Current champagnes – including some goodies

Here’s a collection of tasting notes on 26 very different current champagnes. The growers’ champagnes are by and large the most interesting – and generally best value.

 

ASSORTED NON VINTAGE CHAMPAGNES

These wines were tasted blind in June 2008 and, because they are mostly quite well known, I have listed them alphabetically by (sur)name.

 

Ayala NV Champagne 16.5 Drink 2008-09

Light gold. Light, frivolous and appley – but quite engaging. Definitely a celebratory drink! Really good texture – no astringency – and quite lively and delicate. Well made and complete. Not heavy. Very clean finish.

Canard Duchene NV...