As 2024 draws to a close, the Champagne world has once again revealed the crème de la crème of sparkling wines.
Although there are few surprises among the top names, the rankings are still fascinating to explore, with the legendary houses of Champagne continuing to shine. These rankings, compiled from a combination of critic reviews and their scores, offer an insight into the evolving world of Champagne. While scores might appear close at first glance, they come with subtle nuances in weighting based on critic reputation, influence, and the number of reviews — with more reviews often enhancing a wine’s standing.
So, let's dive into this year's list of the best Champagnes by Wine-Searcher, starting with the undisputed leader.
1. Krug Clos du Mesnil Blanc de Blancs Brut
Topping the list for 2024 is Krug with its Clos du Mesnil Blanc de Blancs Brut. Krug is one of Champagne's most prestigious houses, with roots dating back to 1843. Founded by Joseph Krug, a German-born visionary who initially worked under Jacquesson (one of Champagne’s most revered producers at the time), Krug pioneered the concept of creating premium wines from a reserve of wines vinified by the growers themselves.
Clos du Mesnil is a single-vineyard Champagne, produced exclusively from the 1.84-hectare walled vineyard in the heart of Mesnil-sur-Oger, one of Champagne's key Chardonnay villages. The wine has an aggregated score of 96 points. It was initially priced at USD 951 in 2015 but now commands around USD 2110 per bottle.
2. Krug Vintage Brut
Second place also goes to Krug, with its Vintage Brut. As its name suggests, this wine is a blend of the most expressive wines from a single year, aged for at least a decade. The character of each Vintage Brut varies widely from year to year, reflecting the growing season’s unique identity. While the 1988 vintage was known for its elegance, the 2008 vintage was marked by its "classic beauty."
With an aggregated score of 96 points, Krug Vintage Brut had an average price of USD 294 in 2015 and is now valued at USD 552.
3. Krug Clos d'Ambonnay Blanc de Noirs Brut
Krug continues its dominance with its Clos d'Ambonnay Blanc de Noirs Brut, which takes the third spot. Produced from a tiny 0.68-hectare plot in Ambonnay, a village renowned for its Pinot Noir, this wine exemplifies Krug’s ability to craft diverse expressions of Champagne. Its score of 96 points has helped it rise in price from USD 2348 in 2015 to USD 3147 today.
4. Salon Cuvee 'S' Le Mesnil Blanc de Blancs Brut
Salon is a unique Champagne house, focusing exclusively on one perfect wine — a Chardonnay Blanc de Blancs from the village of Le Mesnil-sur-Oger. Founded by Eugène-Aimé Salon, the house's philosophy centered around the belief that Pinot Noir was too dominant. This cuvée has captured the critics’ attention, with an aggregated score of 96 points. Its price has soared from USD 407 in 2015 to USD 1289.
5. Jacques Selosse Millesime
Jacques Selosse is renowned for its innovative use of the Solera system, a technique more commonly associated with Sherry. This technique, combined with fermenting in old oak casks instead of stainless steel tanks, makes the Millesime a standout. The estate's profile skyrocketed under the leadership of Anselme Selosse, who emphasized Champagne’s terroir. With a score of 95 points, the Millesime's price has climbed from USD 549 in 2015 to a substantial USD 2393.
6. Dom Pérignon P3 Plénitude Brut
Dom Pérignon’s P3 Plénitude Brut lands in sixth place, a wine aged for between 30 and 40 years. This vintage is produced in limited quantities, contributing to its elevated price point. Dom Pérignon's history traces back to the Abbey of Saint Pierre d'Hautvillers, where the Benedictine monk Dom Pierre Pérignon is credited with Champagne’s second fermentation method. The P3 Plénitude Brut has a score of 96 points and now commands USD 4697, more than double its 2015 price of USD 1754.
7. Krug Collection Brut
The Krug Collection Brut, another creation from the renowned house, takes the seventh position. These exceptional bottles of Krug Vintage are further aged in the house’s cellars before being released as Krug Collection. With a score of 95 points, the price has risen from USD 892 in 2015 to USD 1491.
8. Louis Roederer Cristal Millesime Brut
A Champagne house with a legacy dating back to 1776, Louis Roederer’s Cristal became the Champagne of choice for the Russian royal family. Composed of 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay, Cristal is known for its elegance and power. The 2015 price of USD 241 has climbed to USD 350, with a score of 95 points.
9. Dom Pérignon P2 Plénitude Brut
Aged for about 15 years, Dom Pérignon’s P2 Plénitude Brut offers a more mature expression compared to its regular vintage. With a score of 95 points, the P2’s price has risen from USD 347 in 2015 to USD 498.
10. Champagne Bollinger Vieilles Vignes Francaises Blanc de Noirs
Rounding out the top 10 is Champagne Bollinger's Vieilles Vignes Francaises Blanc de Noirs. Known for its muscular Pinot Noir expressions, Bollinger’s Vieilles Vignes Francaises is made from ungrafted vines and is one of the most highly regarded Pinot Noir-driven Champagnes. The price has increased significantly, from USD 711 in 2015 to USD 1560, and the wine earned an aggregated score of 96 points.
Conclusion
The top 10 Champagnes of 2024 reflect the mastery of some of the world’s most celebrated Champagne houses. From Krug’s unparalleled range to Salon’s exclusive Blanc de Blancs and the innovative approaches of Jacques Selosse and Dom Pérignon, these wines represent the very best in sparkling wine craftsmanship. With high prices reflective of their quality and limited availability, these Champagnes offer a rare taste of luxury and an unforgettable way to ring in 2025.
Source: Wine-Searcher