Here at We Heart towers we’ve certainly been known to enjoy the finer things in life but – whisper it – must fess up to being no experts when it comes to high-grade Champagne, however, as we sit 123 metres up the Eiffel Tower in Alain Ducasse’s decidedly swish Le Jules Verne restaurant, rubbing shoulders with some of the world’s most influential food and wine writers, it’s time to start bluffing and let the wine tasting begin.

With staggeringly formidable views and low dark ceilings, the romance of the venue carries us. We sample twelve of their R.D. vintages, starting with the 1997 (smokey and sharp on the nose) and finishing with the 1952 (caramel notes and gentle on the tongue… ahem) which, even with an admittedly limited palette, was simply outstanding. With the heights and bubbles in our giddy little heads we began to feel that life could in fact be perfect.

Having spent time with Bollinger’s president, the cellar master and five devoted competition winners we began to appreciate the champagne’s considerable greatness. Firstly, and we wholeheartedly mean this, these were sublime tasting vintages, their characteristics and unique taste were akin to the luxury brand. Secondly, we admire that the Bollinger house is still run by the Bollinger family and that it remains one of the only independent Champagne houses around today. Whether you enjoy it indulgently alone, or with family and friends, the Bollinger R.D is an outstanding cuvée and we were both humbled and honoured to have been a part of this truly once in a life time experience…