"Noël à la Mode: Champagne Festival," bringing together world-renowned wine houses, kicked off on the 20th at the event hall on the 6th floor of the Isetan Shinjuku Main Building. It runs until the 25th.
The theme of this exhibition is "Marriage." Focusing on the "charming relationship between people and champagne," the exhibition features brands selected by Isetan buyers inspired by famous quotes about champagne from historical figures such as Napoleon Bonaparte, Coco Chanel, Marilyn Monroe, and Freddie Mercury.
The highlight is the highly acclaimed 2000 vintage of "Bollinger" R.D. 2000 (¥210,000, 3,000ml, limited to two). Crafted in artisan-crafted barrels, this bottle is the equivalent of four full bottles. Because of its larger volume, it ages more slowly than regular bottles, enhancing its delicate and aromatic complexity and evolving into a unique style. This rare bottle is limited to 350 bottles worldwide. The equally acclaimed Louis Roederer Cristal Brut 2002 (¥1,575,000, limited to one bottle) is crafted from specially crafted crystal, awarded 100 points by Wine & Spirits, and features 24-karat gold accents. It comes with an Hermès scarf, making it a rare treasure that combines fashion and champagne. To commemorate the 11th anniversary of the exhibition, special items will be available, including a set of 11 rare magnum bottles from Grand Maisons (¥420,000, limited to three sets), which are difficult to collect in one go, and a limited-edition half-champagne selection box (¥12,600, five bottles), available only on the 23rd. Producers from 21 Maisons will be on hand to talk about their champagnes. Also, a paid event, launched last year, will be held, where visitors can enjoy a different premium champagne each day. On the 20th, the exhibit will feature Pircard-Salmon Blanc de Blancs Millésime 1999, on the 21st, Taittinger Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs 2004, on the 22nd, Henri Giraud Code Noir, on the 23rd, Dom Pérignon Vintage 2004, on the 24th, Laurent-Perrier Rosé, and on the 25th, Bollinger R.D. 2004. The first 60 customers each day who spend ¥21,000 or more at the venue will receive a paid exchange voucher. (A separate ¥2,625 meal fee applies.) Approximately 40 maisons exhibit at the exhibition every year. In addition to rare brands that are hard to find in Japan or available in extremely limited quantities, the exhibition also offers half-bottles and a drink bar that even beginners can enjoy, expanding its appeal to not only wine enthusiasts but also the general public. Sales have increased by 20% every year, and the event continues to grow as one of Isetan's signature winter events.