Best Buy: Champagne 2017

: Wines from this year are generally more "heterogeneous" and soft rather than powerful, making them better for immediate drinking rather than long-term cellaring. Value Alternatives (Non-Vintage)

: Chardonnay was uniformly good across the region.

Because 2017 was not a universally declared vintage for all houses, many of the year's best grapes were blended into high-quality bottles, which often offer better value for money. 2017 Wine Vintage Report, Champagne best buy champagne 2017

: Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier suffered from rot (botrytis), making careful sorting essential for quality results.

: A structure-heavy wine where the Pinot Noir influence provides richness while acidity maintains freshness. : Wines from this year are generally more

: A mineral-focused Extra Brut from Grand Cru parcels that showcases the "racy profile" typical of the year's successful Chardonnay crops.

: A highly-rated choice from this vintage, known for its "berries and cream" profile. It has received strong critic scores of 93/100 and remains a standout for its balance despite the year's difficulties. 2017 Wine Vintage Report, Champagne : Pinot Noir

: A Blanc de Blancs that highlights the purity of Chardonnay with significant vivacity and freshness.