It’s been gazing at me for a while from our fine wine shelves, and I’ve been sorely tempted to open a bottle myself - but despite temptation I have a strong will, so I’ll be putting it aside, along with Glaetzer’s 100 Parker Point Amon-Ra and Farina’s Monte Fante Amarone for a very special occasion. Maybe Christmas, a big wedding anniversary or Curious Mike’s 40th birthday (hey, at least I see it as a special occasion!)

Duval-Leroy’s 1996 Vintage Champagne is the absolute cream of the crop when it comes to fine sparkling wine. It’s a typical Champagne blend of 75% Pinot and 25% Chardonnay, the latter of which has had a touch of oak for that extra richness and character. After all those years in bottle, it’s acquired outstanding complexity.

Bruce Sanderson: “A tangy citrus and nut-flavoured Champagne with a distinctive gum-tingling sensation. It starts out rich, turning lean and tightly wound on the finish. Fine coffee-tinged after taste.” - Bruce Sanderson writing in Wine Spectator, Top Values and Highly Recommended.

Tom Stevenson: “Over the last 10 years, the quality of Duval-Leroy has soared and for a few years now it has been possible to claim that no other house can beat it for consistency of style - not even the greatest of the great” - Tom Stevenson writing in Decanter magazine.

Wine Spectator: 41st in the Top 100 list in 2006, scoring 93/100

Decanter: 5 Stars

International Wine Challenge 2006 Gold Medal

Vinalles Internationales 2005 Gold Medal

For Mike’s Top 10 Champagne did-you-knows from New Year, click here.