Louis Roederer's Cristal is one of the world's most famous Champagnes, adored by celebrities and civilians alike. With its aromas of citrus, mineral, warm bread and roasted nuts, it is simply sublime. Every vintage Robert Parker Jr. has reviewed of this bubbly has received a score of 93 or more. Immensely concentrated, full-bodied and racy fresh, Cristal demands fine foods like caviar, smoked salmon or tuna tartar.
268755 (XD) 750 mL $286.95
LAURENT-PERRIER CUVÉE ROSÉ BRUT CHAMPAGNE AC
Most rosé Champagnes are created by blending white and red juices. Laurent-Perrier's Cuvée Rosé is made using the more difficult Saignée method of extracting the colour from first-run pink Pinot Noir juice. With its pale rose-petal pink colour, fine moussé and classy texture, it's little wonder that this is the #1 selling rosé bubbly in the world. It has raspberry, red currant, red-pepper jelly and citrus flavours with a hint of spice on its long finish. Vibrant and refreshing, it begs for herb-roasted chicken or roast leg of lamb.
158550 (XD) 750 mL $99.95
LOUIS ROEDERER BRUT PREMIER CHAMPAGNE AC, With Gift Box
Crafted by the people responsible for Cristal and superior to many producers' vintage-dated Champagnes, Louis Roederer's non-vintage bubbly has aromas of toast, almonds and citrus fruit. Expect a fresh, creamy mouthfeel with flavours of binned apples, lemon pie, pizza dough and pear. As Decanter's Steven Spurrier puts it, "it cannot be bettered". This classic benchmark Brut makes an excellent aperitif or a delicious companion to a light entrée. Keep this Champagne on hand for impromptu celebrations.
268771 (XD) 750 mL $67.95
DOM PÉRIGNON CHAMPAGNE (V) AC
The legend now joins our Essentials Collection. Purported to be THE original luxury cuvée Champagne available commercially, Dom Pérignon continues to impress generation after generation. This ultimate anniversary or birthday celebration bubbly is only made in the greatest years. Loaded with stylish aromas of citrus, artisanal bread, green apple, mineral and pear, this is quite dry and vibrantly refreshing on the palate. Every vintage reviewed by Robert Parker Jr. from 1982 to the present has received a score of 92 or above. Expect to be impressed.
280461 (XD) 750 mL $224.95
VEUVE CLICQUOT VINTAGE RÉSERVE BRUT CHAMPAGNE (V) AC
Veuve Clicquot is an early example of women succeeding in business. In 1805, 27-year-old Barbe-Nicole Clicquot Ponsardin took over the operation of this famous house after the untimely death of her husband. This Vintage Réserve is a fine tribute to this brilliant woman with its rich aromas of white blossoms, lemon and apricot. The creamy mouthfeel, complex fruit, citrus and mineral flavours lead to a long, luxurious finish. A winner with shellfish, or cellar it 6-8 years.
