There are many factors that can influence the result of a vintage, and we are not just talking about the climate that impacts the quantity and quality of the grapes, but also the skill in the art of blending of the chef de cave who seeks balance and character so that each Champagne acquires its own identity.
It should be underlined that Champagnes from difficult vintages judged to be disappointing can however reserve pleasant surprises, especially after years of aging.
The ranking of the years is indicated in ⭐: from a maximum of five, attributed to excellent years, to a minimum of zero/one star for the worst ones. In the next paragraphs we will review the first part of the ranking* of the best vintages (4 and 5 stars) in the last 10 years (from 2000 to 2009) together with a studied selection of Champagnes that you can find in our online store.
- 2002: 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
After a 2000 classified with 3 stars and a 2001 not classified due to poor climatic conditions, 2002 was the year of recovery, a classic vintage of excellent wines with excellent aging potential. A late August and early September characterized by hot and dry days alternating with thunderstorms and following stability until the harvest, returned Champagne concentrated in the fruit, with limited acidity, great intensity and expressiveness.
Our advice: Champagne Vintage 2002 Plénitude 2, Dom Pérignon
- 2004: 4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
2003 due to particularly extreme weather, including anomalous heat waves and other factors, is classified with 1 star. On the contrary, 2004 was characterized by an abundant harvest, grapes of excellent quality, maturity and balance. A wonderful vintage that has produced long-lived and balanced wines over the years and which just misses the 5 star due to a slightly dull acidity. However, the Champagnes of this vintage are among the best wines.
Our advice: Cuvée Louis Tarlant Millésime 2004, Tarlant
- 2006: 4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
After an overall good 2005 vintage (3 stars) but not excellent and sometimes overrated, 2006 with its 4 stars was the third consecutive year of abundant harvest. The vintage produced wines that are rich and expressive for their depth and balance, the 2006 Millésime have excellent aging potential and can age for decades. However, this vintage misses the superior category as the Cuveés are slightly toned down in terms of acidity and play more on softness.
Our advice: Cuvée Louise Nature 2006, Pommery
- 2008: 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
If on one hand there is no doubt that the 2007 vintage is not among the best vintages of the decade (3 stars), on the other there is no reason to judge it negatively and some noteworthy successes are the proof of this (such as example, the Champagne Comtes de Champagne 2007, Taittinger, which you can find on our online shop in the Rosè version). Generally, a rich harvest in terms of quantity, less in terms of quality due to some ripening problems and isolated rot phenomena which therefore led to a good but not excellent judgment. An advice? Try the wines of some small producers like Michel Loriot or Leclaire-Thiefaine. The 2008, on the other hand, proclaims itself a 5-star year: a superior vintage both in terms of quantity and quality of the grapes. Power, freshness and balance are just some of the characteristics of the Champagnes of this Millésime, which are generally presented as wines of the highest quality. A vintage where invest in for future tastings as well.
Our advice: Champagne Les Lumières 2008, Doyard
- 2009: 4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
An atypical and challenging vintage that brought pleasant surprises to the point of being classified with 4 stars, but in any case not able to match the unforgettable 2008 vintage. Despite an uncertain spring that didn't promise well, the summer was hot and dry and made it possible to produce mature wines with good levels of alcohol and good acidity, even if not optimal. The profusion of 2009 Millésime and the quality of those from the best Producers demonstrate that even the hottest vintages offer excellent Champagne.
Our advice: Champagne Dream Vintage 2009, André Clouet
How was the 2010 vintage evaluated? What was the perfect vintage of the last 10 years?
We will tell you all the details in the next article. STAY TUNED!
Discover here the whole selection of GLUGULP! Champagnes and search for your favorite vintages.
*Ranking taken from the book “Vintage Champagne 1899 to 2019” 2020 by Charles Curtis MW, author, journalist and wine consultant, former head of Christie's wines in New York and Asia.