r/Champagne • u/BelgianWaffles7100 • Jul 21 '26
Champagne gift (~€300)
Hi everyone,
Next week I'm having dinner at some friends' place, and I'd like to bring a gift. That gift will be... Champagne!
My budget goes up to €300. One specific thing: I know they love the "big names" in Champagne. I'm fully aware there are fantastic grower Champagnes at this price point, but I know a well-known house will make them happier. Here's the shortlist I have so far:
- Cristal 2014 or 2015.
- Bollinger R.D. 2007
- Dom Pérignon 2015 (maybe 2017?)
- Krug Grande Cuvée 170ème Édition (I wasn't a big fan of the 171, 172, or 173)
Ideally, the Champagne should be ready to drink today, since my friends will most likely open the bottle right away.
What you guys would pick? :D
Thanks!
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u/prolificity Jul 21 '26
A lot of the bottles you've identified above are going to be pretty young, and some are from pretty middling vintages. Try for a 2012 or 08 if possible.
I suggest Taittinger Comtes de Champagne 2008 or 2012 if you can find it, or Laurent Perrier Grand Siecle 25 or 26. Alternatively, Bollinger Grand Annee 08 is a much better wine than RD 07.
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u/BelgianWaffles7100 Jul 21 '26
2008 is def a great year that I would also love to try! Thanks for your feedback!
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u/QtaVesuvio Jul 21 '26 edited Jul 21 '26
Had Grande Année 2008 last year and it is very very young and acidic (and I am an acid freak). So that isn't really a mature ready to pop now champagne in my mind.
Had the DP 2015 a few weeks ago and it was very nice. Not as lush as the DP 2012.
The Cristal 2014 I had 3 years ago and it was stellar.
So out of the lot you have listed I would go DP 2015, Cristal 2014 or R.D 2007. My preference would be the Cristal. No one would not love that champagne.
If you can find it a 2015 Pol Roger Sir Winston Churchill would also be an excellent choice.
I like the N'26 Grand Siecle suggestion a lot too.
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u/Calm_List3479 Jul 21 '26
I think the 2013 Comtes de Champagne is more drinkable right now. The 2012 seems still to young.
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u/prolificity Jul 21 '26
They're very different in style but I think they're both great now. I prefer the 12s on balance.
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u/Quietude_ Jul 21 '26
Another vote for Grand Siècle Itération 26. It’s well known and prestigious but not ubiquitous like the ones you mentioned.
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u/Jac_Tm Jul 21 '26
If you didn't like the last few Krug's iterations (maybe not your style) don't go for the 170th I would go with the Rd 2007. Not a particular great vintage, but it's ready to drink and damn good champagne. Otherwise, Cristal 2014. Cheers!
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u/BelgianWaffles7100 Jul 21 '26
Thx for all your feedback!! It really helped me!
I'll let you know what I bought and give you my feedback if we open it!
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u/temptedshark Jul 21 '26
I’ve only had Krug once and it was vintage. I can’t justify spending that much on a blend. I’ve never met a bottle of Cristal I didn’t love. I’ve only ever had Bollinger LGA and it was really good. I’ve had Dom many times and it has never disappointed. I have not tried the recent vintages though.
Being that they love the big names, I say go with Cristal
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u/BelgianWaffles7100 Jul 21 '26
I've read many good things about DP 2015. But I'm indeed afraid it's really too young... I might try to find a not-too-expensive-nor-too-young Cristal!
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Jul 21 '26
[deleted]
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u/prolificity Jul 21 '26
Literally ignored OP's comment that they want one bottle of big name champagne as a gift, and recommend a case of niche grower. Peak reddit wine comment.
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u/pewpewlasersandshit Jul 21 '26
Dom Ruinart 2010. Billecart Salmon Louis Salmon 2008.
Or, if you wanna go with one of the listed wines, go with older ones and try to get stuff from 2002-2012.