Best Recent Champagne Vintages/Brands for the Cellar

[toofastdriving]

Hi there

Am looking to buy a couple of bottles of champagne for the cellar - the kind of stuff that can sit there for 20+ years - and cost less than $200-ish. I believe the 2008 vintage was meant to be quite good. Was thinking of some 2008 Pol Roger and maybe 2008 Dom Perignon. Anyone else come across something they think could fit the bill? Any other recent vintages to keep an eye out for?

Thanks!
Andrew

[Ozzie W]

Most of the 2008's were released some time ago. There's still a bit of stock left retail here and there. In addition to the usual big houses, a couple of which you've mentioned, you should also consider some grower Champagnes. I like Larmandier-Bernier, Agrapart and Diebolt-Vallois.

2012 is an outstanding vintage for Champagne. We should see more releases coming on the market this year. I'll be buying a few to cellar myself.

[Hacker]

Has the 2008 Dom been released here yet? I haven’t received any offers.

[toofastdriving]

Thanks! I think there's still some Pol in stores in Australia, and the 2008 Dom is released soon - but yes, I think I've missed my run on the smaller producers. Will keep an eye out once some 2012s start appearing.

[Gavin Trott]

Thanks! I think there's still some Pol in stores in Australia, and the 2008 Dom is released soon - but yes, I think I've missed my run on the smaller producers. Will keep an eye out once some 2012s start appearing.

Well, let me know, as I can definitely get Pol Roger Brut Vintage 2008 for you, and also

Champagne Larmandier-Bernier Grand Cru Vieille Vigne du Levant 2008

or, feel free to ignore me!

.

[Ozzie W]

There are actually two releases of 2008 Dom. The first has already been released and is called "Legacy". This limited edition celebrates the change in head winemaker at Dom. The second release isn't far off.

[Rossco]

I loved the Veuve Clicquot 08, but no idea if it will last 20 years. (it smashed the 09 Dom, which I found to be average).

It may be a tough ask to get a sub $200 champagne that will last 20 years? Anyone had the 08 Perrier Jouet Belle Epoque yet?

Anyhoo quality, not quantity..... Salon anyone

As others have said, try and wait for 2012 and see what prices are for that.

[Mike Hawkins]

There are actually two releases of 2008 Dom. The first has already been released and is called "Legacy". This limited edition celebrates the change in head winemaker at Dom. The second release isn't far off.

1/3/19 according to LVMH. My guess is $240 will be a good price based on what I’ve seen in other markets

[Mike Hawkins]

Thanks! I think there's still some Pol in stores in Australia, and the 2008 Dom is released soon - but yes, I think I've missed my run on the smaller producers. Will keep an eye out once some 2012s start appearing.

Well, let me know, as I can definitely get Pol Roger Brut Vintage 2008 for you, and also

Champagne Larmandier-Bernier Grand Cru Vieille Vigne du Levant 2008

or, feel free to ignore me!

.

Throw Gavin a bone and buy the 08 Pol! It’s an excellent wine.. I prefer the Brut to the BDB.

[Mike Hawkins]

I loved the Veuve Clicquot 08, but no idea if it will last 20 years. (it smashed the 09 Dom, which I found to be average).

It may be a tough ask to get a sub $200 champagne that will last 20 years? Anyone had the 08 Perrier Jouet Belle Epoque yet?

Anyhoo quality, not quantity..... Salon anyone

As others have said, try and wait for 2012 and see what prices are for that.

I guess we have different palates. I thought the 09 DP was the best from that vintage, whereas I was underwhelmed by the 08 Veuve (though it’s better than the 08 Moët).

I would be confident 08 Gimonnet SC will see out 20 years, and the 08 Peters Chetillons (released here at 160, but gone now) woill cruise through 30 years. Another that will get there (based on very youthful 02 and 04 versions I’ve had recently) is the 08 Guy Charlemagne Mesnillesime. It is available sub 200.

As for the 08 Belle Époque, I bought a case as it is better than recent releases (but miles behind DP, Goisses, Vilmart CDC and Cristal from 08). My guess is the BDB will be better again.

[toofastdriving]

Thanks for all the suggestions - will see what I can still find around. I'm keen to pick up a couple of '08 Pol from Gavin but I'm currently in the USA (it's considerably more expensive here) and will only be in Melbourne for a day Monday week to be able to get into my wine cellar and stash them away. Will check out the other producers too.

[Polymer]

Toofastdriving: are you finding champagne more expensive in the US? Generally it isn't...although lately with the currency fluctuation you are seeing some really good pricing in Australia for a few things..

Saw the Legacy 08 Dom at Sydney Duty Free for 219 AUD...which from a global standpoint is a pretty good price....

Cristal 08 if you can get it...
Dom 08 is the best young Dom I've seen..by a lot...

Looking forward to the Taittinger CDC...whenever that gets released...I'm sure the 08 Krug will be fantastic as the MV 164 was amazing...