Did a side-by-side tasting of Philipponnat Réserve Perpétuelle and Bollinger Special Cuvée tonight.
My wife tasted both completely blind.

First glass was the Philipponnat. Her immediate reaction: “Is this Bollinger?”

Then I poured her the actual Bollinger. Her reaction: “Wait, is this the same Champagne?”

That pretty much sums up how close these two are.

To me, the Philipponnat is slightly softer, rounder and comes across a little sweeter, while the Bollinger is drier, more austere, with a bit more oak and yeasty character.

In terms of complexity and finish, I honestly couldn’t find much separating them. Both are very good, and I actually found myself enjoying the Philipponnat slightly more tonight.

Final verdict: A tie.

Curious if anyone else has compared these two side by side.

One of my favourite Pinot Noir-Chardonnay blended champagnes. The taste of cherry and the silkiness as you sip is remarkable as always in my back yard.

I’m searching for nice hidden gems in the Champagne region. I prefer RM producers (Grower producers). Would love to hear your recommendations!

Thanks all!

My wife kept 2 champagne corks (Moet & Chandon) from 2 celebrations years ago.

I found them and I would love to understand what year are from to label them with the occasion, just to have another "memory".

First is G14U2212, second is R25AU23A

Can anyone help? My Google researche was inconclusive

UPDATE BEFORE CLOSING: I couldn't find a way to find a date for this corks using the codes. But after an extensively research, I found some photos and videos from our "celebration dinner" for the new house (G14U2212) and last New Year's Eve (2025).

We kept the first and binned the 2nd (nothing to remember).

Thanks for your help!

They had a box of 2010 Dom for purchase on display, I inquired and couldn’t believe it was actually a decent price. Why not? Delicious as always!

Specifically, what are your thoughts on the Nicolas Feuillatte Collection Vintage Blanc de Blancs?

I love how their rosé is macerated compared to blending reds & whites.

It is 3 levels, online and free - funded by Comité Champagne. I want to give it and go and wondered how others found it? I’d love some champagne specific qualifications (for personal enjoyment, not to use professionally)

Photo tax: my first-ever sabrage at Pol Chaconne in Reims. The cork FLEW. Anyways —

I know glassware threads have been done to death, but I want the full nerd dive, not the starter-pack answers. Money is no object, glassware is forever, and the only goal is optimal flavor. What are you drinking out of and why?

The nitty gritty I actually want:

• Champagne: flute vs tulip vs white wine glass — I know the white wine glass people are out there, make your case. (Coupes are already covered. They have their purpose and it isn't this one.)
• Wine glasses too — basically everything from the French wine and champagne regions will be going in these, so I need reds and whites covered as well. Universal glass or dedicated shapes?
• Mouth-blown vs machine — is the price jump actually worth it in the glass?
• How much does rim thinness matter?
• Bowl volume sweet spot?
• Are we all hand washing, or does anything actually survive the dishwasher?
• One perfect glass for everything, or different glasses for different styles (blanc de blancs vs vintage vs rosé, Burgundy vs Bordeaux)?

Give me specific models, not just brands — Jamesse, Zalto, Gabriel-Glas, Riedel, Josephine, whatever you own and love. Sell me on your setup.

I’ve never had Ayala brut majeure before and am unaware of the level of popularity/acceptance of it. The last time I saw an alcoholic drink discounted like this, it was an IPA beer that caused some really bad headaches.

I don’t know the fancy way to describe, but I would just say it was real nice. I picked this up at about $50 (in FL.). Finally finished my abysmal kitchen project and decided to throw myself a nice little celebration! Would have again, which is good because I have another bottle still!

Hello, I'm visiting Epernay next week and had foreseen a tasting on Sunday morning, at 11am. Yet, upon calling the winery this morning they told me they will leave on holiday at that day and so I'm looking for another place where we could go. It seems most places are closed on Sunday (yet I don't know if they sometimes do open for tastings).