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Champagne 1989

As with many other regions of France, Champagne enjoyed three successful vintages in a row with the run of 1998 - 1989 - 1990 harvests. Conditions in 1989 had been excellent, and many expected the wines to be superior to the 1988s, although it may in truth be the reverse that is true.

Not all houses made a 1989 vintage wine. When the time came to make the decision, the 1990 vintage had been and gone, and the harvested grapes were clearly of superior quality to both 1988 and 1989. As many had already made a 1988, some elected to make a 1990 and keep the produce of the 1989 vintage for other purposes - namely as base material for the all important non-vintage cuvée.

Fortunately many excellent wines were produced. The vintage was notable for Henri Krug taking the unprecedented step of allowing a group of wine hacks to taste the Krug vintage from barrel soon after harvest - clearly here was a winemaker with something to show off! (26/6/00)

Champagne 1989 - Tasting Notes

Tasted in June 2000. Click to locate stockists:

Henri Harlin 1989: A yeasty nose. A pleasant, light, lemony-citrus marzipan palate. Short length. Refreshing, although not really vintage quality. 15/20

Pommery 1989: Very yeasty, and biscuity, on the nose. A richer, biscuity palate, with fresh appley acidity. Quite a creamy mousse. 16.5/20

Lanson Gold Label Brut 1989: An overpowering yeasty and nutty nose. On the palate it is biscuity, yeasty, with pleasant citrus-lemon acidity. Quite dry. Good length. 16/20

Veuve Clicquot 1989: A fresh, yeasty nose - very good. The palate has too much sharp lemony acidity, with biscuity notes. Nevertheless, a creamy finish. Would be better with food. 14/20

Mumm Cordon Rouge 1989: A good, yeasty and biscuity nose. The palate has lovely marzipan, nutty flavours, with good acidity. Soft mousse. Delightful. 16/20

Bonnet 1989: A darker hue. A lovely biscuit and brioche nose. Creamy, nutty, biscuity fruitcake complexities on the palate. Well balanced. Lovely finish, good length. 17/20

Perrier-Jouët 1989: A good, biscuity, honeyed brioche nose. Quite marked acidity on the palate, but with plenty of rich flavour. Pleasant finish. 16/20

Bollinger Grande Année 1989: Another honeyed nose. A rich, honey and biscuit palate. Again quite dominate by the acidity, but with a good mousse and balancing rich flavours. 17.5/20

Henriot 1989: A rich and yeasty, almost peaty nose, leading into a soft and rich palate, with a good mousse. Good acidity. Nutty. Finishes well. 17/20