Taittinger 2008 Comtes de Champagne

Comtes de Champagne is a full, richly fruity Champagne that is usually delicious in its youth already. The 2008 has more focus, more structure, more precision and should be stored for a few more years. Taittinger select the best Grand Cru Chardonnay grapes from Avize, Mesnil, Cramant, Oger and Chouilly for Comtes de Champagne. About 5% are vinified in new oak barrels that create a layer of toasted bread and discrete vanilla under the lemon and exoctic fruit. It displays a deligthful counterpoint between rich fruit, full body and creamy texture on the one hand and with mineral freshness and harmonious acidity on the other. Unlike many Blanc de Blancs champagnes from great terroirs it shows no mineral harshness and pronounced acidity when young. After ten years on lees it displays a delightful harmony but will develop well for another ten years.

Antonio Galloni vinous.com  98 points 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.