit, mint, chalk, white pepper and slate are some of the many notes that are woven together. The 2004 is aging so well. It's a timeless beauty, an outstanding choice for drinking now and over the next decade or so. Dosage is 6 grams per liter. Disgorged: June 2024. |
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Champagne | 1 | 96 (FS) | HK$4,770.00 | |||||
Falstaff (96)A creamy nose promises a smooth opening, the scent of sweet-salt, hazelnutty crumble crust is mouth-watering. The palate is taut but tiny bubbles carry bright lemon zestiness to the tastebuds. It is this lemony serenity and clean-cut 2008 character that remains centre-stage throughout, with subtle autolysis in the background. Very elegant and lasting. |
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Champagne | 2 | 96 (FS) | HK$3,770.00 | |||||
Falstaff (96)A creamy nose promises a smooth opening, the scent of sweet-salt, hazelnutty crumble crust is mouth-watering. The palate is taut but tiny bubbles carry bright lemon zestiness to the tastebuds. It is this lemony serenity and clean-cut 2008 character that remains centre-stage throughout, with subtle autolysis in the background. Very elegant and lasting. |
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Champagne | 1 | - | HK$2,800.00 | |||||
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Champagne | 79 | 90 (VN (ST)) | HK$1,680.00 | |||||
Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (90)Fairly pale color. Complex, soil-inflected, smoky nose combines pineapple, peach, apricot, rose petal, cinnamon and mace; reminded me of Condrieu. Fresh and ripe in the mouth, with impressively intense flavors of fruits and spices. Finishes strong and spicy, with a late note of pink peppercorn. |
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Champagne | 1 | 97 (JS) | HK$8,000.00 | |||||
James Suckling (97)Full body. Lightly chewy. Phenolic tension gives it form and beauty. This is the first year to use numbers. 55% chardonnay and 45% pinot noir. 2007, 2006 and 2004. Drink or hold. |
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Champagne | 1 | 99 (JS) | HK$7,070.00 | |||||
James Suckling (99)Incredible aromas of apple skin, pie crust, praline and flowers. So young in the nose. Full-bodied with super-fine tannins. It’s tight and refined, yet structured and intense. Really long and beautiful. Still shy. Wonderful finish. 12 years on its lees before disgorging. Three vintages in the blend – 2008 (65%), 2007 (25%) and 2006 (10%). 60% chardonnay and 40% pinot noir. It’s the highest percentage of chardonnay ever. |
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Champagne | 2 | 99 (JS) | HK$2,745.00 | |||||
James Suckling (99)Dried lemons, salted almonds, oyster shells, croissants, iodine, baked apples, spices and some ginger notes. White pepper, too. Vibrant and fresh, with a distinct saline edge. I like the subtle spice character. So much subtle power and tension. 58% chardonnay and 42% pinot noir, from 2006, 2004 and 2002. 14 years on the lees, three or four more than the normal bottle release. Only available in magnum. Drink or hold. |
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Champagne | 2 | 100 (JS) | HK$4,485.00 | |||||
James Suckling (100)This is really something. Electric on the palate. The aromas are so complex with sliced fresh and dried ginger, subtle pie crust, tarte tatin and hints of nutmeg with some salted caramel. Toasted bread, too. Always subtle. The palate is full- to medium-bodied yet hemmed-in with a freshness and balance that draws you back. Savory and vibrant. It's full of energy. Spectacular. Fascinating. Symphonic blend of 2012, 2008 and 2007. 65% of the 2012, 25% of the 2008 and 10% of the 2007. Eight grand cru. Chardonnay 58% and 42% pinot noir. Disgorged February 2023. 10 years on the lees. 7g/L dosage. Drink or hold. |
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Champagne | 1 | 100 (JS) | HK$8,550.00 | |||||
James Suckling (100)This is really something. Electric on the palate. The aromas are so complex with sliced fresh and dried ginger, subtle pie crust, tarte tatin and hints of nutmeg with some salted caramel. Toasted bread, too. Always subtle. The palate is full- to medium-bodied yet hemmed-in with a freshness and balance that draws you back. Savory and vibrant. It's full of energy. Spectacular. Fascinating. Symphonic blend of 2012, 2008 and 2007. 65% of the 2012, 25% of the 2008 and 10% of the 2007. Eight grand cru. Chardonnay 58% and 42% pinot noir. Disgorged February 2023. 10 years on the lees. 7g/L dosage. Drink or hold. |
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Champagne | 3 | 19.5 (JR) | HK$15,850.00 | |||||
Jancis Robinson (19.5)Deep gold. Woo hoo! Really explosive cordite. Tight and fresh but with many nuances and extremely long. Creamy Chardonnay and some savoury notes. Lovely tight filigree texture. Masses of acidity – but lots of fruit too before a dry finish. Sort of like a really fine mature white burgundy but much fresher and more like a ballerina! |
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Champagne | 10 | - | HK$1,890.00 | |||||
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Champagne | 4 | 93 | HK$4,200.00 | |||||
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Champagne | 1 | 92 (VN) | HK$3,105.00 | |||||
Vinous (92)(100% saignée Pinot Noir): Vivid orange-pink. An expressive, spice-accented bouquet evokes fresh raspberry, orange pith, white flowers and ginger, with a hint of rhubarb adding an earthy flourish. Sappy and broad in the mouth, offering intense red fruit and bitter citrus flavors underscored by chalky mineral and white pepper notes. Rich yet lively rosé with excellent closing thrust and floral persistence. |
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Champagne | 1 | - | HK$2,450.00 | |||||
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A gem within the fine wine collection is the Le Mesnil Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru 2013. Hailing from Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, a prime Champagne region, this well-crafted wine bears the signature of Champagne Le Mesnil, a revered cooperative with unmatched commitment to quality. The vintage 2013 is 100% Chardonnay, meticulously hand-picked and vinified to produce a Blanc de Blancs of unparalleled strength and finesse. Matured on lees for a noteworthy period, the wine showcases the unique terroir of Côte des Blancs, offering a mesmerising dance of creamy mousse, lush ripe fruit with hints of toasted almonds and brioche. The taste evolves on the palate, culminating in a long and magnificent finish. If seeking a companion for a delicate entrée or a delightful standalone drink, the Le Mesnil Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru 2013 exemplifies the best of Champagne. It's a sublime testimony to the producer's mastery over the grape and terrain. |
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Champagne | 1 | 17 (JR) | HK$4,475.00 | |||||
Jancis Robinson (17)Very vibrant, a bit of a brisk wake-up call. A cold shower of a wine! But very good zestiness. Very, very clean. Lovely aperitif, lots of character. Not that long though. |
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Champagne | 1 | 96 (JD) | HK$8,210.00 | |||||
Jeb Dunnuck (96)Coming from three terroirs with chalky soils, the 2017 Champagne Millésime Abyss Brut Zero is always equal parts Pinot Noir, Meunier, and Chardonnay, and following disgorgement, this wine was rested in the ocean off the coast of Brittany for 10 months at 60 meters below the surface. It opens to beautiful aromas of saline layers and fresh croissant, as well as notes of honeydew melon and fresh flowers. Medium-bodied, it has a delicate mousse, a balanced feel, and a chalky finish, with long persistence and a profound texture. Drink 2024-2044. 2 grams per liter of dosage. |
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