Everyone has at least one expensive habit. Mine just happens to be Champagne – Grower Champagne to be specific. There’s just something so decadent about popping the cork of this heavenly, high-quality elixir that immediately transforms the state of being for the person who’s decided to splurge on a bottle………for any multitude of reasons. Had a rough day of hard physical labor after working 10 days straight? Billecart-Salmon and comfy pajamas to the rescue. Do the kids have you at your wit’s end? Enjoy some quality time with Dom Pérignon. Prepping for a giant gathering of family and friends? Say hello to Paul Bara. We all have our ways of turning the frown upside down, and Champagne is one of the best ways to put a smile on my face.
Here are some of my favorites when I’m in the mood for a major splurge:
(Prices for these selections are typically between $100-$500)
Krug, Grande Cuvée, NV – The classically styled, rich, and elegant flavors of Krug make it a Champagne you’ll always remember. The house of Krug was an early pioneer in the practice of using reserve wines to create a consistent, high-quality, and luxurious Champagne. Also, their technique of using oak fermentation and ageing their Champagne at least 6 years prior to release have made them a benchmark brand for excellence. The flavor profile consists of layered notes of mushroom, almond, crème brûlée and a noteworthy nod to the ripe orchard fruit that rounds out the balance. This is truly a celebration bottle to be savored.
Billecart-Salmon, Cuvée Nicolas François, Brut, 2002 – 2002 tends to be a favorite vintage for Champagne lovers due to near-perfect growing conditions. Pair that with the pedigreed winemaking of Billecart-Salmon and you have a recipe for greatness. Cream, butter, baked bread, mushrooms, and muted citrus all come together seamlessly in this blend of 60% Pinot Noir from Montagne de Reims & the Grande Vallé de la Marne, and 40% Chardonnay from the Côte des Blancs. Aged 10 years on the lees and 20% in oak barrels, this is a creamy and nuanced Champagne that is hitting its stride.
Billecart-Salmon Rosé, NV – With all three grape varietals (Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier) almost equally distributed in the blend, this Rosé Champagne focuses on bright, baked cherry and strawberry pie flavors and a beautiful creamy level of dryness. This Champagne is stainless steel aged and has a lovely mineral component. Tasting and evaluating this wine could be a master class on what texture and balance should be in a Rosé Champagne.
Dom Pérignon, Brut, 2009 – The 2009 Vintage only uses Pinot Noir and Chardonnay sourced from the best vineyards in Champagne. It’s also very regulated in the aging process. A true Vintage Champagne must be aged on the lees for at least three years. Dom Pérignon averages nine. On the nose, the wine has a great balance of earth, spice, light citrus and a touch of minerality. On the palate, these aspects are present with the addition of a touch of stone fruit. On the finish there are bright notes and a subtle hint of almond. Complex and integrated.
Dom Pérignon, Rosé, 2005 – This wine shows lovely intonation and harmony. Slightly more round red fruit and sous bois aromas on the nose, it also has a delicate cleanliness while maintaining a supple balance. These characteristics follow through on the palate with the uplifting nature of a sparkling and the complexity of what one might expect of a Burgundian Pinot Noir. A phenomenal Rosé Champagne.
Dom Pérignon, P2, 2000 – Basically, P2 is Dom Pérignon’s higher tier that constitutes a very small percentage of Dom’s total production. Darker and more concentrated in color, the fact that this Champagne has aged beautifully over 18 years is strikingly apparent in the glass. Definitely more toasty and brioche-like on the front with a rounded and layered mid-palate, it has plenty of effervescence, but the bubbles don’t overwhelm the other aspects of the longer finish. This gives an overall creamy and balanced weight to the structure.
Enjoying the list, but looking for something more affordable? Check out Part II for Grower Champagne or Part III for Quality Selections & Everyday Bottles.
