Vintage guides

Region: Vintage Champagne

Year Rating Drinkability Style More
1971 starstarstarstarstar drink now A large vintage but the finest wines were marked by an elegance and delicacy of texture more...
1973 starstarstarstarstar drink now Enormous crop, some well-balanced champagnes produced more...
1975 starstarstarstarstar drink soon A classic vintage with wonderfully stylish and refined wines more...
1976 starstarstarstarstar drink soon A very hot year produced soft, ripe wines, some of which have developed remarkable finesse more...
1978 starstarstarstarstar drink now The wines were lean and high in acidity more...
1979 starstarstarstarstar drink now A vintage marked by impressive balance and longevity more...
1982 starstarstarstarstar drink soon An exceptionally fine, rich vintage more...
1983 starstarstarstarstar drink soon A good and reliable year rather overshadowed by the success of 1982 more...
1986 starstarstarstarstar keep A number of vintage wines were released but quality was very variable more...
1988 starstarstarstarstar keep Classically structured, concentrated wines with sufficient acidity for long ageing more...
1989 starstarstarstarstar drink soon A hot summer produced rich wines slightly short on acidity. They will mature before the 1988s more...
1990 starstarstarstarstar drink soon This year saw perfect conditions for vintage champagne. The wines were ripe and flavoursome more...
1995 starstarstarstarstar keep The first year widely considered good enough for vintage wines since 1990. A large crop more...
1996 starstarstarstarstar keep A vintage of outstanding quality which produced classic wines more...
1997 starstarstarstarstar keep Another remarkable year. The third of an excellent trio more...
1998 starstarstarstarstar keep Quality and quantity of the harvest surpassed expectations with grapes showing good health, sugar and acid levels more...
1999 starstarstarstarstar keep Straightforward wines with a clear varietal character more...
2000 starstarstarstarstar keep the harvest remained of remarkable quality from beginning to end more...
2001 starstarstarstarstar keep Rather dilute wines lacking strength and vinosity. more...
2002 starstarstarstarstar keep Excellent quality wines with a relatively ripe character for Champagne more...
2003 starstarstarstarstar keep A very ripe year for Champagne with good aromas and fruit concentration more...
2004 starstarstarstarstar keep Outstanding quality with excellent balance of fruit and acidity more...
2005 starstarstarstarstar keep As we write, we believe the 2005 harvest will provide the opportunity of making some superlative blends… and probably vintage champagne more...
2006 starstarstarstarstar keep Producers are hesitant to declare a vintage Champagne will be made in 2006, but most are pleased with the quality so far. Wines are showing clean aromas, rich fruit and promise finesse and balance. more...
2007 starstarstarstarstar keep Most producers say it is too early to determine whether vintage Champagnes will be made from the 2007 harvest. Management of individual vineyards is likely to prove the deciding factor. more...
2008 starstarstarstarstar keep Tricky, mildew-ridden season but harvested fruit was perfectly ripe and healthy fuelling general optimism. more...