After a warm onset of the growing season, the disappointments began in the summer, with July rains and hail. Even though the weeks leading to harvest were sunny, rot was somewhat of a persistent issue, especially for the red grapes. The harvest of a sizeable crop commenced on September 11th. Overall, it was a warm year that produced voluptuous, ripe Champagnes that were easy to approach in youth. The colours turned deep golden quickly and evolution has been rapid. Fat, ripe and full-bodied, the best are actually very good. It is generally a Chardonnay year and Taittinger’s Comtes de Champagne might very well be the wine of the vintage. I have also been impressed by Krug Vintage, Louis Roederer Cristal Rosé, Charles Heidsieck Vintage, Dom Pérignon P2 and Pommery Cuvée Louise Rosé.
