Champagne Academy Vintage Tasting 2026

The Vintage Tasting is about more than just Champagne — it’s about time.

Unlike non-vintage Champagne, which blends multiple years for consistency, each bottle at this event represents a single harvest, a single growing season, and a unique set of conditions that can never be repeated. Weather, ripeness, decisions in the vineyard and cellar — all of it is captured in the glass.

Vintage Champagne is only declared in exceptional years, when the producers believe the fruit expresses something truly distinctive. That means each bottle tells a story — not just of place, but of a particular moment in history.

Vintage Champagne is alive — shaped by time on the lees, by aging in bottle, and by the slow, beautiful development of tertiary aromas: brioche, toasted nuts, honey, citrus peel, sometimes even truffle or spice. There’s no right or wrong way to experience a vintage tasting, compare impressions, notice texture as much as flavor — the mousse, the acidity, the length.

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This years vintage tasting will be on the 16th March 2026 starting at 7pm.

Location of this years event is The Vintners Hall

Here what will be on show this year

Bollinger La Grande Année 2015

Bollinger La Grande Année 2015 — a wine that beautifully expresses both the warmth of the vintage and the unmistakable signature of the house.

The 2015 growing season in Champagne was notably warm and sunny, producing ripe, expressive fruit. Bollinger leans heavily on Pinot Noir — here around 60% — which gives the wine its structure, depth, and subtle power, while Chardonnay brings lift and precision.

On the nose, you may notice ripe orchard fruits — pear and mirabelle plum — layered with citrus zest and hints of orange oil. With a little air, classic Bollinger notes emerge: toasted brioche, roasted hazelnut, a touch of spice, and that gentle whisper of oak from fermentation in old barrels.

On the palate, it’s generous and textured — almost creamy — yet beautifully balanced by bright acidity. There’s a savoury edge, a fine mousse, and a long, persistent finish with notes of citrus, chalk, and light toast.

This is a gastronomic Champagne — structured enough to pair with roast poultry or richer dishes — but also deeply satisfying on its own. It’s drinking beautifully now, yet has the structure to evolve gracefully over the next decade or more.

A wonderful example of how a warm year, in the hands of a traditional house, can produce a wine of both richness and precision.”

Charles Heidsieck 2018 Brut Millésimé

Charles Heidsieck 2018 Brut Millésimé, a vintage that showcases both the vitality of the year and the signature style of this historic house.

The 2018 growing season in Champagne was marked by a wet, challenging spring followed by a warm, dry summer that allowed the grapes to ripen fully while remaining healthy — a combination that produced wines with freshness, balance, and expressive fruit.

In the glass, this Champagne shows a luminous golden colour with lively, fine bubbles. On the nose, you’ll notice an elegant interplay of aromas — cocoa and roasted coffee, brioche and quince, with layers of peach, apricot and blackberry jelly emerging as it opens up.

On the palate, it’s round and generous, with juicy fruit flavours supported by a refined acidity. There’s a subtle tang and a gentle bittersweet echo of cocoa and liquorice on the finish, giving wonderful depth and length. The mousse is creamy yet focused, and the overall impression is one of richness balanced with elegance — a fine example of Charles Heidsieck’s ability to combine fruit intensity with finesse.

This wine drinks beautifully now, but thanks to its structure and balance it will continue to develop over the next decade. It’s a versatile Champagne at the table — equally lovely on its own or with dishes like creamy seafood, poultry, or subtly spiced cuisine.”

Laurent Perrier Le Vintage 2018

A wine that beautifully captures the promise of its year and the refined style of Maison Laurent-Perrier.

In the glass, this Champagne pours a pale golden hue with very fine, persistent bubbles. On the nose, you’ll notice fresh citrus, like pink grapefruit, mingling with notes of vine peach and mirabelle plum, lifted by delicate floral hints.

On the palate, it’s precise and lively, with flavours of candied citrus (clementine) and soft pastry nuances balanced by subtle acacia honey notes. There’s a fine minerality and a hint of saline that gives the finish elegant length and tension — classic traits of Laurent-Perrier’s vintage profile.

This is a Champagne of graceful balance and finesse, ideal on its own as an aperitif and also capable of pairing beautifully with seafood, poultry or delicate cheese courses.

 Mumm Millésime Le Vintage 2015

Mumm Millésime 2015, a vintage that really showcases the house’s signature emphasis on vibrant Pinot Noir fruit supported by elegant Chardonnay freshness.

In the glass, it gleams pale yellow with subtle golden highlights, and the mousse is fine and persistent. On the nose, you’ll find an inviting combination of peach and ripe pear, lifted by floral hints of honeysuckle and acacia honey, with delicate touches of toast and biscuit from extended aging on the lees.

On the palate, the wine opens with a fresh, expressive attack, showing juicy stone fruit and exotic fruit nuances like kiwi and lychee. These fruit-driven flavours are beautifully balanced by a creamy texture and a harmonious finish that brings forward toasted and biscuity notes — classic markers of time on lees in Champagne.

This is a generous and convivial Champagne — approachable now, yet with enough structure to continue developing complexity over the next several years. It pairs wonderfully with shellfish, elegant salads, seafood carpaccio, and other light to refined dishes.

Perrier-Jouët Belle Époque Le Vintage 2016

Perrier-Jouët Belle Époque 2016, a Champagne that perfectly embodies the house’s signature elegance, floral finesse and refined aromatic expression. This prestigious vintage cuvée comes from an exceptional year in Champagne: after a cooler spring, the summer warmth allowed slow, full ripening, giving expressive fruit while preserving freshness and structure.

In the glass it shows a bright pale gold with very fine, persistent bubbles. On the nose, delicate white flowers (think blossom and acacia) give way to white peach, grapefruit and poached pear, underpinned by subtle spice and citrus complexity.

The palate is elegant and balanced, with a silky texture and lively acidity that carry floral and fruit characters forward. Notes of citrus and orchard fruit are complemented by a gentle minerality and a lingering finish that feels both refined and bright — a beautiful demonstration of the Côte des Blancs Chardonnay blending with the structure of Pinot Noir.

This is a vintage Champagne that works wonderfully as an aperitif but also pairs beautifully with refined dishes — think seafood carpaccio, delicate poultry or creamy risotto — thanks to its freshness and detail. Serve it chilled and allow a moment in the glass to open up its floral layers.

Pommery Grande Cru Le Vintage 2012

Pommery Grande Cru 2012, a vintage that reflects the finesse of balanced fruit, long ageing and the house’s elegant style. The 2012 harvest in Champagne gave ripe yet vibrant grapes, and Pommery has crafted them into a Grand Cru expression marked by both precision and depth.

In the glass it shows a pale golden hue with a lively bead of fine bubbles. On the nose, you may notice floral elements of white blossoms and beeswax, intertwined with citrus zest and hints of lemon peel. These classical aromatic layers are complemented by notes of bread dough, light spice and a delicate honeyed whisper — a sign of extended lees ageing.

On the palate, the wine strikes a lovely balance: crisp orchard fruit and citrus fruit are supported by a refined creamy texture. There’s a chalky mineral thread running through the centre, giving energy and precision, while the finish lingers with bright citrus, toasted brioche and a whisper of spice.

This is a Champagne of elegant structure and lingering freshness — beautiful on its own as a contemplative pour, and also matching well with refined seafood, delicate poultry or cheeses with a touch of cream.

Pol Roger Brut Le Vintage 2018

Pol Roger Brut Vintage 2018, a Champagne that exemplifies the house’s signature blend of finesse, freshness and poised fruit. Made from roughly 60 % Pinot Noir and 40 % Chardonnay from a selection of top Grand and Premier Cru sites across the Montagne de Reims and Côte des Blancs, this vintage was only declared in an exceptional year.

In the glass it shows a pale yellow with silver highlights and a very fine, persistent mousse — a hallmark of Pol Roger’s deep, cool ageing cellars.

On the nose, subtle aromatics give way to lifted notes of spring flowers, fresh orchard fruit (think white peach and pear), and delicate hints of pastry cream and brioche. With time in the glass, more nuanced citrus, lemon zest and light citrus peel emerge, underscored by a whisper of toasted nut and honeyed depth.

On the palate, it’s fresh and expressive, with a crisp acidity that gives shape and drive, balancing the richness of fruit and fine creamy texture. The finish is long and elegant, with citrus and orchard fruit lingering alongside subtle mineral tension.

This is a wonderfully versatile Champagne — delicious on its own, but also equally suited to pair with seafood, poultry or creamy cheeses — and it has the structure to continue evolving over several years should you choose to cellar it further.

Louis Roederer Le Vintage 2016

Louis Roederer Vintage 2016, a Champagne that perfectly exemplifies the rich yet refined character this house can achieve in a superb year.

The 2016 harvest in Champagne featured a cool, wet spring followed by a warm, dry summer and bright ripening conditions — ideal for both Pinot Noir and Chardonnay to develop intensity and freshness. Around 70 % Pinot Noir gives the wine structure and depth, while the Chardonnay brings precision and tension.

In the glass it shows a shimmering golden hue with very fine, persistent bubbles. On the nose, you’ll find a complex array of aromas — ripe red fruit like cherries and redcurrant, candied citrus peel, dried hazelnut, and delicate toasted notes. With a little air, more mineral and chalky notes emerge, giving it an elegant backbone.

On the palate, this vintage is generous yet precise: juicy and creamy with vibrant nectarine and orchard fruit, balanced by lively acidity and a fine texture. The finish is long, saline and sapid, with layers of spice and subtle oak influence adding depth without overpowering the fruit.

This is a Champagne that works beautifully on its own but also stands up to richer seafood dishes, poultry with creamy sauces, and subtly spiced cuisine. It’s drinking wonderfully now, yet has the structure to continue evolving beautifully with time in the bottle.

Taittinger Le Vintage 2016

Taittinger Vintage 2016, a wine that reflects both the promise of the year and the refined balance typical of this historic Champagne house.

This vintage is a classic 50/50 blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, with a high proportion of Grand Cru and Premier Cru fruit and over five years of ageing on the lees — all contributing to its complexity and finesse.

In the glass, it displays a bright golden hue with very fine, persistent bubbles. On the nose, you’ll notice a layered bouquet of white flowers (hawthorn, acacia), pear and peach, lifted by citrus elements and hints of verbena and gingerbread — a gentle yet expressive aromatic profile.

On the palate, this vintage is lively and energetic, with a fresh, dynamic attack balanced by rich fruit characters. Flavours of honeysuckle, citrus and orchard fruits lead into a long, elegant finish with subtle notes of bitter orange peel and minerality. The wine has both structure and finesse — beautiful complexity with poised acidity.

This Champagne works wonderfully as an aperitif but also matches delightfully with refined seafood, cured ham, or even delicate poultry dishes thanks to its freshness and depth.

A lovely expression of the year and a great showcase of Taittinger’s signature combination of vibrancy, elegance and precision.”

Dom Ruinart Le Vintage 2013

Dom Ruinart Blanc de Blancs 2013 is the prestige cuvée of the House of Ruinart, composed exclusively of Grand Cru Chardonnay from the Côte des Blancs and Montagne de Reims. Produced only in outstanding vintages, it embodies the house’s signature purity and elegance. The 2013 growing season in Champagne was notably cool and late, with a long ripening cycle and one of the latest harvests in decades. These conditions preserved exceptional acidity and aromatic precision, giving the wine its vibrant structure and remarkable tension.

In the glass, it reveals a luminous pale gold color with a fine, persistent mousse. The nose opens with fresh citrus zest, white peach, and delicate white flowers, gradually unfolding into nuances of toasted almonds, brioche, and subtle smoky minerality from extended lees aging. On the palate, it is precise and beautifully balanced, combining silky texture with chalky freshness and a long, saline finish. Structured yet graceful, Dom Ruinart 2013 offers both immediate refinement and impressive aging potential for the decades to come.

Moet Grande Vintage 2015

Moët & Chandon Grand Vintage 2015 is the House’s expressive interpretation of a single harvest, crafted from a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Meunier. The 2015 vintage in Champagne was marked by a warm, sunny summer and dry conditions, resulting in ripe, generous fruit balanced by carefully preserved freshness. This contrast shaped a champagne of maturity and roundness, with both richness and structure.

In the glass, it shows a bright golden hue with a fine, lively mousse. The nose reveals aromas of ripe stone fruits, baked apple, and citrus zest, layered with hints of brioche, roasted nuts, and delicate pastry notes from extended aging on lees. The palate is broad and enveloping, offering flavors of pear, peach, and subtle honeyed nuances, supported by a refined acidity and a gently toasty finish. Harmonious and generous, Grand Vintage 2015 reflects the warmth of the year while maintaining balance and elegance, with the capacity to evolve beautifully over time.

Veuve Clicquot Extra Brut, Extra Old 3rd Edition

Veuve Clicquot Extra Brut Extra Old 3rd Edition is a distinctive multi-vintage cuvée crafted exclusively from the House’s reserve wines, showcasing the depth and continuity of its cellar. This third edition is composed of carefully selected older vintages, aged for extended periods before blending, and finished with a very low dosage to emphasize purity and structure. The result is a champagne that highlights maturity, precision, and the signature strength of the Veuve Clicquot style.

In the glass, it presents a brilliant golden color with a refined, persistent mousse. The nose reveals complex aromas of dried fruits, toasted brioche, roasted nuts, and subtle spice, layered with hints of candied citrus and honey. On the palate, it is structured and vinous, yet remarkably balanced, with a firm backbone of freshness and a long, dry, elegant finish. Extra Brut Extra Old 3rd Edition is both powerful and refined — a gastronomic champagne with impressive depth and aging potential.

KRUG Le Vintage 2011

Krug 2011 is a singular expression of an atypical Champagne year, shaped by contrasting weather conditions that demanded meticulous selection and blending. The 2011 growing season was marked by an unusually warm spring followed by a cool, challenging summer, resulting in wines with distinctive aromatic intensity and freshness. Faithful to the House’s philosophy, each parcel was vinified separately, allowing Krug to craft a vintage that fully captures the personality of the year.

In the glass, it displays a luminous golden color with a fine, persistent mousse. The nose is expressive and complex, revealing notes of ripe orchard fruits, citrus zest, white flowers, and subtle herbal nuances, layered with hints of brioche, almond, and delicate spice from oak fermentation and extended aging. On the palate, Krug 2011 is vibrant yet structured, combining generosity with tension, leading to a long, precise, and elegant finish. Both distinctive and refined, it reflects the unique character of the vintage while offering the depth and aging potential emblematic of Krug.

Piper Heidsieck Le Vintage 2018

Piper-Heidsieck Vintage 2018 is a distinguished single-year Champagne, celebrated for its radiant expression and balance. The 2018 growing season in the region was marked by contrast – a mild, wet winter gave way to a warm, dry summer that brought early ripening and abundant, expressive fruit. This vintage is carefully blended from grapes across around 16 premier and grand crus, with roughly equal parts Chardonnay (50 %) and Pinot Noir (47 %), plus a touch of Pinot Meunier (3 %). Aged for about five years on its lees, the wine carries the house’s signature finesse while promising significant ageing potential of up to two decades.

On the nose, the 2018 vintage greets with warm, enticing aromas of nectarine, red berries, mocha and toasted almond, finished with a delicate hint of smoke. The palate is lively and vibrant, combining juicy raspberry with exotic pineapple and a subtle spice of paprika that gives this Champagne its refined intensity and joyful harmony. Critics have responded well to this release, often scoring it in the low-to-mid 90s for its expressive fruit, balance and structure, and it pairs beautifully with seafood, rich hors d’oeuvres or elegant dishes like langoustine tartare.

Champagne Lanson Le Vintage 2014  

Champagne Lanson Le Vintage 2014 is a distinguished expression of a single, carefully selected harvest from one of Champagne’s historic houses, founded in 1760 in Reims. Crafted from a classic blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay sourced exclusively from Grand and Premier Cru vineyards, this vintage reflects the balance and precision of the 2014 growing season. In keeping with Lanson’s signature style, the wine is made without malolactic fermentation, preserving natural freshness and vibrant acidity. Extended ageing on the lees for several years enhances its structure, depth and aromatic complexity while maintaining remarkable purity.

In the glass, it displays a brilliant golden hue with a fine, persistent mousse. Aromas unfold in layers of citrus zest, crisp green apple and ripe orchard fruits, followed by notes of brioche, toasted almonds and delicate mineral undertones. The palate is energetic yet harmonious, combining freshness with a creamy texture and refined elegance. The finish is long, precise and beautifully balanced. Ideal as an aperitif or paired with oysters, scallops, grilled fish, roasted poultry or aged cheeses, this vintage Champagne offers both immediate pleasure and excellent ageing potential.

Heidsieck & Co. Monopole Gold Top 2019

Heidsieck & Co. Monopole Gold Top Champagne (vintage 2019) is the premium millésimé offering from one of Champagne’s oldest houses, established in Épernay in 1785 and recognised as one of the original Grande Marques. The Gold Top is the finest expression in the Monopole range — a vintage Champagne made in years deemed exceptional — and combines craftsmanship with long lees ageing to create rich complexity and depth. While specific 2019 tasting notes vary by bottle and critic, the cuvée is noted for its vibrant golden colour, lively mousse and classic Champagne structure that balances richness with freshness.

On the nose, expect aromas of brioche, floral notes and subtle hints of roasted nuts and toast, leading into a palate of crisp orchard fruit, citrus and gentle toasty warmth, with fine bubbles and lively acidity giving a refreshing yet rounded mouthfeel. This Champagne’s blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir delivers both elegance and depth, making it versatile for pairing with seafood, creamy fish dishes, poultry or lightly spiced starters. Overall, the Gold Top vintage presents a refined and celebratory profile that honours the heritage of the house and the quality of the 2019 harvest

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