LATE-NIGHT BUBBLES
Taittinger Nocturne

Just like designer studios, it seems Champagne houses feel the need for new styles every year. After the introduction of Prélude, the house of Taittinger introduces Nocturne. Their PR department swears it is a perfect late night bubbly, with a highly distinctive body and smoothness produced by a blend of 40 percent Chardonnay and 60 percent Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier grapes aged on yeast for at least four years. We always like some Pinot Meunier in our Champagne and Nocturne is no exception to that rule. A light golden color and fine mousse give way to aromas of white blossoms and ripe fruit. It is very smooth in the mouth with yummy, yeasty flavors and a citrusy finish. We can only imagine how stellar it could have been, if it had been aged in wood. In any case, it’s fine at the beginning of a meal with foie gras, and there would be nothing wrong with it being enjoyed as a nightcap.

Rating: 15.5/20
Price: $65

Other Sparkling Wines we've tasted
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For more information, visit www.taittinger.com

MOMENTS EXCEPTIONELS
Nicolas Feuillatte Palmes d'Or Brut Vintage 1997

This is not a bottle for just any day or celebration. The House of Nicolas Feuillate decided to encase the black dimpled bottle for this special vintage in its very own package, which sort of looks like a bowling pin—albeit a nice golden one. Everything else about this sophisticated wine with bubbles is golden, including the name, which means “palms of gold” en français. A pale golden color might lead you to think there is more Chardonnay, but au contraire; when you ingest the beverage with its fine mousse, you pick up the dominance of Pinot Noir (60 percent) from five Grands Crus: Bouzy, Verzy, Verzenay, Ambonnay and Ay. The white juice also comes from Grands Crus vineyards in Chouilly, Cramant and Le Mesnil. These are all magic words if you know Champagne. There is enough structure and roundness to pair it with lobster, but of course you could simply enjoy it for one of those moments exceptionels.

Rating: 17/20
Price: $120

Other Sparkling Wines we've tasted
Check out our guide to Champagne, France
For more information, visit www.feuillate.com

ROSÉ TRADITION
Laurent-Perrier Cuvée Rosé Brut

Those of us who like Pinot Noir will connect with this Rosé made by the traditional saignée method using 100-percent pure Grand Cru Pinot Noir grapes. The peculiar bottle follows tradition as well, dating back to those used in the 17th century. No still red wine is added to this Champagne at any point during the winemaking process. Since it is aged on its lees for a minimum of four years, it is full of depth and complexity. The wine’s pink color is attractive and its nose quite fruit forward. It is fresh, and its peppy bubbles might tickle your nostrils. Once you pass through the strawberry, cherry and raspberry flavors, you’ll get a full bodied beverage in the mouth. We like to sip it or pair it with aged cheese, but because of its complex structure, it also pairs well with salmon, goose and even duck—all components of a traditional party!

Rating: 15/20
Price: $80

Other Sparkling Wines we've tasted
Check out our guide to Champagne, France
For more information, visit www.laurentperrierus.com

RACY CHAMPAGNE DP
Moët & Chandon - Champagne Dom Pérignon Rosé 1996

Popping a bottle of DP is akin to going for a ride in a Ferrari; when it comes to high-end products like this one, it does not get much better. It does require some training, education and an adjustment in expectations to fully appreciate such a fine indulgence. But once you clear all those factors, the addiction level rises and good old Pierre Pérignon—who is often credited with having invented the stuff in the first place—smiles from his tomb in the magical Hautvillier Abbey. Just like an Italian stallion, this premium bubbly ($400 MSRP) is full of life and ready to race. Keep in mind that the juice is already 10 years old, and we feel that its youth will linger easily for another decade, later taking on some more sophisticated characteristics. We are sure you’ll want to drink it right away (if you can even find a bottle), but we’d strongly advise holding on to it. A classic like this is sure to appreciate at auction, as well. Dr. Richard Geoffroy, Chef de Cave for Moët’s Dom Pérignon luxury brand, expects perfection from his cellars. We all think 1996 was a stellar year for Champagne, and this racy and sensuous bottle is sure to please the connoisseur, collector and celebrity.

Rating: 17/20
Price: $400

Other Sparkling Wines we've tasted
Check out our guide to Champagne, France
For more information, visit www.domperignon.com