The Ployez Jacquemart was actually on his list. Echoing William’s suggestion, Ployez Extra Quality Brut is one that I found benefited massively from 2-3 years of age. Haven’t had this in a few years, but it was a go-to for a few years there.
Wierd, cant believe I skipped over it. Not sure if I should be drinking it or the Aubry since they only got single stars. Damn the system…
Ha. I’ve had more mixed results with Aubry than some here report. I’ve found some releases to want for energy and tension, coming off a bit dull. Of course, this is NV champagne and there will be differences due to base vintage, disgorgement, perhaps dosage, so variation isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but it has restrained my enthusiasm when compared to earlier releases I enjoyed more.
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Welcome Tim, one I haven’t seen listed yet is La Caravelle which you can find around $40ish. I prefer their BdB to the rose, it isn’t trying to be something more just good bubbles. You have a nice list there and I’ve enjoyed many you have listed just know I lean town the elegant/finesse style but I’m happy to have any Champagne anytime.
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I wanted to echo the K&L suggestion. I belong to the Champagne Club and have really enjoyed the selections at around $35.00 per bottle. Some might not be complex, but always enjoyable, while others punch above the price point 
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Another vote for Launois here. Had it recently and was impressed with the value.
Andre Clouet Grand Reserve Brut is one of my favorite Champagnes for right around $40. For New World sparklers, Schramsberg makes beautiful Blanc de Blancs and Blanc de Noirs, both priced usually around $35.
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Thanks - I’ll add the Clouet to my nice long list. : )
Already a fan of the Schramsberg wines - good wines and cool story.
From envoyer;
link to purchase: NV Vilmart & Cie Champagne Premier Cru Grande Reserve – Envoyer Fine Wines?
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That’s their entry level, right? How’s that pricing? (U.S. low pricing, if accurate, is a good start but that doesn’t necessarily equate to good value.)
I miss it when it was $30-$35, but it competes at the $40 price well enough. For me the GC is worth the extra tariff.
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Correct, but I think it punches way above its weight. Add $5/btl for shipping. Yes the GC is nicer but way above OP’s desired price point.
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I live in MD but I’ve had them ship to a FedEx store in DC. Easy drive for me.
I’m local enough that they deliver periodically to my locker, which saves the overall value. And I also prefer to keep things under $40, but that limit has loosened up of late.
I’ve wanted to try Vilmart given the love it gets on the board but haven’t jumped in yet, and the price increases make me feel like I missed the boat!
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Been a while since I had Grand Reserve too. I usually just end up buying up to the Grand Cellier which I can still find for $57. Actually I need to go buy some more Grand Cellier as I be out.
Good producer.
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My last batch of this was discounted off of a $49.99 sticker price, so probably $42 or so? Worth every penny. Drinks like a big rich bdb for 2x the price when you catch one just right.
Paul Bara, Ayala, Hebrart are all solid when you can find them at a discounted price.
Has anyone had Simonnet-Febvre Cremant de Bourgogne? I’ve heard good things for it as a party sparkler punching above weight but have not had it. I can usually find a case discount on Taittinger Brut la Francaise for $40 a pop. I have also heard that recent NV disgorgements of Pommery Brut Royal suggest an improvement of quality worth seeking out at the $30-35 level.
Hi Tim!
Sounds like we have similar taste. I tried the Leguillette-Romelot Cepages d’Autrefois for the first time a few days ago and thought it drank well above its price point ($43 from my local shop; $47 on wine.com). Definitely will become one of my go-tos! They’re also using 6 of the 7 permissible grape varieties in Champagne, which is not seen all too often.
Cheers!
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