2008 Dom Pérignon Brut Champagne (1.5L)

Easily the best Champagne I had all year, first tasted at a château lunch. I couldn't stop thinking about it, and eventually bought a bottle for my husband's 50th. Just so much power and precision, while still having the delicacy, easy glamour and the most moreish delivery of fresh acidities and fleshy citrus. At it opens, toasted brioche, liqourice root and oyster shall curl out of the glass. Richard Geoffroy cellar master.

Dom Pérignon is named after 17th-century Benedictine monk Dom Pierre Pérignon (1638-1715), who is said to have invented sparkling wine while cellarmaster at the Abbey of Hautvillers. In truth, his task was to find a way to prevent a second fermentation in the bottle as the bottles were exploding. Dom Pérignon is a vintage Champagne made using an approximate blend of 50/50 Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. It is one of the highest-rated and most desirable Champagnes on the market. Michelle Cherutti-Kowal MW: Brioche, almonds and red apples on the nose and palate. Great balance with dosage and acidity. Excellent combination of fruit and bottle age. Stefan Neumann MS: Top-notch salty, mineral, iodine-like aromas. Showing a wonderful sourdough-like character with delicate roasted nuts. Depth and drive, elegance and power. Matt Walls: Deep, intense, full-bodied style of Champagne, voluminous, generous, very powerful and thunderous. Very long – this is a great wine. So harmonious. (Panel Tasting)