One house whose style of wines reflects the terroir is Bollinger, which makes champagne of a mouth-filling, yeasty, firm character with tremendous depth.

WSJ: Reflections on Champagne

Vintage Champagnes from major houses such as Bollinger, Pol Roger or Taittinger can improve for decades but are arguably at their peak between 10 and 15 years opportune, as this year has seen the release of the 2002 vintage by Bollinger, Pol Roger and Taittinger's Comtes de Champagne.

WSJ: Will Lyons on Wine: Vintage Champagne: Beyond Bottoms-Up