Wine / Champagne Drinkers
 

I think my favorite I've had so far is 88 Rose Magnum Cristal, edging out 96 Cristal by a bit. However, I think that was just in my head because of the cost. Maybe I just don't have a good feel for it, but I can't tell the difference much between 88 Rose and 96...so I went ahead and got more 96.

http://www.kevinwimer.com/cristal1s.jpg http://www.kevinwimer.com/cristal2s.jpg

Any recommendations for other champagnes? Always looking to try new stuff.

You could try 90 Dom Perignon, pretty good

I like Moet Chandon pink not white but the white is not bad!
it's about $60 a bottle. I have one hear i haven't tried called 'Pop" same price
i'll crack both on new years eve!

hehe.. I have 8 bottles of that stuff.

You like it? Somehow I've never managed to try it. I went straight from Arbor Mist / Boones Farm to Cristal.

A lot of people I know say they prefer the Dom better. Perhaps it'll come with time, but do you guys notice a difference in 96 vs 88? Or Rose Cristal vs regular? Cause I sure as hell cannot...only reason we got the 88 Rose Magnum was to do it up right, Cartier glasses and all - helped seal a biz deal.

Try Bollinger "RD" ... one of the very best

Bollinger "Grande Année" is also a nice choice, for a more reasonable price

Both are very good wines

I had Crimean rozheve and it is better than anything I have ever tried.

Billecart-Salmon Brut Rose

Krug (esp Clos de Mesnil, however the Mesnil if not like their house style, it is much more deleicate (Chard. based)).

But you need not spend much to get a good bottle of bubbly . . . try Roderer Estate (Roderer's Cali offering)

It all depends on the style you prefer. Big and yeasty, delicate with crisp acidity?

Find a house style you like. Try to stay away from all of the Bigger Houses that spend ton's of money on advertising, if you want value . . .

Thanks for the pointers!

Any other tips?

Me too - But most of my rack is taken up with Bollinger and a load of cheap champagne I bought with the M&s label - Really good stuff.

I've always liked Lanson - maybe because in my youth I went to a winetasting, and people from the company gave out free half-bottles of good Lanson champagne to everyone.

Here in Europe, many people drink Spanish Cava or Italian Spumante on New Year's eve. It like 5 Euros a bottle and mighty tasty, less acid than the real stuff.