Champagne Guy de Forez Les Riceys Brut Tradition NV

Penelope Hart — My new go-to celebration fizz

9/10

I'm not a champagne expert by any means but I know what I like, and I LIKE this. It's confident and direct — none of that wishy-washy thin fizz you sometimes get. Poured it for New Year's and everyone asked what it was. The 12.5% ABV is sneaky because it goes down very easily.

Jason Steel — Nice but a bit steep

7/10

Had this at a friend's dinner party and it was good — clean, well-made, decent length on the finish. But at nearly forty quid I'd probably just grab a Lidl Premier Cru for everyday drinking. One for a special occasion maybe.

Ayako Hirano — Proper champagne, this

9/10

Bought this for my wife's birthday and we were both really impressed. Loads of fruit but not sweet, if that makes sense — it's got a nice crisp edge that keeps you going back for more. At £39.50 it's not cheap but honestly it drinks like something pricier. Would definitely buy again.