Champagne Andre Clouet Grande Reserve Brut Giftbox NV

Champagne Andre Clouet Grande Reserve Brut Giftbox arrives in presentation packaging, but what's inside is the real story: a small-grower, 100% Pinot Noir Champagne from Grand Cru vineyards in Bouzy, aged a full four years on lees before release. That extended ageing shows in a rich, creamy mouthfeel layered with hazelnut, pear, spice and dried flower notes, wrapped around a long, faintly biscuity finish. It's the kind of understated, terroir-driven Champagne that critics keep rating right alongside the big houses, so the box is a nice bonus rather than the main event. Good for gifting, even better for drinking.

What the winery says:

Grande Reserve Brut is a small-grower Champagne made from 100% Pinot Noir sourced from Grand Cru vineyards in the Bouzy sub-region, spending around four years ageing on lees before release. Expect a rich, creamy style with layers of hazelnut, pear, spice and dried flower aromas, building to a long, biscuity finish. It's a non-vintage blend built for reliability and depth rather than for any single year's character.

What the experts say:

Antonio Galloni, Wine Advocate, 90/100 (NV)
"I was only able to taste one new release from Andre Clouet this year. The NV Brut Grande Reserve emerges from the glass with layers of hazelnut, pear, spice and dried flower aromas. This rich, creamy wine impresses for its balance and sheer richness. I loved it."

Huon Hooke, The Real Review, 94/100 (NV)
"Just as good as last time it was tasted, although this bottle seems especially fresh and delicate, with a refinement that is perhaps not classic blanc de noirs, but seems to suggest some chardonnay in the mix (but there is none). Lovely wine indeed"