2008 Taittinger Brut Blanc de Blancs Comtes de Champagne

The legend of the 'Comtes de Champagne' (Counts of Champagne) from the 16th century is a beautiful story of a supposed reality, combined with the imagination and poetry of the narrator. Its relevance today is not so much due to its historical accuracy; it's more of an emotional story, with new adaptations thriving to this day. The flamboyant legend of Thibaud IV le Chansonnier is strongly linked to Taittinger's unique Comtes de Champagne blend.

The Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs is only made in the absolute top years, where these wines mature for an exceptionally long time and are among the legendary top wines from the Champagne region. The Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs is the finest example of the Taittinger House style and is always a vintage cuvée. It is made with 100% Chardonnay grapes from the 5 villages with a Grands Crus classification for the Chardonnay grape (Avize, Chouilly, Cramant, Oger, Mesnil-sur-Oger). The thousand-year-old chalk is present on the surface, creating a true oasis of water and warmth and giving this champagne its unique mineral character. This cuvée is made with only first pressing juice. A small percentage (5%) of the blend is aged in fresh oak barrels to create the very delicate balance of toasted notes in the final wine. Taittinger knows it has to be patient with these great Chardonnays, which are the crowning glory of its terroir; the Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs remain in the limestone quarries below Saint-Nicaise for a minimum of 10 years, before emerging to ignite and delight the taste buds of wine lovers.

The 2008 vintage is warm yet fresh - the perfect expression of the continental climate in Champagne. Comtes 2008 embodies the contrast in climate between sunshine and cool temperatures, giving an intense, crystal clear suggestion of the chalky terroir of the Côte des Blancs Grands Crus from which it originates. The winter was very long and cold with little rain. Spring was mild and damp with little sunshine. The Vines
bloomed in the first two weeks of June in fairly cool temperatures. The fruit matured slowly and steadily in equally cool temperatures with some periods of rain. The harvest took place in the sun from September 15 to October 10 in perfect condition, so full of freshness, tightness, purity, saltiness, refinement and aromatic precision. During the 12 years it has slowly matured in cellars.

A flow of delicate, lingering bubbles typical of Chardonnay with a light golden in the glass
color with a hint of green. His nose gives a true expression of the chalky soil from which the wine came with a delicate tightness. Aromas of pear, lime, white pepper and orange blossom combined with hints of licorice and lightly toasted notes. The attack on the palate is lively, with great aromatic refinement leading to a lingering minerality and tightness followed by a sensation of complex yet soft freshness.

Perfect for a special celebration, this champagne is the ideal match for seafood, shellfish or fish
appetizer. With an ideal serving temperature of 11 ° C, this cuvée surprises from the first sips with its
incredible youthfulness and its crystal clear, sleek texture.

The best 'Comtes' ever! 98 points from Robert Parker, 98+ points from Vinous and even 99 points from James Suckling. A monumental vintage of this prestigious cuvée!