Champagne Champagne Blend Wine between $25 and $50 ()

A big boy with almost fleshy fruit. The flavors push into exotic, tropical richness yet retain spicy citrus-rind highlights. There is nothing clumsy, despite the ripeness; the finish seems to extend almost infinitely and keeps zinging you with surprises-marshmallow, marzipan, cookie dough, etc.

Refined, with a sweet, smoky undercurrent to the flavors of glazed pear, candied lemon zest and golden raisin, with a hint of marzipan. Racy acidity frames?but doesn't dominate'the wine, with a spicy note lingering on the finish.

The NV Brut Premier is a gorgeous wine that stands head and shoulders above the vast majority of wines in its price range. Apparently, it is quite possible to make great Champagne that doesn't cost a small fortune. Ripe pears, smoke, spices, dried flowers and herbs are some of the many nuances that emerge from the glass. The Brut Premier shows lovely mid-palate depth and fabulous overall balance. Chef de Caves Jean-Baptiste Lecaillon has done it again. This is a fabulous Brut Premier. The Brut Premier is based on the 2007 vintage, with approximately 20% 2006 wines and 10% older reserves going back to 1996. The blend is approximately 40% Pinot Noir, 20% Pinot Meunier and 20% Chardonnay. About 50% of the base wines underwent malolactic fermentation. Dosage is 9-10 grams per liter. This is Lot # L034638B102206. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2015.

A smoky, fresh rosé, lightly chalky in texture, showing delicate flavors of crème de cassis, gumdrop, grilled plum and ground spice. Minerally finish. Drink now through 2018.

This delightful, ample and generous champagne reveals a subtle, gentle combination of freshness and liveliness. The winemaker chose Piper Heidsieck's emblematic cuvée as a base and has accentuated softer aromas to endow this wine with a personality all of its own. This is a sumptuous champagne with deeper, stronger undertones. Let yourself be tempted by a deliciously flavoured macaroon, a square of strong dark chocolate or a slice of melt-in-the-mouth cake.