Following extensive, though admittedly unscientific, research from multiple visits to the region, our hands-down favorite is Claude-Cazals from the Côte des Blancs (100% Chardonnay). Tiny, unrelenting bubbles, delicate hints of cherries and almonds. Single-varietal Champagnes (i.e. 100% Chardonnay or Pinot Noir exclusively, no blending) are historically the most expensive, but this one is reasonable.
It is however very difficult (though not impossible) to obtain outside France. Other posters' suggestions of Taittinger, La Belle Epoque, and Billecart-Salmon also follow this style, and should be more accessible to you in the States.
If you prefer Cristal (a blend), however, maybe this wouldn't be to your liking anyway.
Oh, and please don't store your Cristal in the fridge for long! The vibrations will ruin it. Best is to immerse the bottle in an ice water bath and bypass the fridge altogether.