Before you start celebrating the arrival of '06, we've pulled together a few tips and suggestions to help you celebrate in style. For starters, if you're not sure which bottle of bubbly to buy, check out these outstanding non-vintage Champagnes. C'mon, it's New Year's ... splurge on the good stuff.
Last but not least, it just isn't a New Year's Eve party without good food. Here are some our tastiest, easy-to-make hors d'oeuvres, from pâté to Parmigiano-Reggiano cornets with prosciutto and pears.
Here's to a wonderful 2006. Happy New Year!
| Wine |
Score |
Price |
| HEIDSIECK MONOPOLE Brut Champagne Diamant Blanc NV |
92 |
$100 |
| Plenty of hazelnut, citrus and mineral notes in this tasty Champagne. It has a smooth texture and really glides across the palate. Its creaminess is balanced by a fresh acidity on the finish. Drink now through 2008. 2,000 cases made. —B.S. |
| |
| NICOLAS FEUILLATTE Brut Rosé Champagne NV |
92 |
$40 |
| A distinctive rosé Champagne that smells like potpourri or Christmas punch with its cinnamon and clove accents. There's depth and intensity to the berry and whole-grain bread notes, matched to a raw silk texture and vibrant structure. Excellent length. Drink now through 2010. 9,500 cases imported. —B.S. |
| |
| CHARLES HEIDSIECK Brut Champagne Réserve NV |
92 |
$40 |
| Seductive toast, coffee and hazelnut aromas and flavors highlight this medium-bodied, elegant bubbly. It's intense, yet graceful, with balance and a long, mineral-tinged aftertaste. Would serve well as an aperitif or with food. Drink now through 2010. 4,700 cases imported. —B.S. |
| |
| DE ST.-GALL Brut Blanc de Blancs Champagne NV |
91 |
$35 |
| The toast and coffee notes suggest older reserve wines in this sumptuous bubbly. A mineral accent adds complexity, and it all remains elegant and focused, ending with a lingering mineral and candied fruit aftertaste. Drink now. 450,000 cases made. —B.S. |
| |
| PIPER-HEIDSIECK Brut Champagne NV |
91 |
$35 |
| This is creamy, enticing and bursting with honey, vanilla, hints of coffee and candied berry flavors, all matched to a rich texture and firm structure. Fine length and harmony, with time to give. Drink now through 2010. 60,000 cases imported. —B.S. |
| |
| DUVAL-LEROY Brut Champagne NV |
91 |
$30 |
| Complex and beguiling, with floral, rosemary, candied citrus and mineral aromas and flavors. This is both elegant and intense, with a vibrant structure and long finish. Ideal as an aperitif or with light foods. Drink now through 2007. 35,000 cases made. —B.S. |
| |
| ALFRED GRATIEN Brut Champagne NV |
90 |
$48 |
| Plenty of graphite and mineral aromas. Shifts gears to peach, lemon and vanilla notes. Rich and mouthfilling, with a firm structure and power. Good, lingering finish. Drink now. 12,500 cases made. —B.S. |
| |
| HEIDSIECK MONOPOLE Brut Rosé Champagne Rose Top NV |
90 |
$39 |
| Here's a Pinot Noir with bubbles. Bracing, tight and expressive, it conveys its berry, currant and herb notes with authority and a sense of place. Muscular, but not massive, it finishes with a lingering aftertaste of berries. A wine for the table. Drink now through 2008. 3,500 cases made. —B.S. |
| |
| LOUIS DE SACY Brut Champagne NV |
90 |
$38 |
| This is intense and vinous, with apple and cheese notes initially giving way to bread dough and mineral flavors. It's dry, with fine grip and balance, ending with a long, honey and mineral aftertaste. Drink now through 2008. 13,000 cases made. —B.S. |
| |
| CHARLES ELLNER Brut Champagne Carte d'Or NV |
90 |
$38 |
| Packed with flavor, this distinctive, dry Champagne displays candied berry, vanilla pastry, honey and mineral notes. Its rich texture is offset by a bright acidity and it's well-integrated and long. Drink now. 1,500 cases made. —B.S. |
| |
| PIPER-HEIDSIECK Brut Rosé Champagne Sauvage NV |
90 |
$45 |
| A boldly flavored bubbly, displaying vivid cherry and berry flavors with a fine texture. Bracing acidity and a lingering finish of freshly crushed berries completes the presentation. Drink now. 3,000 cases imported. —B.S. |
| |
| COMTE AUDOIN DE DAMPIERRE Brut Champagne Cuvée des Ambassadeurs NV |
90 |
$45 |
| An appealing combination of richness and structure sets the stage for pencil shaving, berry and peach notes in this medium-bodied Champagne. It's balanced and lively, with a mouthwatering finish. Drink now through 2008. 1,500 cases imported. —B.S. |
