Wine enthusiasts looking for the perfect bottle of Champagne to celebrate the festive season have been given some tips by an eminent critic.

Writing in the Financial Times, Jancis Robinson recommends the 2002 Dom Perignon, which she believes is one of the label's finest vintages in living memory.

Drinkers who prefer dryer Champagne may wish to try the 2000 Bollinger Grande Annee, described as "classy and classic", or the 2000 Jacquesson.

For those looking for something a little more moderately priced, Ms Robinson recommends the Ulysse Colin Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs NV, while the 2004 Taittinger is a "meaty and satisfying" bottle that will please all guests.

When choosing Champagne, one wine critic recently suggested that smaller vineyards can often produce more enjoyable wine than larger labels.

TJ Foderaro, writing for Inside Jersey, recommended the Bernard Tornay Brut, which gets a unique flavour from the unusually high levels of Pinot Noir used in the blend.