2002 Champagne

Enfin! After some good to good plus vintage years for Champagne wines, including the classic 1995 and the somewhat inscrutable 1996, here at last is a year to match the halcyon days of 1988, 1989 and 1990, three stunning champagne vintages in a row. Whether it will come to resemble the rich 1990 or the more elegant and restrained 1988, only time will tell although early indications point towards the latter.

A cold, partially frozen winter served to cleanse the vines, and a mild late Spring set the scene for perfect conditions at the important time of flowering (mid June). Mid summer was warm but by no means hot, but a series of excellent dry and sunny days from 10 September really served to crystallise the latent potential. The natural ABV level of over 10.5% was exceptional, and matched by goodish levels of acidity, not quite as high as 1996, but good enough to ensure balance in the vins clairs.

Early days and of course some of the Grandes Marques have yet to release their wines, but early examples from Veuve Clicquot and Louis Roederer bode well indeed. In addition, some of the star champagne growers are really showing their worth, Vilmart , Larmandier Bernier and Pierre Peters in particular.

Simon Field MW, BBR Champagne Buyer