wine: champagne

The 2002 shows a complex mix of biscuit and brioche with elegant buttery and toasted notes on the nose. Aromas of candied fruits and nutmeg follow, with some citrus fruits too. The palate is full-flavoured, combining balance of structure, finesse and freshness. Rich, red Pinot fruit matches the crisp lemon, bergamot and brioche character on the long, scented finish.

The surprising richness and depth of the Cuvée Spéciale comes from the fact that it was partially fermented in old oak. The addition of the Pinot Noir gives the wine elegance and red fruit intensity, whereas the Pinot Meunier adds expressive, lively aromatics and interest to the blend.

The NV ‘Cuvee D’ is rich and sleek and is, in Anthony Rose’s words, a ‘luxuriously toasty, creamy number.’ The Pinot Noir gives body and length to the wine, while the Chardonnay adds elegance and finesse.

This is the most delicate of the Devaux Rosé Champagnes with the greater percentage of Chardonnay contributing a firm, elegant freshness to the palate. Fresh red fruit aromas from the Pinot Noir combine with a hint of hazelnut complexity which was encouraged by extended ageing on the lees when in bottle.

The wine was fermented in stainless steel, followed by malolactic fermentation to give extra suppleness. Following fermentation, the liqueur de tirage was added and the wine underwent a slow second fermentation in bottle, and extended ageing on its lees for 5 years. This resulted in a wine with a finer, more persistent mousse and greater potential for complexity. After disgorgement, the wine received a Brut dosage of under 9g/l.

This Champagne has a gentle golden colour and elegant aromas of citrus, toast and raspberries. The large percentage of Pinot has brought red berries and a succulent, fruit-driven core. The palate is refreshing with a touch of honey complexity and a long, fine-textured finish.

The Brut Non-Vintage Rosé is salmon pink in colour, with fine aromas of cherry and red berry from the Pinot fruit, and the classy, refreshing palate of Chardonnay. There is a touch of brioche and toasty complexity on the palate from just under 2 years ageing. The wine finishes long, with succulent red cherry, strawberry and citrus.

The Brut Vintage 2005 is yellow in colour with a hint of gold. The nose shows impressive complexity with honey, almonds and a hint of cinnamon. The palate is full but fine-textured, with a persistent mousse and lingering citrus acidity balanced by red fruits as well as mellow toast and honey complexity that lasts well on the finish.

Pale gold in colour with a steady flow of fine and persistent bubbles. The aroma is delicate yet complex, fresh and well-balanced with hints of citrus and white fruits. Well defined on the palate and subtly rounded with expressive flavours. The fruit progressively emerges to reveal a finely balanced Champagne displaying great length on the finish.

Golden yellow colour, with green highlights with a steady stream of fine and persistent bubbles. The initial aroma is marked by an attractive fruity character which then evolves displaying notes of ripe fruits and acacia honey. The initial impressions on the palate are of vivacity and a fine mousse. As its character is gradually revealed, there is a sense of complexity, depth of flavour and a still-youthful freshness. The long finish is marked by persistent notes of yellow stone fruits.

The Grand Siècle is brilliant yellow in colour. Subtle hints of honey and hazelnuts on the nose, with grilled almonds and a touch of fresh pastry following on the palate. Powerful and well-rounded, this wine is rich and savoury, finishing with a deliciously honeyed but fresh long finish.

Primarily made from Pinot Noir, this is close to being a Blanc de Noirs in style. Attractive on the nose, with delicate notes of red berry fruit, a touch of florality and some savoury bread-like characters. On the palate, this is balanced and elegant, with pear and red berries and a dart of citrus acidity. Perfect as an apéritif.

The Bollinger Grande Annee is a blended wine from crus and grape varieties and it carries the expression of the House style however, the style is also dependant on the characteristics of the given vintage. It is the best wine Bollinger can produce in an individual year by exposing its particular character

The wine sparkles and breathes, binding together the sensations of depth and harmony.