It's a classic conundrum this time of year: You go out to buy some bubbly for the upcoming New Year's celebration and realize that you don't know fizz about the stuff.

If you're one of those people who nearly breaks out in hives when it's time to break out the bubbly, here's help.

For the second year in a row we attempt to put an end to this maniacal year-end folly by rounding up a few pals to help sample a good number of sparkling wines -- and then offer their comments on each of one.

A Bit About The 'Tasting Panel'

In this case, "tasting panel" is really a fancy name for a bunch of friends who wanted to come over and sip champagne and nosh on tasty treats. Not overly scientific, but probably a much closer situation to what most of us would be buying sparkling wine for than a controlled tasting panel. Yeah, it was work. But it was fun work -- as sipping champagne should be.

Thanks to the more than 20 people who donated several hours of their time to this project, you should be able to find the perfect bubbly to ring in the New Year -- and many special occasions to come.

Ballatore Gran Spumonte

At about $6 or less per bottle, this sparkler was definitely one of the least expensive. But well-chilled, it stood up to our taste-testers.

While some thought it was a bit too sweet -- one taster commented that she "feared for her sugar levels" -- others enjoyed the light carbonation, pear flavors and "bit of spice."

Most agreed this would be a good sparkling wine for anybody on a tight budget or for a large toast, such as at a wedding or graduation. But if you're wanting to linger over your sparkling wine, you might want to spend a little more money for one that stands up to the test of time. This one tended to get a bit flat after sitting around for a while.

At least one taster said this Ballatore would be good in Mimosas mixed with orange (or grapefruit) juice.

Cristalino Brut Cava

This Spanish cava was a hands-down favorite among the group, and at less than $10 per bottle, an enjoyable quaff with a good value.

The tasters found Cristalino to be "refreshingly dry" and "strong from beginning to end" with a dry, tart finish and "hint of grapefruit and sweetness" that "stands up even after sitting in the glass for a while."

The tasting panel agreed this would be a good-value sparkling wine bought by the case for larger celebrations, but would also be enjoyable as an evening sipper or with desserts or appetizers.

Domaine St. Michelle Brut

This sparkler from Washington state was another all-around panel-pleaser, and at about $9 to $12 a bottle, it's easy on the wallet as well.

Tasters described Domaine St. Michelle Brut as "a classic" sparkling wine with "a hint of honey to begin, but not too sweet." With just the right amount of "festive fizz," one taster thought it was "light and nice." A good all-around pleaser that is "easy to drink" and could be enjoyed in a variety of occasions, from party of two to party of 20.

Gloria Ferrer Sonoma Brut

A "light, citrusy" sparkling wine with layers of apples and pears, this "quite effervescent" sparkling wine usually rings in at about $12 to $16 a bottle.

Some tasting panel members enjoyed its "complexity and subtle toastiness with a hint of vanilla" while others found the "tart, dry," "zesty lemony" and "nice long finish" very pleasing.

Panel members agreed this was a good sipper for the price and would also add a nice complexity to cocktails such as Mimosas.

Gruet Brut Blanc de Noirs

"My favorite!" taster Candice exclaimed. "My fave too!" said panelist Trink, who added that she liked Gruet Brut Blanc de Noirs' "sweet citrus aftertaste and great, long finish."

Other tasters agreed that this sparkler was a winner that "does a little dance in your mouth." Many panelists enjoyed the "slight biscuit "flavor that's "lightly fruity and tart but unassuming" and "still bubbly when warm."

The "pleasant bouquet" is "not too dry. With enough bubbles to prompt one panelist to say, "This one is full of life." At $11 to $16 a bottle, it is a good value to boot.

Kirkland N.V. Signature Champagne Brut

Costco's entry into our tasting panel was also the only actual bottle of Champagne. All the others are considered sparkling wines because they don't come from the Champagne region of France.

Despite its relatively frugal price -- about $20 per bottle, which is a deal for a bottle of real French Champagne -- this blended Champagne was not a favorite among our tasting panel.

Many found it to be "a bit on the antiseptic side" while others said it had a fruity bouquet, but "medicinal taste." Others said it did give it kudos for a "tart, nutty start" but later said it "offered no finish."

The consensus among our blind tasting panel: If you really want a French Champagne, spend a little more -- or opt for another sparkler from our list that's in the same price range but garnered better marks.

Mumm Napa Reserve Brut

With "nice, tight bubbles" and "pleasant grapefruit tart-but-toasty" flavors, this offering from California's Napa Valley is attractively priced at about $20.

One panelist thought the sparkler was "grapefruity and very dry -- which I like" with "lots of bubbles -- which I also like." Others thought it was "very solid" with a "tautness" that lent some restraint to the "honey-pear-melon" aromas. Panelists also noted that this sparkling wine lasted a long time, with lots of bubbles still present even after the bottle had been open for a couple of hours -- good to know if you plan on lingering over your sparkling wine.

Mumm Napa Brut Prestige

The most affordable of Mumm's Napa sparkling wines ($14 to $20), the Brut Prestige delivered what some panelists said was the classic Champagne experience: "When I think of a good glass of bubbles, this is exactly it," Kim said.

Others said it was a good "special occasion" glass of sparkling wine, that is "cheek-sucky dry" with a "cheek-puckering tart first impression" that was "fizzy" and "dry, but with a nice pear finish."

Tasters thought Brut Prestige was a "simple, crowd-pleasing wine" that is hard to beat for the price.

Mumm Napa Cuvee M

At $18 to $25 a bottle, the Mumm Napa Cuvee M was a vote-getter for "special occasion" quaff that also could be "good for a nice brunch."

The "well structured," "light and balanced" sparkler has a "creamy, fluffy finish" with "peaches and other stone fruits" and a "big burst of citrus" that a few felt was "a little sour for me." But most found it to be "pleasant and light, dry -- very nice."

Mumm Napa Blanc de Noirs

Looks aren't everything -- but the Blanc de Noirs ($15-$22) is pretty in pink, as many of the panelists noted. "Rose Champagne? Me likee!" one said, while another added that "the color surprised me." Kim thought the "pretty color" would make a "beautiful accent to an elaborate formal table setting." Other tasters noted that the color could be a little "frou-frou" even though it speaks of "strawberry fluff" with "hints of raspberries."

Panelists noted some pleasant yeastiness and "decent fruit" flavors that were "not too sweet" and played off the "very drinkable good bubbles" that prompted Val to say she felt like she might "take off to the roof." Panelist David said a touch of "light grapefruit" made for a "distinguished" sparkling wine. A panelists' favorite for a special occasion -- on a budget.

Schramsberg Blanc de Blancs 2004 Brut

"Bright and clean -- good for celebrations," panelist Samantha wrote about this sparkler -- which retails for about $25-$30. Gina noted it has "lots of mouthfeel," while others commented on the "great sparkler's" "staying power" with "a lot of bubbles" that "hold up after being opened and sitting for a while."

While a few tasters thought the wine was "nothing distinctive" and "not exciting," others rejoiced in flavors that are "ripe and crisp and tangy" with hints of "lemon zest early on," that's "just tart enough."

Schramsberg Reserve 2000

"Now THIS is a special occasion sparkler," one taster said during the blind tasting of the Schramsberg Reserve 2000, which retails around $70 to $85 a bottle.

Susan added that its "semi-dry and smooth" flavor is "great with chocolate" while Kim mentioned that its "sweet and dry combo" is "great with food."

While Gina thought it "could use more bubbles," most gave big points to the sparkler's "dry, clean" and "nicely balanced, sweet but dry" finish, prompting Mark G. to call it "among the best of the bunch."

With a much higher price tag, it's definitely not the everyday sparkler for the budget minded, but our panelists gave it the thumbs-up for a special celebration.

Schramsberg Blanc de Noir Brut 2004

Retailing at about $25 a bottle, you can't go wrong with Schramsberg's Blanc de Noir Brut 2004 -- a light pink colored sparkler.

"The best!" said panelist Steve, while panelist Val also said it was her favorite, with "tastes of honey and vanilla flavors that are not too sweet."

Others raved about the "fruity, bold" finish and "good balance of fruity tart character that's not too carbonated." One commented that it's "nicely dry, but not too" while another said "Woo! That's fizzy! But I like it!"

For the price, probably one of the best bangs for your bubbly buck, according to our panelists.

Yellow Tail Sparkling Wine

This new entry from a popular Aussie winemaker retails at about $8-$10, making it light on the pocketbook.

The wine itself is just as light, according to our tasting panel.

Beth said it "disappears off your tongue instantly" while others noted that it offered a very light flavor or was "almost flavorless." Some found it to be "apple-y," and a "good antidote to very sweet champagnes."

Another said it was "lemony, sparkly and light -- a good 'toasting' sparkling wine," giving this Down Under sparkler a thumbs up when looking for something to serve a crowd.

One final note: Once you've found your perfect bubbly for the occasion, make sure you know how to open a champagne bottle like a pro.

The next step? Enjoy!

Cheers!