In-Stock Champagne Highlights
As a long-time lover of this historic wine, I’m excited to share with you some of the finest and most unique Champagnes we’ve discovered recently as well as sharing a few highlights as I reminisce on 2024. Whether you're a seasoned enthusiast or just beginning to explore the world of Champagne, I’ve handpicked some exceptional bottles and offers that I think you'll absolutely love. Cheers to great bubbles and even better moments ahead!
Masterful Blanc de Blancs from Bonville
Misunderstood Meunier: Gorgeous Finds from Top Producers
Baron-Fuenté: Patience and Value
My Most Memorable Champagnes of 2024
Masterful Blanc de Blancs from Bonville
The Bonville family owns 40 acres in the Côte des Blancs Grand Crus of Avize, Oger, and Mesnil, producing some of the best Blanc de Blancs available at any price. Many of you have been enjoying these Champagnes for decades, as we’ve worked with them for over 20 years. Last year, Olivier Bonville himself visited our tent events, and what a delight it was to meet him. The wines are vibrant and electric, showcasing white fruit and chalky minerality. A truly fascinating project, click here to read more about these Bonville gems.
Franck Bonville Grand Cru Brut Blanc de Blancs Champagne 92 $53.99 View
Franck Bonville Unisson Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs Champagne 93 $53.99 View
2016 Franck Bonville "Belles Voyes" Brut Blanc de Blancs Champagne 95 $119.99 View
Misunderstood Meunier: Gorgeous Finds from Top Producers
Although Meunier covers about a third of the Champagne region, it remains largely overlooked by many wine lovers. Unlike Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, Meunier is native to Champagne, and its lack of recognition may stem from not being from Burgundy. However, those in the Marne Valley who make their own wine find Meunier to be a standout and are increasingly planting more of this exceptional variety. Well adapted to the region and able to withstand spikes in both heat and cold with true grace, Meunier is unusual in that it buds later in the year, avoiding spring frosts, resulting in far less loss. Despite some big houses dismissing Meunier, two top producers, Billecart and Krug, highly value it. Billecart ferments it slowly to highlight its fruit, while Krug uses it as reserve wine for added depth in their Champagne.
I wouldn’t be surprised if we continue to see more Meunier integration in the next few years. Far ahead of the curve, these discerning producers are paving the way for the varietal’s international acclaim. Continue reading 'Misunderstood Meunier' and our predictions for this stellar grape here.
Dérot-Delugny "Milieu Naturel" Blanc de Noirs Brut $34.99 View
2016 Thierry Thibault Vintage Brut Champagne $49.99 View
Laherte Frères Extra Brut "Rosé de Meunier" Champagne $54.99 View
2019 Alexandre Le Brun "Cuvée Revelation" Brut Champagne (Previously $80) $58.99 View
Billecart-Salmon "Brut Réserve" Champagne $59.99 View
Krug "Grande Cuvée" 172ème Édition Brut Champagne $259.99 View
Champagne Baron-Fuenté: Patience and Value
When I think of Champagne Baron-Fuenté, I think of two things: patience and value. The brother and sister team of Ignace and Sophie Baron are fans of long aging and deliver exceptional quality Champagne at extraordinary prices. They are located on the western edge of the Champagne region, in the small town of Charly-sur-Marne. Most of what we offer from them is estate-grown by Sophie, who manages their vineyards. The wines are made by Ignace Baron, who meticulously runs the cellar, and is responsible for creating some of our very best value Champagnes. For full Baron-Fuenté tasting notes, and a few anecdotes, keep reading 'On the Trail'.
Baron-Fuenté "Grande Réserve" Brut Champagne (Elsewhere $37) $27.99 View
Baron-Fuenté "Quinconce" Brut Champagne (formerly Esprit) $34.99 View
Baron-Fuenté "Quinconce" Brut Nature Champagne (formerly Esprit) $34.99 View
Baron-Fuenté "Quinconce" Blanc de Blancs Brut Champagne (formerly Esprit) $39.99 View
Baron-Fuenté "Quinconce" Brut Rosé Champagne (formerly Esprit) $39.99 View
My Most Memorable Champagnes from 2024
Last year, I was fortunate to experience a number of great Champagnes, and looking back, I’ve picked out 10 of the most memorable to tell you about. Looking at the list, I see some common themes—although Champagnes from magnum make up less than 5% of my consumption, they account for 30% of my most memorable wines. The Champenois are on to something when they say that this is the best way to enjoy Champagne!
Also, the 2004s, at 21 years old, are in a perfect spot—they made up 30% of the list—and as a group, they are still plenty fresh but have not only completely opened up, they’ve also added that extra layer of complexity that only age can bring. This vintage, once called “classic style,” is now decidedly rare—there has only been one other like it, 2014, and nothing similar is in the pipeline.
Additionally, at 16 years old, the 2008s continue to prove that this legendary vintage is worth every bit of the hype. Finally, I’m pleased to say that a good, reasonably priced non-vintage can still knock my socks off with a surprise pairing after 30 years in the business! These are listed in the order I tasted them, not ranked in any way—they are too good for that! Read more about Gary's most memorable Champagnes of the year here.
While many of these Champagnes are hard to come by and allocated, here are three that we currently have in stock. Keep an eye out for more, as we’re always working hard to bring in additional bottles of the wines we love.
2007 Billecart-Salmon "Le Clos Saint-Hilaire" Brut Blanc de Noirs Champagne 97 $559.99 View
2008 Piper-Heidsieck "Cuvée Rare" Brut Champagne 97 $199.99 View
Pierre Paillard "Les Terres Roses" Grand Cru Extra Brut Rosé Champagne 93 $64.99 View