1998 Dejoria Platinum Brut Champagne ($90+ elsewhere)

We tasted this Champagne and liked it when it was expensive, but didn't feel that it offered great value at that high price. After months of going back and forth, we ended up with a better deal than we thought possible and bought everything the distributor had. This is a wine cut from the Ace of Spades cloth (which we sell for $269), both in production (the Ace is also a brand made by a separate producer) and in flavor. It is made entirely from the first press juice of a strict selection of Beaumont des Crayeres 212 acres of vines. It is very well balanced, exceedingly easy to drink Champagne that is velvety smooth without being sweet or fat. The wine has lovely maturity from long aging on the lees, but also has nice freshness on the finish. It is a very easy to like style that does not have any sharp edges or esoteric flourishes. (Gary Westby, K&L Champagne buyer) What a lovely Champagne! Initially, a full palate of ripe golden apples, butter and lemon creme. A rich mid-palate and a surprising finish with crisp acidity and minerality. The finish really balances this wine out and sets it apart from competing bubblies that are all about richness and end up being one-trick ponies. I had our San Francisco staff taste it on Labor Day weekend and they enjoyed it immensely. At this price, it is a really good bargain! (Scott Beckerley, K&L Wine Merchants)