Playboy.com Senior Editor Sam Jemielity drops in with a few suggestions for your holiday enjoyment:
While we were over at Chicago's Pops for Champagne working on video demonstration of the fine art of sabering off the top of a bottle of Champagne with the Laguoile Rossignol sword featured in the January 2008 Playboy, we took a moment to quiz W. Craig Cooper, buyer for Pops for Champagne and Pops Shop, about his favorite bubblies for the holidays. Here are his choices and his commentary. Cheers!
Comte Audoin de Dampierre 2000 Family Reserve Blanc de Blancs - $176 - The count takes Champagne personal style a new level, with a cork held in place by hemp and accompanying gilded scissors to open (pictured).
Pol Roger 1996 Cuvée Sir Winston Churchill - $287 - Sure to become a wine of legend.
Launois 2000 Special Club in Magnum - $195 - A rare bottling from a small grand cru grower.
Gosset Grand Millésime 1999 - $135 - My favorite negociant and a great vintage.
Taittinger Prélude Grand Cru - $116 - Lots of depth and utterly fantastic for the price.
Delamotte Brut Rosé - $110 - A unique style of Rosé, always pleases.
Larmandier-Bernier Terre de Vertus Extra Brut - $98 - The essence of Champagne terroir, from a small estate.
Charles Heidsieck Brut Réserve - $77 - The most consistent non-vintage brut on the market.
Llopart 2000 Brut Cava - $48 - Shows the high points of which this region is capable.
Charles Bauer Crémant d'Alsace Rosé - $45 - A show-stopper from out of nowhere, a beautiful wine.
Casa Boher Brut - $40 - Classic structure from Argentina, a real find.
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