Some Champagne news to share with you, some of it I can directly confirm, some rumor: Frank Pascal's wines are now available in the United States. Vineyard work is thoughtful and very conscientious, and fully converted to biodynamic farming since 2002. It is almost a Blanc de Noirs - 57% Meunier, 38% Pinot, and 5% Chardonnay. MORE >>

2000) Tarlant Champagne La Vigne d'Antan Extra Brut Non-Grefée Chardonnay , $65, was imported by Jon-David Headrick Selections, not sure who imports it now. This is just the second release of this wine (Benoit Tarlant began making it in 1999) and already it is one of my favorite Champagnes. This one, however, was thrilling. MORE >>

When it's gone we enjoy the previous night's leftovers - 2002 Stony Hill Chardonnay. bring Delamotte Brut Rosé Champagne and we drink it as the Yanks quickly fall behind by 4 runs. We finish the Lafon Rochet and Deetrane opens up a 2002 Panther Creek Pinot Noir Bednarik Vineyard. We decant it, it's delicious. Estèphe. MORE >>

1997 Champagne Salon Brut Blanc de Blancs - I drank this at the recent Wilson Daniels tasting. 2002 Domaine Leflaive Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Clavoillon - Bruce opened this wine alongside the Leroy, and it was more open and ready to drink. NV Champagne Lallement Cuv é e R é serve Brut Grand Cru - Served blind at our dinner. MORE >>

NV Champagne Raymond Boulard Petraea XCVII - MMIII , $38, Imported by Selected Estates of Europe. Think of all of the insipid Champagne out there that costs way more than $38. prefer this to any other Champagne of equal price that I've tasted, and it's better than many vintage wines that cost twice as much money. MORE >>