Pricey Dream: Moet Chandon “Dom Perignon” Champagne, France $140
The old, clichéd standard;Pricey, but worth it. Dom Perignon (the name of the vineyard’s founding monk) is bestowed on the best batch of their Moet Brut Imperial that really exceeds expectations every few years. Some vintages are obviously better than others. My all time fav was the '85. Yeasty, nutty, and floral. Served at 40 degrees, it is simply sublime.
Reasonable alternatives:
Gaston Chiquet Champagne, France-$49
just as yeasty and floral. By the 2nd glass its just as nutty. Oh and it’s ¼ the price and good enough for French Laundry’s wine list.
Lallier Grande Reserve(NV)Ay, Champagne, France-$49
Its lemony, floral, nutty, with hints of green apple, with an expensive looking label.
Dirt Cheap, Party Alternative:
Gruet Blanc de Blancs, NV New Mexico (not a typo)$13
French missionaries brought vines to New Mexico 100 years ago, and some interesting wineries emerged. I jokingly asked if a friend needed bus fare when I received this as a gift some years ago. I promptly felt like an asshole when I sipped this ridiculously tasty wine.
Pricey Dream: Baron Philippe de Rothschild Chateau Mouton Rothschild, Paulliac, France $750
One of the best Bordeaux’s I have ever had the pleasure of sampling. This gorgeous Merlot driven wine would pair really well with the Porterhouse steak of my dreams.
Reasonable alternative:
La Pointe Pomerol 2009, Bordeaux, France
For 1/10th the price, this will honor my prized porterhouse just fine, thank you very much.
“How the F%*# is this so good but so CHEAP” alternative:
Chateau Haute Phillipon Bordeaux, France
The first wine that I recommended to my future wife, the first time she came in the store I worked in. Ridiculously nuanced. $11!
Pricey Dream: Joseph Phelps Insignia, Napa 2009 $180
One of the few “Super Cabs” that even remotely lives up to the hype and is under $500. What the hell, its my birthday.
Reasonable Alternative:
Auspicion Cabernet Sauvignon, California
A classic Cabernet in structure and flavor, It’s loaded with juicy black fruit ripe berries, and balanced by silky tannins. Oh, yeah, its $11
Pricey Dream: Meo Camuzet Echezeaux 2009, Burgundy, France $280
Nothing I can ever say will do this wine justice. It is what all other French Pinot Noirs in this price range aspire to eclipse. The prehistoric seabed this region sits atop lends ridonkulous minerality and nuance to this sly, detailed, complicated gem.
“I’m broke so I’ll drink this instead” alternative:
Antonin Rodet Rully-Burgundy, France $29.99
Beautifully nuanced, strawberry fruit forward with a silky, entrancingly loooooong finish. Tastes REALLY expensive.