There’s Simply No Way To Beat California Champagne. It’s a far better value; it helps America and it retaliates against the anti-American French. Here’s A Run-Down of Some Of The Best California Champagne from QRW….

5-Stars Brut Vintage

2006 Gloria Ferrer Royal Cuvee, Carneros, $37 BEST BUY
2009 Iron Horse Russian Cuvee, Green Valley, $40
2006 Roederer Estate L’Ermitage, Anderson Valley, $48
2005 Schramsberg Reserve Brut, North Coast, $110 BEST OF SHOW
2006  Schramsberg J. Schram Brut, North Coast, $110

4-Stars Brut Non-Vintage

Domaine Carneros Estate Brut, Carneros, $32
Gloria Ferrer Brut, Sonoma, $18. BEST BUY
J Vineyards Cuvee 20 Brut, $30
Roederer Estate Brut, Anderson Valley, $24
Scharffenberger Brut, Mendocino, $20

5-Stars Blanc de Blancs Vintage

2007 Domaine Carneros  Le Reve, Carneros, $100
2010 Gloria Ferrer Blanc de Blancs, Carneros, $40
2010 Schramsberg Blanc de Blancs, North Coast, $38

4-Stars Blanc de Blancs Non-Vintage

Chandon Blanc de Blancs Reserve, California, $35

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Information about European Non-Vintage

Billecart-Salmon Brut Reserve, $50. Brut Reserve is the specialty of this Champagne house. Pale gold color. Aromas of toast, brioche and yeast. Lots of body and depth. Floral, creamy, splendidly elegant and delicate.

Bollinger Special Cuvée, $55. A perennial winner at any blind tasting. Bolly announces its aristocratic self. Lots of bubble activity. Attractive pale gold color. Soft bread-toast-yeast tones in the aroma. Soft and gentle syrupy texture with big body in the flavor. Delicious and full finish.

Charles Heidsieck Brut Reserve, $45. Engaging color of pale gold with considerable and enduring bubble action, allowing you to expect big flavors and you get them. Honeyed notes with lots of character and grip. Champagne with gusto, with a deep, and satisfying finish.

Deutz Brut Classique, $43. Classic Champagne color. Floral and toasty aromas. Rich, creamy, balanced, and toasty. We have been a fan of Deutz for decades. Unfailingly consistent, delicious, with lingering nutty and toasty notes.

Gosset Grande Reserve, $45. Good Champagne color. Full body, an eternity of bubble activity, creamy flavor, and frothy. A touch sweet but with a satisfying and sumptuous finish.

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