Personal advice
Comtes de Champagne is always seductive even in its youth. The 2008 Comtes de Champagne, however, has even more minerality and structure. For this reason, it is better to wait a little longer. It is already impressive but still somewhat firm on the palate and aromatically rather undeveloped. Even the 2012 and 2013 vintages are drinking better today — and of course so are 2000, 2002, 2004, 2005 and 2006. With a bit of patience, however, it will evolve into one of the truly great Comtes de Champagne vintages.
Nevertheless, it has enormous potential to justify the near-perfect scores it is expected to receive in the coming years.
The 2008 vintage in Champagne was marked by a cool, wet spring with some frost damage, followed by a warm but fresh summer and autumn. Ripening proceeded slowly and evenly, resulting in highly concentrated grapes with exceptional acid structure — particularly ideal for Blanc de Blancs. Small berries, perfect acid retention and tremendous tension define this classic, long-lived vintage.
Currently the 2008 shows taut, mineral precision with citrus, green apple and fine chalk. With further ageing, toast, brioche, hazelnut and balsamic nuances will emerge. The firm structure and nervy acidity will gradually soften into creamy richness, while the mousse becomes finer and the finish longer. This controlled, precise evolution is characteristic of the greatest Comtes vintages and promises a long, magnificent drinking plateau.
→ All details about Comtes de Champagne: vintages, production & history
A glance at the Alfavin cellar
A glance at the Alfavin cellar
A glance at the Alfavin Cellar