Less Than $50
Paul Goerg Brut Blanc de Blancs Classic
Based in the prestigious Côte des Blancs region, which includes more than 100 independent grape growers, Paul Goerg is the top recoltant-manipulent (owner-grower house). This 100 percent Chardonnay from grand cru and premier cru vineyards ($44) is one of the best blanc de blancs values.
Moët & Chandon Impérial
Critics awarded higher marks than ever for Moët’s Impérial assemblage ($41), a blend of Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, and Chardonnay that features a lower dosage (residual sugar count). It’s fresh and elegant, with white fruit aromas and nuances of nuts and brioche.
$50 to $100
Nicolas Feuillatte Rosé
This bottle offers a great value ($54) for a lovely, balanced NV rosé, featuring a bouquet of blackberries and red currants with a touch of mint and strawberry on the finish. A festive holiday choice.
Bollinger Special Cuvée
Nearly 200 years old, family-run Bollinger is far better known in Europe—notably in Britain, where it’s called “Bolly.” This 60 percent Pinot Noir blend ($60) is rich with ripe fruit and spice aromas.
$100 to $450
Krug Grande Cuvée
Aged six years, this blend ($180) of some 200 eaux de vies from different vintages is the product of grapes sourced from various grand cru villages. Elegant and precise, it balances both rounded and razor-sharp facets (wine-speak for exciting elixirs).
2004 Laurent Perrier Cuvée Alexandra
This cuvée ($350) made from grapes from Champagne’s top vineyards comes in a 17th-century-style rounded bottle. Pale pink, with fine bubbles and a taste of wild strawberries, it’s made for high romance.
Salon Blanc de Blancs Le Mesnil 2002
A boutique brand with an almost fanatical following, this pristine 100 percent Chardonnay blanc de blancs ($410) features a charming bouquet of white flowers and almonds.
The Sky’s the Limit
Dom Pérignon Rosé Vintage 2003 limited-edition Balloon Venus by Jeff Koons
Chef de cave Richard Geoffroy and artist Jeff Koons joined forces to create this iconic rosé ($20,000, in a limited edition of 650 Koons-designed bottles), which is at once silky in texture and fleshy in body.
Jeroboam 2002 by Cristal
This extraordinary wine ($25,000) features flavors of red fruit, white chocolate, and caramel and comes in a 24k gold lattice jeroboam designed by artist Philippe Di Méo (in a limited edition of 400, with 25 bottles allotted for the States).
Armand de Brignac “Ace of Spades” Gold Brut Dynastie Collection
This multi-vintage blend comes in elaborate metallic gold bottles with pewter ace of spades labels. The entire collection (left) comprises eight bottles ranging from the standard 750 ml to the gargantuan Midas (the equivalent of 40 standard bottles), all for a mere $500,000.
