1986 Champagne

A very large crop was produced with quality being rather uneven ranging from average in some cases through to outstanding for some of the top cuvees. Winter was cold and was followed by a cool damp spring. The weather picked up in June enabling flowering to take place under ideal conditions. July was hot but it rained sporadically throughout much of August and early September and this badly affected the quality of the fruit.

The harvest began in mid September and careful selection was crucial, as rot was a serious hazard in the vineyards. A number of vintage wines were released and most of them should be drunk now.