1999 De Meric "Catherine de Medicis" Brut Champagne (was $79.99)

This is simply one of our best Champagnes at any price. In the past, we have only been able to get a trickle here and a trickle there, but with ownership in flux, and the economy suffering, we secured not only a good quantity (36 cases) but also a fantastic price. We sold the 1995/1996 blend of this Champagne at $79.99, and can now offer the superior (and now all barrel fermented) 1999 at $49.99. The rest of the tiny production of this wine goes to Gerard Boyer, the best restaurant in Reims and Guy Savoy in Paris, a Michelin three -star that is one of the top restaurants in the world. I have been lucky enough to have this wine on a few occasions and it is second to none. I feel that it is in the very highest bracket of Champagne and should be treated like a $300 bottle (choose your occasion wisely!) even though it sells for much less. It is made exclusively from fruit grown in the Grand Cru of Ay, and is comprised of 50% Pinot Noir and 50% Chardonnay. The wine has exquisite texture from obviously low yields and almost 10 years aging on the lees. It has a very dense, rich Pinot Noir flavor but a delicate, lengthy Salon-like finish that shows off the quality of the Chardonnay. (Gary Westby, K&L Wine Merchants)