Louvel Fontaine, Champagne, France 2014

This Silver Medal winner at the 2023 Decanter World Wine Awards, a blend of 55% Pinot Noir and 45% Chardonnay, is a reasonable buy if you're a fan of vintage Champagne but don't want to blow the budget. Soft, round appley fruit is accompanied by a subtle note of stone fruits, with streaks of spice and pith. It has a slightly saline character which gives it freshness, contrasting with the rather heavy, earthy finish.