‘Tis the season to sparkle, and what better way to do that than with our 60+ newly landed Champagnes – including over 2,000 bottles of bubbly from Grower Champagnes and small, independent houses.
Enjoy Blanc de Blancs fan favourites like the pretty, silky, chalky, jasmine-y Michel Genet BB Spirit NV and the racy, driven, stony JL Vergnon Murmure NV. For viscerally pure and detailed Meuniers, look to Grower Champagne rockstar Jérôme Dehours and one of last year’s greatest discoveries, Domaine Lagille.
Back in are the elegant and hugely classy Valentin Leflaives; the incredible and delicately structured wines from the vignerons’ vigneron, Hugues Godmé; as well as the latest from wife and husband teams Copinet-Marie and Jeanaux-Robin.
From historic Henri Giraud come some very special, luxurious cuvées: Argonne Grand Cru, MV 18 Fût de Chêne Aÿ Grand Cru Brut & Rosé, and the 2013 Sténopé (sleeper vintage alert!) from Devaux. We’re also delighted to offer two long-awaited 2012s – JL Vergnon MSNL Extra Brut Grand Cru and Lagille Au Fil du Temps. Last week’s Champagne tastings in Cape Town and Jo’burg reaffirmed our belief that the wines from this region are super dynamic, intricate and delicious, and should be shared with all the world. View the full range here.
Tasting Notes:
Michel Genet Blanc de Blancs Spirit Grand Cru NV
The current Champagne has not yet been rated; please see the tasting note on the previous disgorgement date (20 April 2022):
‘(made from fruit grown in Chouilly and Cramant): Pale gold. Sexy aromas of Anjou pear, jasmine, chalky minerals and ginger. Dry, nervy and precise, offering sappy orchard and citrus fruit flavors and a touch of buttered toast. Clings nicely on the finish, which leaves notes of orange zest and minerals behind. I like this rich Champagne’s energy.’ – Josh Raynolds, Vinous, 90/100
Hugues Godmé La Réserve Extra Brut 1er Cru NV
The current Champagne has not yet been rated; please see the tasting note on the previous disgorgement date (October 2022):
‘This lively Champagne is fresh and floral on the nose, with a well-spiced range of steeped raspberry, red apple, salted almond and blood orange granita flavors on the lacy palate. Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. Disgorged January 2021.’ – Alison Napjus, Wine Spectator, 91/100
Henri Giraud MV18 Fût de Chêne Aÿ Grand Cru Brut NV
‘The new MV18 is a classic Giraud Champagne. Apricot jam, tangerine peel, spice, honey and hazelnut give this mid-weight classy Champagne tons of complexity and nuance. Readers will find a Champagne of notable purity and finesse. There’s plenty of Giraud intensity, but in a mid-weight style that is hugely appealing. The blend is 80% Pinot Noir & 20% Chardonnay all from Ay, based on 2018 with a blend of reserve wines that span vintage 1990 through 2017. Disgorged November 2022.’ – Antonio Galloni, Vinous, 94/100
Dehours Grande Réserve Brut NV ‘Based on the 2020 vintage, complemented by 39% reserve wines, and disgorged in September 2022 with five grams per liter dosage, the NV Brut Grande Réserve bursts with aromas of pear, apple, honeycomb, toasted nuts, freshly baked bread and white flowers. Medium to full-bodied, ample and fleshy, it’s charming and sensual, with a generous core of fruit and an expansive finish. Disgorged September 2022.’ – William Kelley, Wine Advocate, 92/100
