2005 VINTAGE IN CHAMPAGNE

Unlike 2002 and 2004 which were universally heralded, 2005 in Champagne was generally approachable. A mild spring but ideal ripening weather during harvest saw good conditions for most producers, though wine critic Jancis Robinson notes acidity is on the low side.

Chardonnays generally fared better, with firstrate Pinot Noir from Grand Cru sites that were able to fully ripen.