The Champagnes were of course blind tasted to allow for objective comparison and once again, we had Jancis Robinson MW presenting this world-class tasting experience. The format of the evening was to taste everything in pairs, with Jancis sharing her thoughts on each pair with guests then live voting – scoring each Champagne and attempting to guess their identity.
We filmed the event and the full coverage is available above. Alternatively, you can watch shorter clips of Jancis’ analysis of each pair below; just click on the image or follow the link beneath.
The 15 Champagnes we tasted in blind pairs were:
Bollinger R.D. 2002
Dom Pérignon 2002
Dom Ruinart Blanc de Blancs 2002
Gosset Celebris Extra Brut 2002
Jacques Selosse 2002
Krug 2002
Lanson Noble Cuvée Blanc de Blancs 2002
Louis Roederer Cristal 2002
Perrier Jouët Belle Epoque Blanc de Blancs 2002
Philipponnat Clos des Goisses 2002
Pol Roger Brut Vintage 2002 Magnum
Pol Roger Sir Winston Churchill 2002
Pommery Cuvée Louise 2002
Salon Le Mesnil Blanc de Blancs 2002
Taittinger Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs 2002
First Pair: Perrier Jouët Belle Epoque Blanc de Blancs 2002 & Dom Ruinart Blanc de Blancs 2002
Jancis introduces the concept of a blind tasting and provides an introduction to the 2002 vintage as a whole. The room then tastes the first flight of two Champagnes, and after some discussion guests casts their votes on their identity. We then take a look at the data gathered before the Champagnes are revealed.
Watch Part 1 here.
During Part 2, guests are served Taittinger and Jacques Selosse blind. This time Jancis correctly identifies them both and discusses her views on when Selosse should be served and her experience of tasting with Anselme Selosse in New York.
Watch Part 2 here.
Third Pair: Lanson Noble Cuvée Blanc de Blancs 2002 & Salon Le Mesnil Blanc de Blancs 2002
Jancis answer some questions from the floor regarding the alcoholic content of the 2002 vintage. The room then discusses the third pair of Champagnes (with more than a little confusion over Number 6), which are revealed to be Lanson and Salon.
Watch Part 3 here.
Fourth Pair: Dom Pérignon 2002 & Pol Roger Brut Vintage 2002 Magnum
Guests taste the fourth flight of Champagnes. Everyone is surprised everyone when they are revealed to be Dom Pérignon and Pol Roger Brut Vintage (from magnum). A great showing from Pol, the only ‘regular’ (non-prestige cuvée) vintage in the tasting.
Watch Part 4 here.
The fifth pair cause Jancis some doubt. After punting for Bollinger and Pommery, Jancis announces that Champagnes 9 and 10 are actually Gosset and Pol Roger Sir Winston Churchill. Still no sign of the elusive Pommery that everyone believes they keep tasting!
Watch Part 5 here.
Sixth Pair: Philipponnat Clos des Goisses 2002 & Krug 2002
Next up is Philipponnat and Krug. This pairs stumps everyone with Jancis describing number 11 as, “a wildcard in general”. An elusive pair as only TFB’s Nick Baker correctly identifies Krug 2002!
Watch Part 6 here.
Seventh Pair: Louis Roederer Cristal 2002, Bollinger R.D. 2002 & Pommery Cuvée Louise 2002
The final flight of three Champagnes are presented: Cristal, Bollinger and Pommery (finally!). Jancis then discusses the overall scores on the evening and announces that Bollinger R.D. 2002 received the highest average rating.
Watch Part 7 here.
