Break-in and theft at Champagne producer Jacques Selosse

This is getting crazy.

According to Fine Wine Insider, thieves broke into the cellars of the prized Champagne house Jacques Selosse a week ago and made off with almost 4,000 bottles of Champagne -- more than Selosse sells in the entire United States in a year. The damage is estimated to be about 400,000 euros or $512,000.

Jacques Selosse is one of Champagne’s most coveted labels. Now run by Anselme Selosse, the firm’s top Champagne is “Substance,” which marries 20 vintages into a remarkable wine. Selosse also produces vintage Millésime, Brut Initial and Version Originale, as well as six lieu-dit (single vineyard) wines. The Champagnes start at about $150 bottle for the Brut Initial and go up to almost $300 for the current release of “Substance” Blanc de Blancs. Lieu-dit bottlings are much rarer, and even more expensive.

Perhaps just as troubling, at the same time, 16,000 labels and 12,000 paper collars were stolen, most certainly with the intention of producing fake bottles of the renowned Champagne.

For updates on the story, check his U.S. importer, Rare Wine Co.’s blog.

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