Top Sparkling

Vinous, 97 points: The 2006 Cuvée Nicolas François Billecart is shaping up to be a jewel of a wine, but it needs time to be at its best. I am surprised by how tightly wound it is. But that only makes me think what it might develop into with...

jamessuckling.com, 97 points: (97 points) A very rich and full-bodied Cristal that harks back to 2006 or 1989 in style. It's round and rich, which underlies the ripeness of the vintage. Lots of dried-apple and pineapple character with bread dough and...

jebdunnuck.com, 99 points: 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...

Decanter, 95 points: A first whiff of lemon zest immediately sets the tone. More air and swirling then reveals a backdrop of chalk but also the enticing, cloudlike zestiness of lemon meringue pie. The palate comes in on very light feet – on...

Decanter, 95 points: The most subtle lemony cloud hovers above a certain chalkiness on the nose. Utter subtlety also characterises the super-svelte palate that is as light as a feather, yet conveys great depth and creamy softness. The...

Wine Spectator, 98 points: A beautifully bright and expressive Champagne, with precision and vivid acidity throughout; roasted coffee bean and graphite notes lead to a rich palate of toasted brioche, crystallized honey, bergamot and crème de...

Decanter, 97 points: A blend of 65% Pinot Noir consisting of Premier and Grand Crus from the Montagne de Reims and the Vallee de la Marne and 35% Chardonnay from the Cote des Blancs. Significantly, this has nine years ageing on its lees...

jamessuckling.com, 96 points: From two parcels in Cremant that total one hectare, this has a very chalky nose with lemon biscuit and some attractively oxidative, nutty, savory elements. The palate has a very silky, elegant and contained feel with...

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 95 points: (95+ points) Disgorged in October 2018 with seven grams per liter dosage, the 2007 Brut Blanc de Blancs Cuvée Louis Salmon derives from the villages of Cramant, Chouilly and Mesnil-sur-Oger, and half of the vins clairs...

jebdunnuck.com, 98 points: (98+ points) The 2008 Champagne Rare Rosé is straight-up sensational. Only the second time they’ve produced this cuvée, it offers a deep, full-bodied, powerful yet chiseled and laser-focused style carrying loads of wild...

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 96 points: Disgorged with three grams per liter dosage in August 2019, Pascal Agrapart's 2013 Extra-Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Minéral is showing beautifully, mingling aromas of citrus oil, dried apricot, pear, toasted hazelnuts...

jamessuckling.com, 97 points: I believe that the 2005 DP is the best since 2002, which remains the best recent vintage and is probably only eclipsed by the amazing 100-point 1996. The 2005 is a full-bodied DP with so much richness and loads of ripe...

Wine Enthusiast, 96 points: This grand cru wine is named in celebration of the date of the Philipponnat family's arrival in the village of Aÿ. It is a mature blend of 70% Pinot Noir with Chardonnay, proportions that are typical of this producer on...

Wine Spectator, 93 points: This deeply hued Champagne exudes mushroom and white truffle notes, set on a fine, plush mousse and structured by a firm backbone of acidity. Rich and expressive, yet well-cut and fresh, with dried apricot, chopped...

Decanter, 95 points: This wine shows what larger formats, in this case magnum, can bring, with complex fruit confit flavours of peche des vignes and dried apricot. A bonny baby, still very tight, showing huge potential. (Drink between 2020-2030)