Top Champagne Tasting Notes and Recommendations for 2024

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Discover the best Champagne of 2024 with expert tasting notes and recommendations from top industry professionals. Elevate your wine experience!

Introduction

The world of Champagne is ever-evolving, with each year bringing new releases that excite enthusiasts and collectors alike. In 2024, The World of Fine Wine has curated a selection of notable bottles that have captured the attention of wine lovers. From elegant Blanc de Blancs to robust Pinot Noir blends, this year’s offerings showcase the diversity and complexity of Champagne. Join us as we explore some standout selections, tasting notes from renowned experts, and recommendations for your next purchase.

Montagne de Reims Chardonnay: A Celebration of Terroir

In October, a fascinating tasting led by Essi Avellan MW highlighted the unique character of Montagne de Reims Chardonnays. This event featured esteemed tasters Simon Field MW and Anthony Rose, who collectively discovered a range of expressions from this prestigious region. The focus was on terroir-driven Champagnes, where grand cru sites like Ambonnay and Bouzy stood out among the competition.

• Ambonnay: Known for its intense fruit flavors and depth.
• Bouzy: Offers elegance and refined structures.
• Premier cru offerings such as Hugues Godmé Les Alouettes St Bets also impressed tasters with their quality.

Champagnes from the exceptional vintages of 2019 and 2012 showed remarkable aging potential, proving that these wines can evolve beautifully over time. Notably, Vilmart’s Blanc de Blancs Les Blanches Voies, priced at €250, represents the pinnacle of luxury in this category. However, for those seeking value without compromising quality, consider Penet-Chardonnet’s Terroir & Sens Grand Cru at around €65 or A Margaine’s L’Extra-Brut NV for just €40.

Tasting Highlights from the 2004 Vintage

As we reflect on significant vintages, Tom Stevenson recently revisited the extraordinary 2004 Champagne—a year marked by exceptional yields but also unique challenges. With an average production exceeding standard limits, this vintage produced standout wines that still hold promise today.

Among the highlights:

• 2004 Roederer Cristal Brut: This wine showcases laser-like focus and finesse with a score of 99. It remains fresh even after two decades—an impressive feat!
• 2004 Roederer Cristal Rosé Brut: With a perfect score of 100, this wine is characterized by its youthful vibrancy and lush fruit flavors.

Stevenson noted that while many wines have succumbed to oxidation over time, several still demonstrate remarkable longevity and complexity. The best examples show how well crafted Champagnes can endure the test of time.

Comparing Recent Vintages: 2014 vs. 2015

In February, Essi Avellan MW explored how two contrasting years—2014 and 2015—offered different styles yet similar qualities in their Champagnes. The tastings revealed:

• 2014 Vintages: These wines are bright and fruity with a lean structure. They are enjoyable now but raise questions about their long-term aging potential.
• 2015 Vintages: While some wines displayed undesirable ash-like aromas affecting their purity, others shone brightly with vibrant fruit characteristics.

Standouts from these years include:

• Ruinart Millésime Brut Champagne France 2015: Scored at 94 for its complex nose and pristine fruitiness.
• Taittinger Brut Millésime Champagne France 2014: Scored at an impressive 96 for its rich palate cut by racy acidity—an immediate crowd pleaser!

The Exhilaration of Pol Roger Cuvée Sir Winston Churchill

June brought a rare opportunity to taste all released vintages of Pol Roger’s Cuvée Sir Winston Churchill—a tribute to one of history’s most charismatic leaders who famously praised Champagne for its uplifting qualities. Each vintage is celebrated for its intensity and robust Pinot Noir character.

The standout was undoubtedly:

• 2002 Pol Roger Cuvée Sir Winston Churchill: Scoring an impressive 98 points; it features flinty notes paired with red fruits creating an elegant balance that promises further evolution in bottle.

This tasting reaffirmed why this cuvée is revered among collectors—its ability to capture both power and finesse makes it a timeless choice for any occasion.

Conclusion

As we look back on another fantastic year in Champagne tasting, it’s clear that both established names and emerging producers continue to push boundaries while honoring tradition. Whether you prefer luxurious grand cru selections or value-driven non-vintage options, there’s something for every palate in this dynamic world. Cheers to discovering new favorites in your glass!

Photo by Mauro Lima on Unsplash