Sparkling wines reign supreme around holidays and the undisputed benchmark of the category is, of course, Champagne.
When looking for that special bottle to cap off a toast, look no further than vintage Champagne.
Made in only the best years from grapes all harvested within the same vintage year, these bottlings, which are also known as millésimé in French, provide a unique snapshot of time and place that cannot be found in nonvintage bottles.
“When the region declares a vintage and celebrates the creation of such a cuvée, it’s a statement showing the character of that year,” says Wine Enthusiast Tasting Director Anna-Christina Cabrales. “Generally, Champagne is made from multiple vintages; to say it’s coming from that year, it’s illustrating the perfection.”
Vintage Champagne also shows more depth and complexity than its nonvintage counterpart thanks to its extending aging on the lees in the bottle. By law, there is a three-year minimum for vintage offerings; however, many producers opt to go well beyond that mark, delivering rich, textural wines with toasty, nutty flavors.
This is part of why vintage Champagne costs more than its nonvintage counterparts in many cases. And, even in declared vintage years, the production of vintage bottles is very limited. “Producers will still create the house Champagne style of multiple vintage: vintage wines are just a proportion of what they will make,” says Cabrales. “Vintage Champagne is just a small percentage of total production for the region.”
If you have cash to throw down and can find them, bottles from 2011, 2007 and 2005 are some of the best performing wines on the market right now. More recent vintage releases are also showing quite well: be sure to check out our Vintage Chart for additional insight. But, if you’re looking for the top vintage Champagnes of 2024, we rounded up the top age-worthy wines from our Top 100 Cellar Selections list.
Philipponnat 2014 Clos des Goisses Extra Brut (Champagne)
This always-memorable single-vineyard Champagne is dominated by rich Pinot Noir. The vineyard, a steep slope facing the Marne river, has given an intense, concentrated wine that has aged so well. Touches of toast are equaled by the rich fruit and acidity. Drink this great wine now. Cellar Selection. 99 Points — Roger Voss
$ Varies Zachy’s
Charles Heidsieck 2014 Blanc des Millénaires Brut Chardonnay (Champagne)
This is an iconic wine, a pure expression of Chardonnay. With its intense crisp apple aroma and just the first hint of toasty maturity, the Champagne is perfectly in balance. Drink this fine wine now. Cellar Selection. 98 Points — R.V.
$ Varies Zachy’s
Taittinger 2013 Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Chardonnay (Champagne)
This beautiful Chardonnay from five top Grand Cru vineyards is textured with fruit that is still impressively perfumed. Its concentration has allowed it to remain perennially young. Although there are hints of toastiness, the Champagne has many more years of potential. Drink now and at least up to 2027. Cellar Selection. 98 Points — R.V.
$ Varies Wine.com
Gosset 2012 Celebris Brut (Champagne)
A seriously mature Champagne, this vintage of Celebris is rich with fruit that has now softened. With rich acidity, the wine has now rounded with a beautifully textured wine that is very ready to drink. Cellar Selection. 96 Points — R.V.
$230 Wine.com
Billecart-Salmon 2012 Elisabeth Salmon Brut Rosé (Champagne)
First produced in 1988 and made only in top years, this Champagne is named after the producer’s founder. With age (more than nine years on lees), it has developed a patina of toastiness and roundness. There is a toasty character that chimes with this fine wine’s crisp texture. Drink now. Cellar Selection. 95 Points — R.V.
$ Varies K&L Wines
Jacquart 2016 Villers-Marmery Blanc de Blancs Premier Cru Brut Chardonnay (Champagne)
Villers-Marmery is a village on the eastern slope of the Montagne de Reims. This Champagne, from 100% Chardonnay, has a rich texture, kiwi fruit aroma and warm, red apple flavors. It is also taut and still young. Drink from 2026. Cellar Selection. 93 Points — R.V.
$ Varies Wine Watch
Canard-Duchêne 2012 Cuvée V Vintage Brut Nature (Champagne)
This mature Champagne shows some great toastiness as well as the white fruits that give it richness. It is a full wine, the bone-dry intensity now softened by age. Drink this impressive wine now. Cellar Selection. 93 Points — R.V.
$ Varies Wine.comMore Champagne Coverage
- Say ‘au revoir’ to 2024 with these highly-rated Champagnes.
- Champagne's ‘wherever, whenever’ era is here.
- Why grower Champagne should be on your radar.
- From Christmas to congratulations, give the gift of Champagne.
- Pretty in pink: the best rosé Champagnes at every price point.
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Last Updated: December 6, 2024
