In recent tastings of more than 50 wines of Champagne and California sparkling wines, the following scored at the top for toasting the 12 days of Christmas along with a partridge in a pear tree or two.
- Under $20 NV Brut California sparklers: Gloria Ferrer, light yeast, fruity; Domaine Carneros, crisp; Roederer Estate, balanced, long finish.
- Champagne NV Brut $25-35: Laurent Perrier, crisp/fresh; Duval Leroy, nice yeasty nose; Chartogne-Taillet, Saint-Anne, light yeast, balanced.
- Top Champagne $35-65 in recent tasting: Henriot Blanc Souverain; Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label; Bollinger NV Special Cuvee Brut.
- Champagne top 3 expensive from 14 tasted: Roederer Cristal 02; Veuve Clicquot Grande Dame 98; Dom Perignon 00. All super/Veuve for yeast fans.
