There is no shortage of good Champagne’s currently available in Australia, however finding one that stands out of the pack and delivers good value is another matter. That is exactly what we like about the Delamotte Champagne Brut NV and the reason why we have chosen it as our favourite Champagne of 2008. From the sixth oldest Champagne house, founded in 1760, this is a tremendously classy Champagne that displays the perfect balance of finesse and complexity. At the special price of $59.90 few other Champagnes on the market come close to it.  

"95 Points. Subtle, creamy, nutty aromas; fresh and clean. The palate is rich and fine, subtly complex and with some liqueur sweetness in harmony with the other components. Streamlined and lingering; a great non-vintage" - Huon Hooke, Sydney Morning Herald, July 2007.

"90/100 points. A bubbly with breadth and richness to its grapefruit, apple and honey aromas and flavors. Smooth and balanced, with a lively feel on the finish.” - Bruce Sanderson, Wine Spectator, Sept 2010.

“Anytime is Champagne season. And Delamotte is always a secret bargain for connoisseurs, who already know Salon, the house’s famous top cuvée. Handpicked from grand crus vineyards, the non-vintage Brut is clean, elegant and friendly with toasty roudness and crisp minerality.” - Florida Trend, July 2010. 

Next year, Champagne Delamotte will be celebrating its 250th birthday, making it one of the oldest Champagne houses in existence. Established in 1760, in the prestigious Champagne village of Le Mesnil, Delamotte is known for its refined style and pedigree, which is achieved through a complete devotion to one single grape variety – Chardonnay. The Blanc de Blancs 1999 is the star of the show, both tantalisingly rich yet delicate, which is hardly surprising given Delamotte is the sister house of the legendary Champagne salon – producer of perhaps the world’s finest and rarest Blanc de Blancs Champagne.

“92 points. Pretty notes of smoke, mint, licorice and peaches emerge from the 1999 Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru. This medium-bodied, refined Chardonnay possesses notable complexity in its layered, refined personality. Here, too, the wine offers superb length and finesse." - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate.

"Pale yellow with a strong bead. Peach skin, buttered pear and musky herbs and lees on the nose. Deep, buttery orchard and pit fruit flavors are underscored by racy minerality and pick up an exotic floral note with air. Finishes with very good length and echoes of smoke and pear. This is drinking well right now." - Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar, Nov/Dec 2009.