Perrier-Jouët Belle Epoque 2013 Champagne / Magnum
Champagne 12.5% ABV ABV Perrier-JouëtGood but maybe overhyped?
Saw this on so many "best champagne" lists that I had massive expectations. It's definitely nice — the acidity keeps it fresh and there's a lovely almond and honey richness to it. But for over £400 I was expecting to have my mind completely blown, and it didn't quite get there for me. Still a solid champagne though.
Beautiful but hard to justify the price
Tried this at a wine dinner and it's genuinely lovely — really clean finish with a slightly salty edge that makes you keep going back for more. The citrus and brioche notes are spot on. But £405 for a magnum is steep when there are solid champagnes at a third of the price. Great for showing off, not sure I'd buy it again myself.
Best champagne I've ever had
My wife got me this for my 40th and honestly I didn't want to open it because the bottle is so beautiful. So glad we did though. It's got this amazing white flower smell when you first pour it, then all these layers of fruit and honey come through. We split the magnum between four of us and everyone was blown away.
The magnum makes a difference
Had the regular bottle a couple of years ago and liked it, but the magnum is on another level. The wine shop guy said magnums age better and he wasn't wrong — everything just feels more integrated and creamy. Really nice chalky mineral thing going on underneath the fruit. Treat yourself if you can swing it.
Worth every penny for a special night
Bought the magnum for our 10th anniversary dinner and it was absolutely stunning. The bubbles are so fine and creamy, and there's this gorgeous brioche and almond thing going on that just kept getting better as we drank it. At £405 it's obviously not an everyday buy but for a big occasion? No regrets.
Stole the show at Christmas
Brought this to Christmas lunch and it was the star of the whole meal. Poured it with the smoked salmon starter and it was perfect — that crisp acidity cuts right through. Even my dad who usually just drinks beer said it was incredible. The bottle with the flowers on it is a nice touch too, looked great on the table.