BOLLINGER LA GRANDE ANNÉE BRUT CHAMPAGNE 1999
AC  
TASTING NOTE: La Grande Année is Bollinger's prestige cuvée, produced only in exceptional years. This may seem criminally young to open a fine wine that is built for extended cellaring (for those who like the aged Champagne style), but I found this wine to be seductive and wonderfully nuanced even at this young age... rich but pale golden colour, pin-prick bubbles and toasty complex aromas... On the palate the mousse is very fine but persistent, and this has an immediate tension between very taut, nervous minerality and a huge sweetness of fruit, with already a nutty, rich maturity from the long ageing, with some toast and caramel, and a very long, supple, elegant finish. A terrific wine. (Natasha Hughes, www.wine-pages.com, Feb. 2007) 
145169    (XD)            750 mL    $148.95   

PERRIER JOUËT BELLE EPOQUE BRUT CHAMPAGNE  1999
AC  
Beyond Belle Epoque's beautiful bottle, there is the brilliance of the liquid within. A blend of 50% Chardonnay, 45% Pinot Noir and 5% Pinot Meunier, this bubbly's strength lies in its finesse and supreme elegance. In its youth, the Belle Epoque shows a wonderful balance between the fruit and crisp acids. As it matures, the fruit comes to the fore and the acids soften, making this one of the most pleasurable luxury champagnes on the market.
135798    (XD)            750 mL    $129.95         

POL ROGER EXTRA CUVÉE DE RÉSERVE BRUT CHAMPAGNE  1998
AC  
TASTING NOTE: This is a blend of Pinots and Chardonnay. It is very open and reflective of the vintage; it's a generous wine that improves with air. Green plum flavors give the wine ripe fruit, while the acidity wells up to finish. Score - 93. (Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast, Nov. 2006) 
989137    (XD)            750 mL    $79.95   

VINTAGES Essentials Collection
VEUVE CLICQUOT VINTAGE RÉSERVE BRUT (V)  
AC  
(Veuve Clicquot-Ponsardin)
Kick off your celebration with this robust, outstanding Champagne. Lively and rich with notes of white blossoms, lemon and apricot aromas, it is beautifully balanced with a creamy mouthfeel, complex fruit flavours and mineral and nutty flavours that all finish with a substantial flourish. While this bubbly can age for 5-8 years, you will be tempted before then. A winner with shellfish.
508614    (XD)            750 mL    $84.95         

VINTAGES Essentials Collection
ROEDERER BRUT PREMIER CHAMPAGNE  
AC, With Gift Box
Superior to many producers' vintage Champagnes due to a higher proportion of reserve wines, Roederer's non-vintage bubbly has aromas of toast, almonds and citrus fruit. Expect a fresh, creamy mouth feel with flavours of binned apples and pear. As Decanter's Steven Spurrier puts it, "it cannot be bettered". This classic Champagne makes an excellent aperitif or a delicious companion to a light entree. Keep this Champagne handy for impromptu celebrations.
268771    (XD)            750 mL    $63.95   

VINTAGES Essentials Collection
LANSON BLACK LABEL BRUT CHAMPAGNE  
AC  
This bubbly showcases superb quality at an agreeable price. It is quite lively with toast, honey and floral aromas. Full-bodied with ripe citrus fruit flavours and a long finish. Wine Spectator blessed it with 91 points and it has been popping off the shelves. Perfect for a celebration dinner and especially good with crab cakes. An amazing value.
41889    (XD)            750 mL    $44.95   

BOLLINGER SPECIAL CUVÉE BRUT CHAMPAGNE  
AC  

TASTING NOTE: Compact and yeasty, this bubbly evokes bread dough and grapefruit flavors backed by verve and a chalky texture. It has a fine mousse and a lingering finish. Drink now through 2010. Score - 90. (Bruce Sanderson, www.winespectator.com, Nov. 30, 2006) 
384529    (XD)            750 mL    $67.95   

BILLECART-SALMON BRUT ROSÉ CHAMPAGNE  
AC  

TASTING NOTE: Billecart-Salmon is one of my favorite Champagne houses, and their non-vintage Rose is a consistent winner. A delicate pink color is accompanied by gorgeous sweet cherry, strawberry, and mineral-like scents, assertive medium-bodied flavors, a delicate, crisp personality, and surprising depth as well as persistence. A beautiful berry character in the finish adds to this impeccable rose's captivating style.
Score - 94. (Robert Parker Jr., www.erobertparker.com, Dec. 2005) 
724559    (D)            750 mL    $84.95   
924670    (D)            375 mL    $47.95   

VINTAGES Essentials Collection
LAURENT-PERRIER CUVÉE ROSÉ BRUT CHAMPAGNE  
AC
  
With its fine mousse and classy texture, it's little wonder that this is the #1 selling bubbly rosé in the world. It has raspberry, red currant and citrus flavours with a hint of spice on its long finish. Vibrant and refreshing, this rosé Champagne begs for herb-roasted chicken or roast leg of lamb.
158550    (XD)            750 mL    $89.95   

HENRY OF PELHAM CUVÉE CATHARINE BRUT  
VQA Niagara Peninsula, Traditional Method  

TASTING NOTE: Brioche and citrussy aromas form the lifted nose of this well-balanced and beautifully structured offering. The mousse is vigorous and infused with stone fruit and mineral flavours. Has enough charm to go on its own and enough oomph to pair to lightly seasoned and herbed white meats e.g. chicken and veal. Score - **** (out of 5). (Vic Harradine, www.winecurrent.com, Dec. 9, 2006) 
616441    (XD)            750 mL    $29.95   

ROEDERER ESTATE 25TH ANNIVERSARY BRUT SPARKLING WINE  
Anderson Valley  

TASTING NOTE: Roederer Estate's style is for me closest to that of Champagne's: it is very dry, earthy, less fruity than other California bruts, and elegant, with its dominating Chardonnay component. It ages extremely well from my experience. For its quality, it gets my vote as the best-value bubbly in the U.S. Score - 90. (Ed McCarthy, www.winereviewonline.com, April 4, 2006) 
294181    (D)            750 mL    $27.95    

GLORIA FERRER SONOMA BRUT  
Sonoma County, Traditional Method  


TASTING NOTE: A delicious mouthful of bubbly. Smooth, rich and creamy, revealing layers of black cherry, vanilla and ginger, with a hint of lemon drop. Finishes with a long, refreshing aftertaste of mineral and fruit. Drink now. Score - 90. (James Laube, www.winespectator.com, Dec. 15, 2006) 
192898    (D)            750 mL    $23.95   

JANSZ PREMIUM CUVÉE  
Tasmania  

TASTING NOTE: The crisp, elegant, fresh, medium-bodied non-vintage Brut Cuvee (51% Chardonnay, 46% Pinot Noir, and 3% Pinot Meunier) reveals hints of brioche, ripe apple skins, grapefruits, and Wheat Thins along with good effervescence and persistence. This sparkler should be enjoyed over the next 1-2 years. Score - 89. (Robert Parker Jr., www.erobertparker.com, Dec. 2006) 
566828    (XD)            750 mL    $24.95