Champagne: The 2018 Summer Preview

In his recent Vinous article, Champagne: The 2018 Summer Preview , Antonio Galloni says “it is the fast pace with which new Champagnes and estates continue to emerge that makes the region so exciting today.” He continues, “there is every reason to expect and hope that the next generation will see the continued emergence of young artisan domaines, and that, of course, is a very positive development.” Get a preview of what you might want to pop open before the end of the summer with Antonio's detailed notes below. Cheers!

Lanson

Gold Label Vintage Brut Champagne 2005

Delectable Wine
9.0

The 2005 Millésime Gold Label is a very pretty wine. Silky, perfumed and gracious on the palate, the 2005 is impeccably balanced. Soft curves make the 2005 easy to drink now. Moreover, the 2005 doesn’t have any of the odd mushroomy flavors or advanced notes that are typical of so many 2005s. This is a very pretty, supple style for a wine made with no malolactic fermentation. The 2005 remains fresh and light on its feet, with an exotic floral top note that lingers on the finish. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, July 2018) — 6 years ago

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Casey @ Travelling Corkscrew

Casey @ Travelling Corkscrew Influencer Badge

Great value for money I find. We tried this a few weeks back 🥂🍾

Krug

Clos d'Ambonnay Brut Blanc de Noirs Champagne Pinot Noir 2002

Delectable Wine
9.8

The 2002 Clos d’Ambonnay is another spectacular Champagne from Krug. In fact, the 2002 may very well be the most sensual Clos d’Ambonnay yet. Opulent, intense and yet light on its feet, the 2002 has it all. Hints of ash, graphite and smoke wrap around a core of rich Pinot fruit in a powerful, riveting wine of the highest level. Chef de Caves Eric Lebel describes 2002 as a perfect growing season. “We had sun we wanted it and rain we needed it,” he told me recently. The Krug team captured everything the vintage had to offer, certainly to a far greater degree than they did with the 2002 Clos du Mesnil or Vintage. Readers who can find the 2002 Clos d’Ambonnay and who can look past the price will experience a seriously phenomenal Champagne. That’s all there is to it. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, July 2018) — 6 years ago

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Bérêche & Fils

Campania Remensis Extra Brut Rosé Champagne Blend 2013

Delectable Wine
9.0

The 2013 Campania Remensis is one of the softer, more understated wines in the range. Soft and pliant, with attractive floral overtones, the 2013 is already quite open in feel. Drink this pretty, inviting Rosé over the next few years. The 2013 is 65% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay and 5% still Pinot. Disgorged March 2017. Dosage is 3 grams per liter. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, July 2018) — 6 years ago

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Taittinger

Comtes de Champagne Brut Rosé 2007

Delectable Wine
9.7

The 2007 Comtes de Champagne Rosé is a total knock-out. Racy and exuberant in the glass, the 2007 wraps around the palate with stunning textural depth and resonance. The 15% still Pinot adds structure and persistence to a creamy, inviting Rosé Champagne that will leave readers weak at the knees. Hints of rose petal, dried cherry, cinnamon and dried flowers meld into the sublime finish. This is about as good as it gets. Wow! (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, July 2018) — 6 years ago

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Moët & Chandon

Grand Vintage Brut Champagne Rosé Blend 2009

Delectable Wine
9.3

Interestingly, the 2009 Extra Brut Grand Vintage Rosé is quite a bit tighter and pointed than the Blanc. Here, it is the wine’s energy and tension that stand out most. It will be interesting to see if the 2009 gains a bit more volume over time. Even today, though, the 2009 is beautifully resonant and expressive, with striking vinous intensity driving through to the finish. Hints of orange peel, mint, chalk and blood orange add shades of character. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, July 2018) — 6 years ago

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Dom Pérignon

Brut Champagne Blend 2005

Delectable Wine
9.4

The 2005 Dom Pérignon is just starting to enter its first plateau of maturity, as the aromas and flavors now show the complexity and nuance of a wine that has been in bottle for a number of years. Dried apricot, smoke, dried flowers, orange peel, almond and chamomile give the 2005 its signature flavor profile. More mature hazelnut and coffee notes aren’t too far away. Today, it is the wine’s density that is most surprising, but that should allow the wine to age gracefully for many years to come. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, July 2018) — 6 years ago

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