A Champagne wine tasting dedicated to the very best is always something special — and last week’s event truly lived up to its name. Hosted in the Gallery at Webb’s Auction House, the evening combined Champagne, art, classic cars and motorcycles for a truly memorable celebration. For anyone searching for the best Champagne for celebration, or even affordable Champagnes that taste luxurious, this tasting offered inspiration at every level.
With a full house in attendance, Normanby Fine Wines Director of Wine, Liz Wheadon, was joined by T. Sorensen and Zane Winskill to guide guests through an exceptional line-up. The selection spanned styles, vintages, and production scales — showcasing Champagne that can both elevate a milestone moment and serve as Champagne to impress your guests.
Tip 1: Start Your Wine Tasting with a Statement Champagne
Choosing the opening wine of a Champagne tasting sets the tone — and Liz did not hold back. The first pour was Champagne Paul Bara L’Audacieuse 2016, a striking 100% Chardonnay from a house renowned for Pinot Noir.
Sourced from Paul Bara’s tiny one-hectare Chardonnay parcel in Bouzy, this Champagne was chalky, mineral-driven, rare, and utterly compelling. A confident way to begin, and a reminder that the best Champagne for celebration doesn’t always come from the most obvious place.
Tip 2: Discover New Producers to Impress Your Guests
Next in the line-up was Domaine Les Monts Fournois Montagne Grand Cru Verzy Solera, a fascinating Champagne from the team behind Bérêche, alongside their cousin Juliette.
This exciting new project captivated the room and highlighted why discovering emerging producers can be the perfect way to find Champagne to impress your guests. Wines like this deliver complexity, originality, and conversation-starting appeal — often at a more approachable price point than the biggest names.
Tip 3: Balance Prestige and Style in a Champagne Wine Tasting
From there, the tasting moved seamlessly through icons and insider favourites:
- Dom Pérignon Vintage 2015 – vivacious, lively, and refreshing
- Champagne Lassalle Spécial Club 2014 – a benchmark Spécial Club wine from a Club de Trésors grower
- Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame 2012, presented in its striking Yayoi Kusama label — a Champagne of breadth, depth, and elegance
These wines demonstrated how prestige cuvées can anchor a Champagne tasting while still offering stylistic diversity. They also serve as reliable choices when searching for the best Champagne for celebration, especially when hosting a larger gathering.
Tip 4: Powerful Styles for Champagne That Leaves a Lasting Impression
A natural progression led to Bollinger PN VZ19 — PN denoting Pinot Noir, VZ referencing Verzenay, and 2019 the predominant base year. Powerful, rich, and unmistakably Bollinger, it showcased why Pinot-driven Champagne is often the go-to choice for guests who love structure and depth.
This is Champagne to impress your guests — bold, confident, and unmistakably serious.
Tip 5: Finish with Icons Side by Side
The final pairing was a masterclass in multi-vintage excellence:
- Krug Grande Cuvée Edition 172, based around the 2016 vintage — a standout edition showing exceptional harmony
- Henri Giraud Ay Grand Cru “MV” 19, a star of the night, built on the 2019 vintage with its signature Argonne oak spice, vinous texture, and elegance
Tasted side by side, these wines highlighted why Champagne remains unrivalled when it comes to complexity, ageing potential, and luxury — even when exploring affordable Champagnes that taste luxurious relative to their quality and craftsmanship.
A Perfect Evening of Champagne Wine Tasting
This Champagne wine tasting was unforgettable — not only for its extraordinary line-up, but also for the venue itself. Surrounded by art, classic cars, and motorcycles, guests experienced the finest Champagne in a setting that elevated every glass.
For those seeking the best Champagne for celebration, Champagne to impress your guests, or simply inspiration for your next tasting, this evening captured everything we love about Champagne.
All the wines tasted on the night can be found here
