Piper Heidsieck Champagne Demi-Sec Cuvée Sublime

A very creditable contribution to what has become an unfashionable genre is Piper-Heidsieck's NV Demi-Sec Cuvée Sublime, a lovely wine that wafts from the glass with aromas of honeyed peaches, fresh pastry, nectarine and caramelized citrus. On the palate, it's medium to full-bodied, with good depth at the core, racy acids and a fine mousse, concluding with a precise finish that avoids any suggestion of cloying sweetness despite its off-dry style. Expect it to sing with additional bottle age. Rating: 91+

Fine autolytic aromas with buttery brioche. It's all honey, praline and rum 'n' raisin in the mouth. Toasty and appealing. Long finish.