Birthdays...Christmas...Weddings...Anniversari es...Passing an exam...Falling in love...A night in with a group of close friends...A night in with one very special friend...Parties...Hot balmy Friday nights in a bar in the centre of London...Freedom...Excitement...Happiness.

I associate Champagne with happiness and feeling good. It's about celebrating life, marking a special moment in time, putting aside all the bad things that go on and paying homage to all the good things. Nothing else captures and prolongs that feelgood effect in quite the same way.

My favourite champagne is Lansons Black Label. This is not necessarily because it tastes better than all the others - most of the popular brands taste good - it's because this was the first bottle I shared with my current man, and I'll always associate it with the wonder of that new relationship and the happiness I felt at that time. That to me sums up what Champagne is all about - it's the memories and feelings it evokes that are special, and make you feel great.

Who doesn?t love a great party? And what would a wedding or a romantic meal be without a glass or two of champers to mellow your mood and make you feel special? Lanson's is not a particularly expensive brand - under twenty quid a bottle, in fact, but it's perfect for that celebratory moment.

The taste is described in my wine guide as "toasty...a rich blend of honey and biscuits with a lingering floral aftertaste." Fair enough, but I'd describe it as decadent, rich and dry, dry, dry. Just the right amount of bubbles to tease your tongue without frothing up your nose! It does have a powerful aftertaste, and I find that it has to be chilled really well in order for that aftertaste to be appreciated - if it gets even the slightest bit too warm, it becomes quite metallic and unpleasant. Properly chilled, it's delicious.

I'm not one for religiously matching wi
ne to particular foods, and I believe this Champagne will enhance most meals, and is just as perfect without food, but it does seem to go very well with creamy, rich creations such as chicken in white wine sauce, risotto and most pasta dishes. Foods that are as decadent and indulgent as itself. I'm even trying it with sushi this evening, to celebrate being with my man for three years today. Three years! It really doesn?t seem that long...

Champagne - and particularly THIS champagne - is definitely one of my most favourite things. I hope to enjoying it for many years to come.

Cheers - and congratulations Jill!

"Jill Murphy asked me to write about one of my favourite things to help her celebrate her fourth anniversary of cancer-free living and to remind ourselves of all the nice things in the world. It takes more muscles to make a frown than a smile you know. If you'd like to join in, whether you've only just joined dooyoo, or you've been here ages, you're more than welcome. Just write about one of YOUR favourite things, make your title "A Favourite Thing: [your choice]" and include this paragraph at the foot of your opinion. And post before Friday, 9th August."