David White's Splurge Wines

In recent years, wine enthusiasts have gone gaga over “Grower Champagne,” or wines made by the farmers who grow the grapes.

Just as we understand why an apple grown in Virginia tastes different from an apple grown in Massachusetts, we understand why a Sonoma Chardonnay tastes different from one produced in Napa. Champagne is no different. And Grower Champagne conveys that sense of place -- something that large producers simply can’t offer.

Egly-Ouriet is a Grower that's on every wine geek's list of top Champagne producers. And Egly-Ouriet's "Les Vignes de Vrigny" bottling is unique because it's comprised entirely of Pinot Meunier. Few Champagne producers make a 100% Pinot Meunier; fewer still plant Pinot Meunier on Premier Cru land. The wine is intense and loaded with exotic flavors. Plus, it's just plain cool.