Co-op, Les Pionniers Vintage, Champagne, France 2013

The Piper Heidsieck-made Le Pionniers range never fails to impress. The 2013 vintage boasts a savoury, bready richness on the nose with red cherry, citrus, bruised apple and hints of caramel, showing more development than tasted last year. A yeasty palate of all-butter crackers, sweet-spiced red apple with a creamy mousse, followed by a long finish. A fantastic treat for the festive season.