Besides a last call on our Grand Cru bargain find of the year (93 points, 36 bucks, hello?) there are bubbly gems galore here in the Store, today only. All are rare and extraordinary; most are just a few cases. Many a Grand and Premier Crus, with the best prices anywhere guaranteed, the juiciest of deals start at $47 for a great Vintage, all the way to $249 for the ultimate luxury experience that normally should go for $400! Ratings are BIG as usual, almost all in the 95-100 range, naturally. Vintages span across the well-cellared 2002 through the fresh off the boat 2015s.

Speaking of extraordinary…

Henriot is another Champagne house for the insiders. As Wine Spectator wrote “Joseph Henriot was president of Veuve Clicquot for nine years, from 1985 until 1994. He also owned the Charles and Piper Heidsieck brands until he sold them in 1985 and 1987, respectively. As a result, he was unable to put 100% of his energy in to the Henriot brand at all times. Yet they have made the kind of Champagnes they like over the years, building on consistency and quality, ensured by a constant source of grapes from some of the best crus. The style expresses elegance and finesse, by relying on a high percentage of Chardonnay in the blend. In most years, it’s close to half Chardonnay and half Pinot Noir.”

Which is exactly what the inaugural vintage of this Tête de Cuvée is. Forbes called it “Vintage Champagne That Reads Like A Screenplay:” as “there isn’t much middle ground when it comes to Cuvée Hemera 2006… it’s here to make a statement. The composition of the wine reads like a straight-from-central-casting portrayal of what we imagine a historic Champagne house’s lineage to be. If a vintage Champagne could ‘read’ like the screenplay of a Hollywood film, this would be it… aged for 12 years in Henriot’s dark and silent cellars before, now, being brought into the light of the market.”

Carpe diem!

97 Points – Wine Enthusiast

“This mature wine is finely structured with a delicate mousse and forward toast and brioche flavors. At the same time, the texture and the white fruits are still there, creating a magnificent Champagne with texture and richness in a taut, tight package.”