The grand dame (widow, actually) of Champagne, this is one of our all-time favorites. Excellent with cheeses, spicy dishes and we’ll find any excuse to open a bottle. Exceptional bubble feel, very smooth, almost velvety, with complex blends of lemon, lime, pear, butter and honey. On the finish there’s ever so subtle suggestive notes of…

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Lovely, lightest golden color. No ‘winey’ aftertaste. Overwhelming favorite from the group – complex nose with many fruits. Difficult to compare to bruts, a completely different style of champagne. Up next: comparison to other Ste. Michelles and a head-to-head with Veuve Clicquot, the heavyweight champ. Bubble taste not as refined as the Moët, larger, coarser…

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Light gold color. On opening, tasted ‘funny’ – slight chemical or artificial odor? Sweetest tasting brut in the bunch, but also had strongest bitter aftertaste. Driest, crispest taste – sweet hints of apple on nose. Generally liked least from tasting group. Bubble taste: not nearly as refined feeling as the Moët. Overall: disappointingly bitter.

Medium-light golden color – dry lemon taste. Tasters had varying opinions, but generally fair. Slightly bitter aftertaste. Bubble taste (the bubbly version of mouth-feel) was much smoother, finer, refined feel. Overall: solid, well-crafted; a safe favorite.