“The Brut Réserve is one of my personal ‘go to’ Champagnes among the major houses, and though the RRP is £47.99, there are always deals in the £30s. 40% Chardonnay and long ageing in the Taittinger cellars gives lovely biscuit and brioche notes over nutty apple and lemony scents. The fine mousse gives creaminess of texture and flavour, the dosage seems relatively high given the current obsession with ultra-dry styles, but the balance is impeccable, the core of sweet, ripe fruit, developed autolytic characters and sparkling acidity all adding up to a totally satisfying picture.”