Taittinger 2008 Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blanc

• A truly great Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs.
• Still needs time; today, 2000, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2012, and 2013 are drinking better 

Comtes de Champagne has always been seductive when young, but the 2008 Comtes de Champagne has more minerality and structure, which influence the drinking experience in its youth. That's why we wouldn't drink it today. It is impressive, but still a little firm on the palate and not very developed aromatically. Even the 2012 and 2013 vintages are better today, as are, of course, the 2000, 2002, 2004, 2005, and 2006 vintages. However, with a little patience, it will develop into one of the great Comtes de Champagne.

Comtes is the first great Blanc de Blancs cuvée from Champagne, with the exception of Salon, which was already available in small quantities. The 1952 Comtes de Champagne was launched in the 1960s. It is named after Thibault IV, Comte de Champagne. Comtes is extremely durable. All Comtes ever produced are still impressive today, provided they have been stored perfectly. Unlike the classic Salon or Clos du Mesnil, however, Comtes de Champagne does not need to be stored for long. Even when young, it is a delight with its aromas of lemon, exotic fruits and toast.

98 Antonio Galloni vinous.com The 2008 Comtes de Champagne is every bit as stunning as it has always been. The first signs of aromatic complexity are starting to appear, while there is a bit less of the youthful austerity that was present at the outset. It will be interesting to see how the 2018 continues to develop. It is certainly not the austere, bracing Champagne it was a few years ago. Hints of apricot, slate, mint, crushed rocks and light tropical accents build into the salivating finish.

750 mL

12.5

Champagne

Chardonnay

Sulphites

• Brut

France

Taittinger, 9, Place Saint-Nicaise, 51000 Reims, France