From our cellar...

Our collection has been running around the 600+ bottle mark for some years now. It did take quite a hit over the pandemic years but we are pleased to report that it has been carefully restored back to pre-pandemic levels! Over the years, we have been lucky enough to drink some truly incredible wines since first starting our champagne odyssey together in 1998; having tasted thousands of champagnes, coteaux, Rosé des Riceys and vins clair from around 400 or so houses and growers.

Whilst every bottle we own is special to us, we have picked out some that have a particular place in our hearts to share with you.

Substance by Jacques Selosse: We love a perpetual blend and we love Selosse! Anselme went to Jerez during his formative winemaking years in order to study the Solera method. When he came home to Avize, he began his own perpetual blend with Chardonnay from the village. Every year from 1986 to 2015, it is utterly sublime and would probably head our Desert Island Wines list (that has just given me an idea for new blog).

Champagne Charlie 1985 by Charles Heidsieck: We were lucky enough to taste the 1982 version in magnum at the Grands Champagnes tasting and jumped at the opportunity to grab this bottle at Cave des Sacres. Another superb vintage year, we are still deciding how much longer to keep this for... 55% Chardonnay, 45% Pinot Noir.

Cuvée du Goulté 2008 by Marie-Noëlle Ledru: Another incredible vintage and a wine we have been cossetting since 2013! Since then, the fantastic Ambonnay vigneronne has retired and that just makes it even harder to pop the cork. We have had the same vintage on a couple of occasions when in Champagne, the last being in 2023 and it has been in sublime form each time. 100% Ambonnay Pinot Noir.

Krug 2000: We got married in 2000 and it's Krug, enough said! Not a spectacular vintage in Champagne terms but solid enough. Clearly the year is special to us and Krug always delivers a sensory experience. 43% Chardonnay, 42% Pinot Noir and 15% Meunier.

Comédie 2007 by Jean-Marc Sélèque: This wine was disgorged in 2012 and was the first year that Jean-Marc was involved in the family winery, choosing the 4gl dosage. Jean-Marc's career has of course been quick to hit the high notes and he produces a glorious symphony of wines. 70% Chardonnay, 15% Meunier, 15% Pinot Noir.

Millésime 2000 Dégorgement Tardif by Jacquesson: Another 2000, for obvious reasons and another amazing domaine. Lots of hail during the Spring, a hot year despite a wet Summer; culminating in a temperate, calm harvest. Disgorged January 2016 for extra lees ageing. 50% each of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

Honey Harmony by Lelarge-Pugeot: This 2012 extra brut was unique and a limited edition. Rather than using sugar to dose the wine, this extra-brut was dosed with honey made by the domaine's own bees situated throughout their biodynamic estate. It was a brilliant idea and a brilliant wine, unfortunately the AOC decreed that wines must only use sugar for dosing. Our last bottle of six. Equal parts Chardonnay, Meunier and Pinot Noir.