Louis Roederer Brut Vintage 2009, Waitrose
Founded in 1776, Louis Roederer is one of very few remaining family-owned independent grandes marques champagne houses, with the largest holding of biodynamic vineyards in the Champagne region. From Wine Enthusiast's 2015 Winemaker of the Year Jean-Baptiste Lecaillon, this bubbly displays buttery brioche and citrus aromas only found in the very finest vintage champagne.
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Taittinger Comtes de Champagne 2005/2006, Ocado
Since 1932, Taittinger has taken its place among the greatest champagne houses, with a distinctive style particularly influenced by chardonnay. Its Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs is made from the finest chardonnay grapes grown in the top grand cru vineyards of the Cote des Blancs, including Avize, Chouilly, Cramant and Mesnil-sur-Oger. Available only in limited quantities, this wine is left to mature in Taittinger's fourth-century cellars for nearly ten years.
£100 per bottle; ocado.com
Perrier-Jouet Belle Epoque 2006, Majestic Wine
Perrier-Jouet's Belle Epoque is one of the first "Prestige Cuvee" champagnes, in a beautiful bottle adorned with hand-painted Art Nouveau flowers – indeed, Princess Grace of Monaco declared it to be her favourite champagne. The rich, creamy palate and floral aromas complement the baked apple, white blossom and lemon notes to give a lingering, rounded finish. What's more, this wine has fantastic ageing potential, so it can be kept for a special occasion.
£105 per bottle; majestic.co.uk
Lelieur Vintage Champagne Brut, Tesco Wine
While lesser-known than some of the larger champagne houses, this elegant vintage blend – made by a group of pioneering family growers – is dry, rich and toasty, with pure citrus flavours. It can be drunk now, but will get even better if carefully stored for up to four years.
Currently £96 for a case of six; tesco.com
Billecart Salmon Brut, Lea & Sandeman
Billecart Salmon was founded in 1818 by Nicolas Francois Billecart, and is currently run by Francois and Antoine Roland-Billecart – the sixth generation of the family to lead the house. This brut has lots of elegance in the delicate, pinot meunier-influenced fruitiness of the basic cuvee, and Lea & Sandeman recommends this over and above many of the better-known grande marques.
£38.95 per bottle; leaandsandeman.co.uk
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