Bubbly That Won't Leave Your Wallet Flat

Higher End

Dom Perignon, 1999 vintage, was the most-named champagne by far, garnering mentions from six of the experts. I'm often suspicious of people who tout Dom; it's probably the best known of all champagne names and has something of a reputation for being overpriced, so I can't help wondering if the recommendation is just to go along with the crowd. But it's consistently excellent and seems to have come down in price relative to its competitors, so who am I to argue?

Garnering several mentions were Veuve Cliquot La Grande Dame, 1996 (~$120) or 1998 (~$150) vintage, and Bollinger Grande Année, 1997 or 1999 vintage ($110 to $125). The Grande Année has been one of my personal favorites ever since I fell in love with its spectacular 1990 vintage. The hints of vanilla and spice, the concentration and the excellent finish have not disappointed me yet.

Other favorites included Krug Grand Cuvée, which is nonvintage and priced around $150, but it's made by a classic producer. "It's my go-to champagne," one expert says. Also Salon: "For connoisseurs, it's one that people will go far and wide to track down," says Sam of Sherry-Lehmann Wine & Spirits in New York. (It's rare, though, and could cost $250 to $350.) For star-studded appeal, check out Armand Brignac NV ($290 to $360). "Jay-Z drinks only this champagne," declares Marco from Beacon Wines in New York City, who said the famed rapper visited his store several weeks ago to stock up.

While true champagnes are crafted to specifications that guarantee a certain taste and level of quality, there are also many excellent sparkling wines. Whatever champagne or sparkling wine you do end up purchasing, here's hoping it lives up to expectations.

Cheers!

Stores that took part in the survey: Applejack Wine & Spirits, Wheat Ridge, Colo. Beacon Wines, New York, N.Y. Michael-Towne Wine & Spirits", Brooklyn, N.Y. Nancy's Wines, New York, N.Y. Northside Wine & Spirits, Ithaca, N.Y. Park Avenue Liquor Shop, New York, N.Y. Pour, New York, N.Y. Princeton Corkscrew, Princeton, N.J. Schaefer's Wine, Food & Spirits, Skokie, Ill. Sherry-Lehmann Wines & Spirits, New York, N.Y. Wide World of Wines, Washington, D.C.