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Champagne: The 2026 Spring Preview
featured, France: Champagne
, May 2026
Champagne is one of the brighter spots in a world fraught with uncertainty. I continue to be impressed with the dynamism and overall energy that is palpable here, even in the current environment. Young, quality-minded growers keep popping up at a pace that is hard to keep up with. Not to be outdone, the larger players continue to invest and innovate.
Cellar Favorite: 2008 & 1982 Bollinger Blanc de Noirs Vieilles Vignes Françaises
cellar favorite, Cellar Favorites, France: Champagne
, Apr 2026
Bollinger's Vieilles Vignes Françaises, 100% Pinot Noir, is one of Champagne's rare birds. Production is just a few barrels, increasingly less, the result of decreasing yields tied to the effects of accumulated heat stress. I tasted these two wines during my most recent visit to Bollinger in March 2026.
Cellar Favorite: 2020 Champagne Nakada-Park Brut Nature Vignes de Gyé-Sur-Seine
cellar favorite, Cellar Favorites, France: Champagne
, Jan 2026
When I visited Japanese-born, Gevrey-based winemaker Koji Nakada to taste his Burgundy portfolio, he mentioned that he also makes limited amounts of Champagne and presented me with his current releases. Clearly, Nakada’s talents extend beyond the Côte d’Or.
Cellar Favorite: Champagne Louis Roederer – Inflection Points
cellar favorite, Cellar Favorites, France: Champagne
, Dec 2025
Longtime Roederer Chef de Caves Jean-Baptiste Lécaillon pulled out a stunning series of wines at the conclusion of my annual tasting of vins clairs and new releases earlier this year. Of course, it’s always interesting to taste older vintages, but these bottles represent something more than just rare wines from the past. Most of them represent inflection points in Lécaillon’s thinking.
Cellar Favorite: 1990 Laurent Perrier Grand Siècle Lumière du Millénaire
cellar favorite, Cellar Favorites, France: Champagne
, Aug 2025
I am not really a Champagne aficionado, so when a sparkler does stop me in my tracks, it tends to make a deep impression.
Remembering Frédéric Panaïotis
featured, France: Champagne, Vinous Remembers
, Aug 2025
I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Frédéric Panaïotis in a diving accident earlier this summer. He was just 60 years old. Judging by the outpouring of support from the many people whose lives he touched, I was not alone. Panaïotis was one of the great ambassadors of Champagne, a rare Chef de Cave who was deeply versed in the technical aspects of winemaking and equally skilled in conveying tremendous passion and enthusiasm.
Cellar Favorite: 1988 Dom Ruinart Brut Rosé
cellar favorite, Cellar Favorites, France: Champagne
, Jun 2025
If you have bottles of the 1988 Dom Ruinart Brut Rosé left in your cellar, do not hesitate to crack them open now.
Cellar Favorite: 1979 Veuve Clicquot Vintage Rosé
cellar favorite, Cellar Favorites, France: Champagne
, Apr 2025
The 1979 is a drop-dead gorgeous beauty. At 45 years of age, the 1979 remains timeless, a testament to how well Champagne can age.
Vinous Table: Restaurant La Grande Georgette, Champagne, France
France: Champagne, Vinous Table
, Apr 2025
I am always on the hunt for new places to eat in Champagne. Located in the Cazerne Chanzy Hotel & Spa, literally in front of the Reims Cathedral, La Grande Georgette is a welcome addition to my personal list of favorites.
Cellar Favorite: Vilmart Coeur de Cuvée 2006 & 2003
cellar favorite, Cellar Favorites, France: Champagne
, Apr 2025
Vilmart’s Coeur de Cuvée is one of the most consistently outstanding wines in Champagne because of how well it shows in both strong and challenging years. The 2006 and 2003 are peaking today, making them fine choices for readers who enjoy mature Champagne.