434080 Wed Aug 22 22:15:26 -0700 2007 11 34 Wine 0 2872300 I don't like weddings, nor do I enjoy shopping for them. On the bright side, I was given an assignment to put together a mixed half-case of champagne from lesser-known houses or, better yet, those that are family owned. It's very likely that I'll put all these bottles into the mixed case, or into my own cellar. Perhaps you can tell me what to expect and point out the ones that offer the best QPR. $30 NV Henriot, Brut 'Souverain' $24 NV Duval-Leroy, Brut $29 NV Laurent Perrier, Brut L-P $28 NV Louis de Sacy, Brut, Grand Cru $45 NV Paul Bara, Brut Rosé, Grand Cru Thanks in advance. Wed Aug 22 22:15:26 -0700 2007 97069 mengathon 1 2872430 That Duval-Leroy is a great QPR @ $24. I like the Laurent-Perrier, but it might be your weak link from a value perspective. Wed Aug 22 23:59:55 -0700 2007 2872300 50041 whiner 2 2872774 Yup. I agree. Thu Aug 23 06:28:10 -0700 2007 2872430 28122 zin1953 2 2873450 3rd, love the stuff... Thu Aug 23 09:12:23 -0700 2007 2872430 74451 vinosnob 1 2876655 Me four-- also totally dig the LP. One of the cleanest champagnes around. I don't love Henriot myself. Might also recommend Barnaut and Moncuit-- 2 small, independent grower champagnes (RM); Barnaut's in Bouzy, Moncuit is in Mesnil sur Oger. Both grand cru. Fri Aug 24 05:18:29 -0700 2007 2872300 121180 tacostacoseverywhere 1 2877612 Can I suggest that you add in some Jacquesson to this as well if you can get your hands on it? Fri Aug 24 09:38:31 -0700 2007 2872300 49180 jpschust 2 2880623 totally agree. that is some good juice. their entry level cuvee is the cuvee 730 (might be 731 by now). for an even more special bottle, the 96 avize is a gorgeous bottling. 10 years on the lies--power and finesse all at once. Sat Aug 25 10:19:32 -0700 2007 2877612 121180 tacostacoseverywhere 3 2880637 It's 731 now, the 96 smokes. Sat Aug 25 10:23:28 -0700 2007 2880623 49180 jpschust 2 2880730 Thanks for the additional suggestions. I haven't seen nor heard of the Barnaut and Moncuit in any of the stores I frequent, but will keep an eye out for it. I know I've seen the Jacquesson somewhere, and will sample a bottle soon. What's the price range for these bottles? Sat Aug 25 11:11:43 -0700 2007 2877612 97069 mengathon 3 2884785 entry level moncuit and barnaut should both be in the low range of the bottles you mentioned in the OP. Jacq's a touch more expensive--probably 35-40 for the 731. The Avize, as I said, is a more special occasion bottle--if you find it retail, it'll probably be around 90 bucks. And schust is right. it totally smokes. Other than 90 Salon and 88 Krug, it's probably the best bottle of bubbles I've had. Mon Aug 27 06:16:30 -0700 2007 2880730 121180 tacostacoseverywhere 4 2887137 Thanks tacos. I'll probably not put the 96 Avize in the mixed case just cuz I'm greedy... Don't know where you are, but if you're looking for a bargain, I just checked Sherry-Lehmann online and found it for $70. Mon Aug 27 15:53:10 -0700 2007 2884785 97069 mengathon 5 2887401 thanks for the heads up, menga... if only i had the money to spend on wine right now... :( slow season in my biz. Mon Aug 27 17:11:02 -0700 2007 2887137 121180 tacostacoseverywhere