Bruno Paillard Blanc de Blancs Liberte 2013 / Magnum

Thomas Weber — The wine shop guy nailed it

9/10

Asked at my local for something a bit special for Christmas and they recommended this. Blanc de Blancs so it's all Chardonnay which I didn't know until they explained. Really fresh and citrusy but also has this brioche richness to it. Went perfectly with the smoked salmon starters.

Nils Bergman — Really nice but big money

8/10

Had this at a friend's dinner party and it was seriously good — crisp, peachy, elegant. But when I looked up the price afterwards... £177 is a lot. I'd happily drink it again if someone else is buying, but I can get champagnes I love for half that.

Emily Thomas — Absolutely stunning in magnum

10/10

Got the magnum for New Year's and it was the star of the evening. Something about the bigger bottle format just works — the bubbles were incredible and it stayed fresh right to the last glass. That gentle chalky finish keeps pulling you back in. Already ordered another one for next year.