Charly-sur-Marne is closer to Paris than Reims, over the line in the Aisne, where Meunier is king. Baron-Fuente stacks its Quinconce en quinconce for seven years before disgorgement, and the Grande Reserve is 60% Meunier at a price that reads like a mistake.
Read MoreNo grape suits a holiday table like Pinot Meunier, and Jean-Baptiste Gilbert-Jacquesson has built four cuvees around it in the Marne. The 100% Meunier Tradition starts at $29.99; the Prestige draws on a solera running back to the 2000s.
Read MoreThe Hugot family planted vines in Champagne in 1660 and waited 261 years to put their name on a bottle. Damien is the 25th generation, farming 20 acres of Grand Cru Chardonnay in Chouilly and Cramant, with a 2016 mono cru to finish.
Read MoreBillecart-Salmon dates to 1818 and seven generations. Scott Beckerley on the lower-dosage Le Rosé and the oak-fermented Sous Bois.
Read MoreMaxime Toubart held his 2008 Héritage 16 years on the lees before release. Just 5,000 bottles from the cold microclimate of Le Breuil. $59.99.
Read MoreMany collectors that I talk to have the same issue with their cellars; what is coming in doesn’t match what is being consumed (because all their Cabernet allocations need to age before they’re ready to drink). When they don’t have enough bottles with a drinking window that is open now, they often find themselves hunting for something ready-to-drink at auction with older bottles. I have a few solutions.
Read MoreWith warm weather still ahead, nothing refreshes like Champagne. Our shelves run the range — from the casual Maison 76 Côte des Blancs Grand Cru to the mineral-driven 2017 Launois "Helia" Grand Cru Brut to the brioche richness of 2014 Taittinger "Comtes de Champagne" — plus the sub-$30 Baron-Fuenté "Grande Réserve" Brut, real Champagne at generic-sparkling-wine pricing. For special occasions or your cellar, we've got Krug and Cristal too. Late-summer meals are made for Champagne — the right bottle turns dinner into an occasion. A toast to you!
Read MoreEditor Kerry Kennell on why she joined K&L's Champagne Club — and tasting notes on this month's two shipment wines, each $10 off for members.
Read MoreWith the success of our Maison 76 Côte des Blancs Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs Champagne $44.99, which is in stock now, I spent some time on my last trip to Champagne bolstering our selection in this range. If any of the following interest you, I would suggest putting yourself on the waiting list now by following the links. We have good quantity coming on all of them, but last year our first batch of the Maison 76 was the fastest-selling Champagne we have ever had!
Read MoreK&L Champagne Report — June 2026
Gary Westby just returned from Champagne. Olivier Krug visited our Culver City store. Billecart-Salmon made a bottle exclusively for America. And we found growers worth knowing from $39.99. Everything in one place.
Read MoreGrowers Since 1610. Three New Bottles Worth Finding.
The Fallet family has been farming Charly-sur-Marne since 1610. Scott Beckerley reviews their three newest releases — including a Pur Meunier that makes the case for why this grape deserves your attention.
[Read the full review →]
Read More4 Champagnes That Surprised Our Culver City Spirits Guy
Jonathan Parnell spends most of his time in whisky. But after learning from K&L's Champagne buyers, he has opinions—and three bottles to back them up. From a our $44.99 house Champagne to a Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs that held its own against Cristal.
[Read his picks →]
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