An article on the American wine critic James Suckling & his best reviewed Champagnes ever. [read the full champagne story]
Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
100-Point Champagnes: Icons & Legends by James Suckling and His Tasting Team
Champagne, a sparkling testament to the art of winemaking, occupies a special place in the pantheon of wines. Among the critics who have elevated Champagne to its iconic status, James Suckling and his esteemed tasting team are noteworthy. Their evaluations and 100-point ratings spotlight the finest expressions of this effervescent wine, offering a roadmap to the pinnacle of Champagne excellence.
The 100-Point System: A Benchmark of Quality
James Suckling, a globally recognized wine critic, employs a 100-point scale to assess wines, including Champagnes. This system categorizes wines into ranges that indicate quality, craftsmanship, and overall excellence:
• 95-100 points: Exceptional wines of profound complexity, balance, and character. A score in this range denotes a must-buy Champagne.
• 90-94 points: Outstanding wines that showcase precision, elegance, and vibrancy.
• 85-89 points: Very good wines with distinctive traits and high drinkability.
A perfect 100-point score is a rare accolade, reserved for Champagnes that embody perfection in balance, depth, aroma, texture, and finish. For Suckling and his team, a 100-point Champagne is not just a beverage but an experience that transcends time and place.
Icons & Legends: The Champagnes That Achieved Perfection
Over the years, Suckling and his team have encountered numerous Champagnes that stand as icons in the world of wine. Some of these include legendary names and vintages that resonate deeply with collectors and enthusiasts alike:
1. Krug Clos du Mesnil 2008
TASTING NOTE JAMES SUCKLING ‘The singularity of Krug Clos du Mesnil is undeniable. Sourced from a single vineyard in the village of Mesnil-sur-Oger, this Champagne achieves extraordinary precision and elegance. The 1985 vintage received a perfect score for its laser-sharp minerality, exquisite finesse, and breathtaking length.’
2. Louis Roederer Cristal Vinothèque Rosé 2002
TASTING NOTE JAMES SUCKLING ‘The best way I can covey what it feels like to experience this truly extraordinary rosé champagne is to say that it tastes like a mature vintage Romanée-Saint-Vivant Grand Cru – a red Burgundy! – with very fine bubbles and an acidity that gives it a weightless delicacy, it’s impossible to resist. After a bit of aeration there’s also a note of teriyaki sauce which makes this even more special. Tasted from Jeroboam at the Cristal vertical tasting at the champagne house on July 6th, 2023.’
3. Salon Blanc de Blancs Le Mesnil 2002
TASTING NOTE JAMES SUCKLING ‘Salon’s philosophy of crafting Blanc de Blancs from Chardonnay in Le Mesnil-sur-Oger results in some of the most collectible Champagnes in history. The 2002 vintage earned its 100-point score for its exceptional structure, depth, and potential to age gracefully for decades.’
4. Taittinger Comtes de Champagne 2008
TASTING NOTE JAMES SUCKLING ‘The perfect blanc de blancs. Full-bodied with a lovely framework of acidity and dry fruit, such as apples, pears and peaches. Opulent. Dense and muscular. Yet, it’s balanced and harmonious. Line of acidity at the end. Totally in tune. Superb. Deep and complete. Has everything. One for the cellar. It is the greatest Comte ever. It has everything. A perfect upgrade from two years ago. Drink or hold.’
5. Laurent-Perrier Grand Siècle Iteration No. 26
TASTING NOTE JAMES SUCKLING ‘Blending exceptional vintages to create harmony, Laurent-Perrier’s Grand Siècle Iteration No. 26 is a masterpiece. Its balance of freshness, complexity, and energy makes it a modern legend, earning high praise from Suckling’s team.’
| POSITION | VINTAGE | CHAMPAGNE | JS | RJ |
| 1 | 1985 | Krug Clos du Mesnil | 100 | 99 |
| 2 | 2002 | Louis Roederer Cristal Vinothèque Rosé | 100 | 98 |
| 3 | mv | Laurent-Perrier Grand Siècle Les Réserves N.20 | 100 | 98 |
| 4 | 1996 | Louis Roederer Cristal Vinothèque Rosé | 100 | 98 |
| 5 | 1996 | Dom Pérignon Oenotheque | 100 | 97 |
| 6 | mv | Laurent-Perrier Grand Siècle Grande Cuvée N.26 | 100 | 97 |
| 7 | 2008 | Louis Roederer Cristal | 100 | 97 |
| 8 | 2008 | Taittinger Comtes de Champagne | 100 | 97 |
| 9 | 1995 | Louis Roederer Cristal Vinothèque Rosé | 100 | 97 |
| 10 | 2002 | Krug | 100 | 97 |
| 11 | 2008 | Krug | 100 | 96 |
| 12 | 2002 | Billecart-Salmon Le Clos St.-Hilaire Brut | 100 | 96 |
| 13 | 2002 | Salon | 100 | 96 |
| 14 | 2003 | Billecart-Salmon Le Clos St.-Hilaire Brut | 100 | 95 |
| 15 | 2008 | Jacquesson Dizy Corne Bautry | 100 | 94 |
| 16 | 2012 | Henri Giraud Argonne Rosé | 100 | – |
Suckling’s Approach to Champagne Tasting
The process of evaluating Champagne at JamesSuckling.com is a meticulous endeavor:
1. Blind Tastings: Champagnes are tasted blind to ensure objectivity and fairness. This allows each wine to be judged solely on its merits.
2. Comprehensive Notes: Detailed tasting notes accompany each score, capturing nuances of aroma, flavor, texture, and finish.
3. Focus on Expression: A perfect score emphasizes a Champagne’s ability to express its terroir, vintage character, and craftsmanship.
Suckling’s team, including experienced tasters with decades of expertise, contributes to a collaborative process that upholds the integrity of their ratings.
Why 100-Point Champagnes Matter
A 100-point score is more than a number—it signifies a Champagne that transcends expectations and leaves a lasting impression. These scores guide collectors, investors, and enthusiasts in identifying wines that offer unparalleled experiences and long-term value.
Moreover, the recognition helps Champagne houses cement their legacy and maintain their commitment to excellence. These wines often become benchmarks for the industry, inspiring future generations of winemakers.
The Legacy of James Suckling’s Ratings
James Suckling’s 100-point Champagnes are icons and legends that represent the zenith of sparkling wine artistry. From the timeless elegance of Krug and Dom Pérignon to the rarity of Salon and Bollinger, these wines are treasures for those who seek the extraordinary.
As Champagne continues to captivate the hearts of wine lovers worldwide, the legacy of these perfect scores serves as a testament to the enduring allure of this sparkling masterpiece. Whether enjoyed in celebration or savored in quiet reflection, a 100-point Champagne is a reminder of life’s finest pleasures.
