Gardet Cuvée Saint Flavy Tradition Brut Champagne
If you’re going the champagne route this New Year’s Eve and are gobsmacked by some of the champagne prices, have a look at Gardet Cuvée Saint Flavy Tradition Brut Champagne. It costs $42.95 a bottle at Vintages outlets. Pale straw in colour, it has a lemony, leesy nose with a light floral note; medium-bodied and dry, you’ll experience the flavour of apples carried on lemony acidity to a fresh, minerally finish. Chill the bottle well. That’s Gardet Cuvée Saint Flavy Tradition Brut Champagne from France – and have a happy and healthy New Year. For Post City Magazines, I’m Tony Aspler, 680 NEWS.($42.95, Vintages #924654) (90)

Le Contesse Brut Prosecco
If champagne for the midnight hour on New Year’s is not within your budget, and you want to see in 2018 with bubbly, here’s a great value substitute: Le Contesse Brut Prosecco from Italy’s Veneto region. Very pale lime in colour, it has a fragrant, floral nose of apple, pear and lemon; light to medium-bodied, it’s just off-dry and easy drinking. In fact, it fairly dances on the palate. Chill it well to bring out the freshness. It costs $17.95 at Vintages outlets. That’s Le Contesse Brut Prosecco from Italy. For Post City Magazines, I’m Tony Aspler, 680 NEWS. ($17.95, Vintages #516583) (89)