Today is my dad’s 70th birthday… happy birthday dad! He’s celebrating in Denver, with my sister and stepmother, and I’ve sent them a bottle of Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame champagne.

Now, there are those who prefer the snobby Dom Perignon, stylish Cristal or historically significant Pol Roger (Winston Churchill’s favorite). As my mother’s side of the family likes to say: de gustibus non est disputandum (Latin for "there’s no disputing taste").  But to my palate and wallet, there’s no better special occasion champagne then La Grande Dame.

Raise a glass for me dad.