James Suckling (99)

This is an extraordinary, hand-crafted Champagne with aromas of strawberries, spice, dried apples, clementines and subtle bread dough. Dried oranges, too. Full-bodied, yet so tight, compact and powerful with a solid core of fruit and a finish that goes on forever. 90% pinot noir and 10% chardonnay, all from the village of Ay and fermented and aged in new wood for 15 months. Then aged in bottle. Superb structure and complexity. One for the cellar.

James Suckling (99)

This is an extraordinary, hand-crafted Champagne with aromas of strawberries, spice, dried apples, clementines and subtle bread dough. Dried oranges, too. Full-bodied, yet so tight, compact and powerful with a solid core of fruit and a finish that goes on forever. 90% pinot noir and 10% chardonnay, all from the village of Ay and fermented and aged in new wood for 15 months. Then aged in bottle. Superb structure and complexity. One for the cellar.

James Suckling (100)

This is something else on the nose, with saltines, dried orange, grapefruit, flowers, white pears, peaches, white pepper, rust and five spice. Crazy spice, citrus and rusty minerality. Very fine bubbles. Energy and softness combined. Copper colored, but otherwise hard to compare to other rosé Champagnes. Savory and intellectual. Unique in the wine world. 90% pinot noir and 10% chardonnay. 800 bottles. Try this if you can. Drink or hold.

James Suckling (95)

Gorgeous notes of hazelnuts, apricots, salted almonds, lemons and pistachio shells. Medium to full body with opulence, yet elegance, and a silky quality to the bubbles. Saline and gourmand finish. Nutty and light French-butter notes come through. Only 2,000 bottles. Drink or hold.

Jancis Robinson (17.5)

Very pale gold, plenty of lively mousse on pouring. Intense, rich and inviting toasty aroma, deep and yeasty with ripe lemon and clementine freshness of fruit. Terrific combination of intensity and freshness on the palate, the marked autolytic character giving an impression of sweetness even though it tastes dry. Toasty on the palate and there's still lovely citrus fruit at the core. Fine mousse, vibrant freshness through the deep and long flavours. (JH)

Decanter (97)

Aromas of smoke and raspberry cede to a delightful mousse on the palate, with brisk acidity propelling complex notes of pear, melon and brioche. Well-judged, elegant and impressively long, this never wavers in its elegance. Platinum Medal.

Regarded by connoisseurs, the Joseph Perrier Cuvee Josephine 2012 champions the finest characteristics of Champagne. Constructed from Chardonnay (52%) and Pinot Noir (48%) grapes, this illustrious cuvée embodies the dedication to vintners' craft. Matured for a minimum of seven years deep within the chalky labyrinths of Joseph Perrier's cellars in Châlons-en-Champagne, it presents a fascinating balance of depth and gracefulness.

This splendid offering from France's esteemed Champagne house Joseph Perrier, established in 1825, encapsulates its rich heritage. Named after Josephine, the founder's daughter, the Cuvee Josephine 2012 celebrates the family's passion and expertise in wine creation. A testament to its meticulous process, each bottle exhibits exquisite golden colour with a complex aromatic palette. Notes of citrus, fruity apricot, and honeysuckle are interwoven with fine bubbles, culminating in an opulent and creamy finish.

Indulge in the luxurious and timeless elegance of the Joseph Perrier Cuvee Josephine 2012; a testament to astute winemaking tradition.

Unleashing a bouquet of grandeur, the Joseph Perrier Cuvee Josephine 2012 is a regal champagne that conveys the expert craftsmanship of the Joseph Perrier cellars. Made in Châlons-en-Champagne, the heart of Champagne, France, this prestigious cuvée is carefully composed of 54% Chardonnay, 46% Pinot Noir, with a dash of Pinot Meunier for good measure.

Made using only the first press, attesting to its superior quality, this champagne is aged for a minimum of six years, promoting the development of deep, complex flavours. Joseph Perrier, the established Champagne House behind this prized creation, was founded in 1825 and has become synonymous with nobility and finesse.

The 2012 vintage renders a light, elegant profile, marked by aromas of citrus, pear and delicate brioche notes. On the palate, it is harmoniously balanced with a vivacious finish. Savour the decadent excellence that is the Joseph Perrier Cuvee Josephine 2012.

The Joseph Perrier Cuvee Royale Vintage 2012 is an exquisite choice for connoisseurs, reflecting the timeless excellence of the esteemed Joseph Perrier Champagne House, based in Châlons-en-Champagne, France. It derives its unique profile from the house's distinctive ageing process in chalk cellars. Selectively harvested from premier cru vineyards in Montagne de Reims, the blend presents an authentic taste of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir varieties. The Chardonnay gives it a vibrant, citrusy charm while the Pinot Noir adds a structured body and rich, fruity finish.

On the palate, the Joseph Perrier Cuvee Royale Vintage 2012 greets with a beautifully balanced acidity, underpins a fragrant bouquet of blossoms and white fruits, proceeding towards an impressive finish of almond and toasted brioche notes. With its beautifully designed bottle, it's more than just a wine; it's an homage to France's centuries-old viniculture tradition.

The Joseph Perrier Cuvee Royale Vintage 2012 is an exquisite choice for connoisseurs, reflecting the timeless excellence of the esteemed Joseph Perrier Champagne House, based in Châlons-en-Champagne, France. It derives its unique profile from the house's distinctive ageing process in chalk cellars. Selectively harvested from premier cru vineyards in Montagne de Reims, the blend presents an authentic taste of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir varieties. The Chardonnay gives it a vibrant, citrusy charm while the Pinot Noir adds a structured body and rich, fruity finish.

On the palate, the Joseph Perrier Cuvee Royale Vintage 2012 greets with a beautifully balanced acidity, underpins a fragrant bouquet of blossoms and white fruits, proceeding towards an impressive finish of almond and toasted brioche notes. With its beautifully designed bottle, it's more than just a wine; it's an homage to France's centuries-old viniculture tradition.

Experience the symphony of flavours captured within the La Rogerie Heroine Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Avize 2012. This superlative all-Chardonnay Champagne, hailing from the esteemed Grand Cru of Avize, endows enduring zest and vibrancy. Crafted by La Rogerie, a family-owned winery celebrated for producing world-renowned champagnes, its meticulous traditional methods and sustainable practices highlight their commitment to authenticity and quality.

The 2012 vintage was extraordinary for the region, allowing the creation of a wine that harmonises power, complexity, and elegance. Ripened to perfection, the carefully selected Chardonnay grapes offer an invigorating freshness with nuanced flavours of stone fruits, brioche and minerality. The prolonged maturation on lees further enhances the creaminess and complexity of La Rogerie Heroine Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Avize 2012, ensuring euphoric sips.

Embodying the magic of Avize's unique terroir, this captivating Grand Cru is a delightful testament to La Rogerie's mastery and passion in winemaking.

Steeped in luxury, the Larmandier Bernier Vieille Vigne du Levant Grand Cru 2012 is a stunning display of skill from Larmandier Bernier, a noteworthy Champagne producer. Drawing from old vines at Côte des Blancs, this wine embodies the terroir's chalky essence. Committed to biodynamic principle, the Larmandier family meticulously cultivates this single-varietal Chardonnay without artificial interference. Harvested manually, it undergoes natural fermentation and prolonged lees aging, contributing to its rich complexity.

The outcome? The Larmandier Bernier Vieille Vigne du Levant Grand Cru 2012 exhibits sumptuous flavours. Lush notes of ripe citrus, baked apple, and almond mix with a mellow undercurrent of brioche, elegantly housed within a refined mineral structure. The wine’s potent acidity beautifully underpins this symphony of flavours, while the finish persists with a lingering finesse. Give this extraordinary Champagne the appreciation it deserves and add Larmandier Bernier Vieille Vigne du Levant Grand Cru 2012 to your collection today.

Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (97)

One of a handful of single vineyard châteaux in Champagne, now being made by Leclerc-Briant (although they are not owners). Crisp, clean, touches of green apple on the nose but there is weight behind this and it opens to show plenty of quince, hazlenut, biscuit and flaky pastry character, not quite as far as brioche at this point although it will develop over the next few years. The first wine to be released under the new regime, with Hervé Jestin chef de cave, as for Leclerc-Briant (he was in fact already making wine here under the previous owners). Ageing in neutral oak casks, biodynamic viticulture. 2.5ha of vines, 12%abv. Tasted twice, loved it both times, powerful depth of flavour. Brut zero (2g/l dosage), Blanc de Blancs, 100% Grand Cru.

Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (97)

One of a handful of single vineyard châteaux in Champagne, now being made by Leclerc-Briant (although they are not owners). Crisp, clean, touches of green apple on the nose but there is weight behind this and it opens to show plenty of quince, hazlenut, biscuit and flaky pastry character, not quite as far as brioche at this point although it will develop over the next few years. The first wine to be released under the new regime, with Hervé Jestin chef de cave, as for Leclerc-Briant (he was in fact already making wine here under the previous owners). Ageing in neutral oak casks, biodynamic viticulture. 2.5ha of vines, 12%abv. Tasted twice, loved it both times, powerful depth of flavour. Brut zero (2g/l dosage), Blanc de Blancs, 100% Grand Cru.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (98)

The 2012 Cristal is the first made entirely from biodynamically farmed vineyards. Passionfruit, mango, spice and ginger open first, but it is the wine’s textural richness and volume that stand out most. The 2012 is one of the most opulent, flamboyant recent Cristals. Those qualities feel especially amplified in this tasting, perhaps because of the presence of wines from the surrounding vintages. It was a complicated season, as mildew reduced yields significantly, resulting in an especially rich Cristal that seems to be gaining intensity with time in bottle. Dosage is 7 grams per liter. Disgorged: 2020.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (98)

The 2012 Cristal is the first made entirely from biodynamically farmed vineyards. Passionfruit, mango, spice and ginger open first, but it is the wine’s textural richness and volume that stand out most. The 2012 is one of the most opulent, flamboyant recent Cristals. Those qualities feel especially amplified in this tasting, perhaps because of the presence of wines from the surrounding vintages. It was a complicated season, as mildew reduced yields significantly, resulting in an especially rich Cristal that seems to be gaining intensity with time in bottle. Dosage is 7 grams per liter. Disgorged: 2020.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (98)

The 2012 Cristal is the first made entirely from biodynamically farmed vineyards. Passionfruit, mango, spice and ginger open first, but it is the wine’s textural richness and volume that stand out most. The 2012 is one of the most opulent, flamboyant recent Cristals. Those qualities feel especially amplified in this tasting, perhaps because of the presence of wines from the surrounding vintages. It was a complicated season, as mildew reduced yields significantly, resulting in an especially rich Cristal that seems to be gaining intensity with time in bottle. Dosage is 7 grams per liter. Disgorged: 2020.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (98)

The 2012 Cristal is the first made entirely from biodynamically farmed vineyards. Passionfruit, mango, spice and ginger open first, but it is the wine’s textural richness and volume that stand out most. The 2012 is one of the most opulent, flamboyant recent Cristals. Those qualities feel especially amplified in this tasting, perhaps because of the presence of wines from the surrounding vintages. It was a complicated season, as mildew reduced yields significantly, resulting in an especially rich Cristal that seems to be gaining intensity with time in bottle. Dosage is 7 grams per liter. Disgorged: 2020.

Jeb Dunnuck (99)

Just about as good as it gets, the 2012 Cristal Rosé is a magical effort based on 56% Pinot Noir and 44% Chardonnay. It’s a powerful, medium to full-bodied, incredibly textured rosé offering a huge amount of salty, chalky minerality as well as awesome notes of white cherries, orange blossom, caramelized apples, and toasted bread. It shows the ripe, rounded richness of the 2012 vintage yet has bright, racy acidity, perfect balance, and a great, great finish. It opens up nicely with air and will ideally be given 2-4 years of bottle age, and it should evolve for 2-3 decades.

Jeb Dunnuck (99)

Just about as good as it gets, the 2012 Cristal Rosé is a magical effort based on 56% Pinot Noir and 44% Chardonnay. It’s a powerful, medium to full-bodied, incredibly textured rosé offering a huge amount of salty, chalky minerality as well as awesome notes of white cherries, orange blossom, caramelized apples, and toasted bread. It shows the ripe, rounded richness of the 2012 vintage yet has bright, racy acidity, perfect balance, and a great, great finish. It opens up nicely with air and will ideally be given 2-4 years of bottle age, and it should evolve for 2-3 decades.

Jeb Dunnuck (99)

Just about as good as it gets, the 2012 Cristal Rosé is a magical effort based on 56% Pinot Noir and 44% Chardonnay. It’s a powerful, medium to full-bodied, incredibly textured rosé offering a huge amount of salty, chalky minerality as well as awesome notes of white cherries, orange blossom, caramelized apples, and toasted bread. It shows the ripe, rounded richness of the 2012 vintage yet has bright, racy acidity, perfect balance, and a great, great finish. It opens up nicely with air and will ideally be given 2-4 years of bottle age, and it should evolve for 2-3 decades.

James Suckling (96)

Just over two-thirds pinot noir (Verzenay) and the balance southeast-facing chardonnay from Chouilly. This has 30% of oak fermentation which has compressed the wine, lending it an air of extreme concentration. The nose is gently spicy, offering peaches and cherries as well as neat autolysis edge. The palate has a powerful, long and assertive feel, with peach and lemon pith, chalky minerals, and some grapefruit. A powerful vintage for Roederer.

Wine Advocate (92)

Disgorged in February 2018 with five grams per liter dosage, Moët's 2012 Extra Brut Grand Vintage is showing well, unfurling in the glass with an expressive bouquet of ripe yellow orchard fruit, peaches, toasted nuts, warm bread and honeycomb. On the palate, the wine is medium to full-bodied, broad and fleshy, with a tangy but ripe core of fruit, nicely integrated acids and a pinpoint mousse, concluding with an attractively fruit-driven finish. The 2012 reflects both the concentration of the vintage and Moët's push for riper fruit, and it is already quite accessible.

Decanter (94)

Notes of dried fruit and candied lemon dance out of the glass, with aromas of fresh pastry and ginger spice. There’s also a distinctive toasted hazelnut element with a honeyed richness developing. Initial freshness is there, reflecting the lovely balance of this fine 2012 vintage, while textural creaminess evolves into toffee caramel on the generous, spicy finish. There’s more Pinot Noir (49%) in this blend, from the north-facing slopes of Verzenay and Mailly, and that’s helping the freshness, with the Villers-Marmery Chardonnay providing the silky, mid-palate richness. A difficult growing year with a very cold, wet spring and wet summer, was saved by sunny weather in the last couple of weeks before picking and resulted in a small, concentrated, ripe harvest, widely compared with top predecessors like 2002 and 1990. Tasted from magnum. Dosage: 7g/L. Disgorged: November 2020. 49% Pinot Noir from Mailly and Verzenay; 46% Chardonnay from Trépail and Villers-Marmery; 5% Meunier from Ludes, Chigny-les-Rosé and Rilly-la-Montagne.

Wine Advocate (93)

Unfurling in the glass with notes of crisp orchard fruit, white flowers, freshly baked bread, honeycomb and warm biscuits, Perrier-Jouët's 2012 Brut Belle Epoque is medium to full-bodied, deep and seamless, with a rich, elegantly layered core of fruit, bright acids and an ultra-refined mousse, concluding with a long, precise finish. Fleshy and charming, this numbers among the finest recent renditions of this famous prestige cuvée.

Wine Advocate (93)

Unfurling in the glass with notes of crisp orchard fruit, white flowers, freshly baked bread, honeycomb and warm biscuits, Perrier-Jouët's 2012 Brut Belle Epoque is medium to full-bodied, deep and seamless, with a rich, elegantly layered core of fruit, bright acids and an ultra-refined mousse, concluding with a long, precise finish. Fleshy and charming, this numbers among the finest recent renditions of this famous prestige cuvée.

Wine Enthusiast (98)

This single vineyard, one of the steepest in Champagne, produces fabulous wines. Richness restrained by the minerality from the terroir is balanced by the structured Pinot Noir fruits that bring touches of toast, spice and white fruits. Drink through 2025 at least.

Wine Enthusiast (98)

This single vineyard, one of the steepest in Champagne, produces fabulous wines. Richness restrained by the minerality from the terroir is balanced by the structured Pinot Noir fruits that bring touches of toast, spice and white fruits. Drink through 2025 at least.

Wine Enthusiast (98)

This single vineyard, one of the steepest in Champagne, produces fabulous wines. Richness restrained by the minerality from the terroir is balanced by the structured Pinot Noir fruits that bring touches of toast, spice and white fruits. Drink through 2025 at least.