The 2018 Champagne vintage boasts a remarkable reputation for both its quality and quantity, and it rightfully lives up to the hype. This vintage is part of a celebrated trilogy, alongside the 2019 and 2020 vintages, resulting from favorable growing conditions following the challenging 2017 season.
The 2018 growing season, described as "spectacular," began with adequate moisture in the soil, which helped facilitate vine health despite an unusually dry and hot summer. The harvest kicked off early, on August 20, and was characterized by excellent hygiene in the grapes and minimal pest interference. With an average yield of 12,361 kg/ha, many producers were able to replenish their stocks after the disappointing yields of the previous year.
During a recent tasting with noted wine experts, including Simon Field MW and Anthony Rose, a panel evaluated 37 Champagnes, comprising both grandes marques and grower-producers. The wines received impressive scores, with an overall average of 92.1 points. Notably, four out of the top five Champagnes in the tasting were blancs de blancs, with the standout being Leclerc Briant Les Monts Ferrés Vertus, praised for its precision and vitality.
Tasters found an extraordinary harmony in their evaluations of the wines, with many scoring the top wines closely. The 2018 vintage showcased purity of fruit with vibrant flavors and a harmonious balance, steering clear of the vegetal notes often found in warmer vintages. The resulting wines are approachable yet structured, suggesting a promising future for those looking to age them.
The top selections included:
- Leclerc Briant Les Monts Ferrés Vertus Premier Cru Extra Brut — A deeply lemony wine with a rich palate, scoring as high as 95 points across the panel.
- Pascal Agrapart Vénus Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs Brut Nature — Full-bodied and rounded, showing a delightful array of flavors, also assessing at 94 points.
- Champagne Deutz Rosé Brut — Known for its fruity nose and balanced structure, it received similar commendation with a score of 94 points.
- Champagne Girard-Bonnet Recueil Extrait No.1 Extra-Brut — Recognized for its sweetness and commendable structure, scoring 94 points.
- Champagne Henriot L’Inattendue Grand Cru Chardonnay Brut — Showcasing bright fruit and elegant structure, also scoring 94 points.
In conclusion, the 2018 Champagne vintage is not merely a return to form after a troublesome year but heralds its own era of excellence in Champagne, affirming its place in a series of outstanding vintages. Its approachability and structural depth promise a long life ahead for wine aficionados looking to explore the potential of these wines.