Les Pionniers, Selected Cuvée Brut, Champagne, France, 2008

Made by Piper Heidsieck for the Coop, and from a stunning vintage, this is an outstanding own-label Champagne at a fabulous price. Predominantly Pinot Noir with 40% Chardonnay, the nose opens up to creamy and biscuity aromas with fresh apple. It has great persistence on the palate, with ripe white fruit characters and a creamy mouthfeel. It's drinking well now but will get even better over the next 12 months. I urge you to stock up for the Christmas season while the 2008 is still available.