As a champagne enthusiast, I follow the vintage releases of the great houses with particular attention. The new Bollinger 2018 is more than just another vintage premiere – it marks, in my view, a significant turning point in the Champagne region.
What Makes the 2018 Vintage So Special?
2018 was an exceptional year in Champagne. After the difficult vintages of 2016 and 2017, which were marked by frost and other climatic challenges, 2018 finally brought back the conditions that cellar masters wish for when creating great vintage champagnes.
The combination of a warm, dry summer and perfectly timed rain showers in August created ideal conditions. At Bollinger, where I particularly appreciate the conservative, traditional approach, this climatic constellation should have led to exceptional grape quality.
Bollinger's Signature Style Through Changing Times
What has fascinated me about Bollinger for years is the consistency of their house style. While other major brands adapt their profiles to market trends, Bollinger remains true to its powerful, structured identity. The high Pinot Noir proportion of typically 60-70% gives their champagnes this characteristic fullness and complexity.
I find Bollinger's use of reserve wines from magnum bottles instead of the usual steel tanks particularly remarkable. This traditional method contributes to the unmistakable texture and depth that distinguishes Bollinger champagnes.
How the Luxury Champagne Market is Evolving
The launch of Bollinger 2018 comes at an interesting time in the premium segment. While Dom Pérignon and Krug continuously drive prices upward, Bollinger cleverly positions itself as "accessible luxury" – luxurious enough for special occasions, but not so exclusive that it's only affordable for collectors.
I observe this strategy with great interest. In my experience, Bollinger often offers the best price-performance ratio in the premium vintage range. While a Dom Pérignon 2013 now sits at over 200 euros, Bollinger typically moves within a range that remains accessible even for dedicated champagne lovers.
What Does Climate Change Mean for Vintage Champagnes?
The 2018 vintage also illustrates a larger development in Champagne: the increasing frequency of warm, dry years. While previously only every 3-4 years produced a vintage year, we now see significantly more vintages suitable for vintage champagnes.
This brings both opportunities and challenges. On one hand, it enables houses like Bollinger to demonstrate their craftsmanship more frequently. On the other hand, it questions traditional notions of what makes an "exceptional" vintage.
My Assessment of Bollinger 2018
Without having tasted the champagne yet, I venture a prediction based on my experience with Bollinger and the 2018 vintage: This vintage should combine the classic Bollinger virtues – power, structure, and aging potential – with the elegance and freshness that warm years enable in modern Champagne production.
For collectors and champagne enthusiasts, I see Bollinger 2018 as a worthwhile investment. The combination of excellent vintage character, Bollinger's proven quality, and the presumably moderate pricing makes it an attractive addition to any champagne cellar.
Conclusion: A Vintage with Signal Effect
Bollinger 2018 stands symbolically for Champagne's new era: technical perfection paired with traditional awareness, in a time when climatic conditions are fundamentally changing. As a champagne lover, I look forward to following how this vintage develops in the coming years – and of course, to finally tasting it.