Thank you. It was nice, definitely benefitted from being drunk out of a Vintage Champagne Glass (Riedel) with more body and nuance. The Veuve Clicquot Rich (and Rich Rose) would likely not be more preferable for my personal palette since its sweeter and I am definitely a Brut vs even Extra Dry (which is what I kinda think that rich line must be like - similar to how Moet has the Nectar vs Imperial designation)


Oh and I totally agree with you on the "Real Thing" front. I genuinely don't understand why people fork over for some of the higher price tag California Sparkling. Some of the French houses have some very respectable CA sparkling which are good substitutes if you don't want to pay for the real thing. But if you are going to pay as much for a California wine as you would for a Bollinger NV or more, I think you are just wasting money unless you just really prefer that California style. Someone who brings Ultramarine is not a real Champagne drinker IMO. (yes, I know that's snobby)