Demonstrating willingness and boldness, Octave Haton founded the Champagne House in 1920. His son René succeeded him and purchased some additional vineyards. Today, the Haton family is part of the top 30 producers of Champagne in volume.

Light straw colour; the bouquet is light and youthful and shy, with notes of lemon and small white flowers, and it’s much the same in the mouth with refreshing lightness, zesty airiness and creamy texture, the aftertaste refreshing with lovely lemony acidity that really drives the wine. Penetrating intensity. A more racy, yet seamless, style. Date Tasted: August 2022; Drink: 2022 to 2027; Price: $79.00; Alcohol: 12.5%; Rating: 95 Points & Top Rank; Huon Hooke; The Real Review

This brand is new to me, an exciting value brand. It’s based in Damery with vineyards in six Marne Valley villages. This is a fresh and zesty, highly appetising blanc de blancs, racy and penetrating, a classic chardonnay Champagne. Aromas are of lemon and small white flowers. It manages to have a light airiness as well as intensity, refreshing lemony acidity as well as some creaminess of texture. Date Tasted: September 2022; Drink: To 2027; Price: $79.00; Alcohol: 12.5%; Rating: 95 Points & Wine of the Week; Huon Hooke; The Real Review