Jacques Lassaigne Clos Sainte Sophie
$234.99
This wine is made from a unique plot in the middle of their vineyards with 40+ year old vines. "This wine is opulence personified. Intense laser-beams of acidity balance out the caramel notes here and the finish goes on and on for millennia. This wine pairs well with long-lived wedding anniversaries and doctoral dissertation completions, or it will make whatever random moment you decide to open one as special as either of those rare events. Extremely limited and unicorn-like."
"Jacques Lassaigne is a 4.7-hectare family vineyard located in Montgueux. The vineyards boast prime southeastern exposure and consist entirely of Chardonnay. The Montgueux vineyard sites were originally held for the Montrachet of Champagne and are located near the gates of Troyes—the former capital of Champagne. This area is technically part of the Aube department, but is much further north than what people typically think of as the Aube, in the Cote des bars which features wines often primarily made from Pinot Meunier. The terroir in Montgueux is nearly identical to the growing sites found further north in le Mesnil, as they share the same limestone vein —this is exceptional terroir for making great champagne. An intense backbone of acidity is often present in these wines, but since it is located further south than the storied Cotes des blancs, ripening is not as much of an issue. The non-vintage Blanc de Blancs is a blend of nine different vineyard sites & two successive vintages."
Jacques Lassaigne Le Cotet
$124.99
This cuvée issues from grapes of a single vineyard – “Le Cotet”. Here, the 50+ year-old vines have deeply-rooted in the chalky hillside, furthest to the east in the Montgueux vineyards. Mineral notes, very crisp, with a lemony finish. A wonderful companion to oysters, seafood and other shellfish.
"Musky apple and pear skin aromas are deepened by notes of chamomile and smoky lees. Tightly wound citrus zest and orchard fruit flavors expand with aeration, giving way to deeper nectarine, melon and marzipan. Toasted nut and lemon pith distinguish the impressively long, focused finish. This Champagne's blend of power and finesse is impressive." Vinous
Courvoisier X.O.
$236.99
Courvoisier XO is made from carefully selected and aged eaux-de-vie from the Grande and Petite Champagne regions of Cognac in France. These parcels are aged between 11 and 35 years before being blended and married together before being bottled at 40% ABV.
As of March 31st, 2019 a Cognac must be aged for a minimum of 10 years to be given the XO designation.
Ruinart "R" Brut Champagne
$121.99
This is showing impressive aromatic intensity with quite toasty, lemony and apple notes. Really taut, firm, dry and intense on the palate. This is a great oyster Champagne. Notably dry, grippy and mouth-watering. My pick for the classy New Years Eve celebration. Score - 94. (David Lawrason, winealign.com, Dec. 4, 2019)
Ardnamurchan Paul Launois Release
$134.99
This 2026 Paul Launois release was produced with unpeated spirit, matured in ex-Bourbon Barrels, before finishing in Paul Launois ex-Champagne casks. 57.4%.
Bulles de Comptoir Champagne
$93.99
Born and raised in Champagne, Charles Dufour converted his 6ha farm to organic practices in 2013. To limit the use of harmful chemicals like copper, he has adopted biodynamic preparations like herbal teas to limit vineyard disease. With illustrious neighbours like Cédric Bouchard, this little corner of the Côte des Bar proves they can compete with the region’s more famous sub-appellations. In fact, Charles’ Bulles de Comptoir cuvée was the house Champagne at Noma. The media often calls him ‘the Selosse of the Aube’, a worthy title for a boundary-pushing vigneron. Each vintage features a different illustration adding to its charm and anti-establishment aesthetic.
Vallein Tercinier Lot 66 Cognac 49.7%
$459.99
1966 Petite Champagne Cognac from Vallein Tercinier. This 56 year old youngster came from French Oak Cask No 151. Only 287 bottles, bottled at 49.7% abv. Non chill-filtered and natural colour.
Vilmart Grande Reserve Champagne
$105.99
Vilmart is a grower producer of the highest order. All grapes are picked by hand picked and left intact intact until they reach the traditional pressing shed. Settling is achieved by gravity to preserve quality; the juices are then delicately transferred to oak barrels and foudres (large oak casks), where primary alcoholic fermentation begins.
At Vilmart the vinification of all cuvées takes place in wood, which gives the wines their particular character, providing body, fruit, roundness and subtlety. Another characteristic of Vilmart champagnes is the absence of malolactic fermentation. This preserves freshness, tautness and subtlety, as well as the pronounced identity of the aromas.The wine is a blend of 70% Pinot Noir and Chardonnay and spends ten months in barrel prior to bottling. There is a fine balance between the primary fruit aromas, secondary (biscuit, bread, butter) and tertiary (minerals and spices) components.
JM Seleque Solessence Brut
$67.99
Henri Sélèque planted the original vines in the 1960s on the renowned terroirs of Moussy and Pierry and began bottling his wines in 1969. Richard, his son, an oenologist, brought the property into the era of modernity and technical precision while expanding the family wine heritage. Since 2008, Jean-Marc, the third generation and an advocate for more ecologically balanced viticulture, has anchored his production in the search for authenticity and expression of terroirs. Nestled between the Marne Valley and the Côte des Blancs, the Coteaux Sud d’Epernay offers a veritable mosaic of terroirs. On these slopes cut by the Cubry River, the three great grape varieties of Champagne flourish on varied soils–clay, sandy or loaded with flint—in which chalk is the common thread.