2006 Taittinger Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs

Champagne Blend - 750ML
Reg: $259.94
$189.94
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REVIEWS

JS 96 WA 96 WE 95 WS 94 DC 92
JS 96

jamessuckling.com, January 2018

This is settling into a deeper presence. It has a freshness that really appeals, along with Taittinger's signature toasty layer of autolysis, grilled nuts and praline. Plenty of flesh and weight on the palate. Acidity...
WA 96

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, June 2018

Tasted almost two years after disgorgement, the 2006 Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs shows a beautiful golden-citrus color and opens with a fascinating intense, floral, slightly reductive nose that develops enormously...
WE 95

Wine Enthusiast, December 2015

Taittinger's prestige cuvée epitomizes the Chardonnay predilection of this producer. This now-mature bottling is elegant and very stylish. Toast and a soft texture combine with great complexity to reveal a wine that is...
WS 94

Wine Spectator, November 2015

A vivacious Champagne, with fine integration of the racy acidity and chalky bead, rich mineral character and creamy palate of glazed apricot, ground anise, biscuit and passion fruit flavors. Offers a firm, focused finish...
DC 92

Decanter, November 2018

A mute, closed nose, but this is better on the palate, showing nicely evolved richness, subtle toast and autolytic notes, as well as stone fruits and citrus. It has cool, fresh acidity and good complexity, with impressive...

WINE DETAILS

Color & Type Sparkling
Varietal Champagne Blend
Country France
Region Champagne
Vintage 2006
Size 750ML
Percent alcohol 12.5%
Closure Cork

In 1932, Pierre Taittinger, captivated by the Champagne region and by Chateau de la Marquetterie, developed a champagne business with his brother-in-law Paul Eveque. His son Francois took the torch 13 years later, making improvements to both the cellars and the vineyards. Step by step, he established the Taittinger brand as one of the great Champagne houses, known for its Chardonnay-dominant cuvees and in particular, the prestigious Comtes de Champagne.

Taittinger was sold to US investment group Starwood in 2005, but was bought back by the family a year later. Today, Pierre-Emmanuel Taittinger has built a team to embark on a new adventure in the spirit of conquest and continuity, including the production of sparkling wine in the English region of Kent.

The Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs, Champagne Taittinger’s most rare and precious cuvee, was created as a tribute to the Counts (or “Comtes”) of Champagne who ruled over the Saint-Nicaise Abbey and to Thibauld IV in particular. The blend is derived solely from Chardonnay grapes from the highest ranked crus of the Cote des Blancs, the most prestigious source of Chardonnay in Champagne.

Produced only when the harvest is exceptional quality worthy of a vintage year, and only from the first press, Comtes de Champagne is a study in finesse. Since its first cuvee in 1952, just 30 vintages have been deemed worthy of bottling.

The 2006 Taittinger Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs is a truly exceptional wine, showcasing the elegance and finesse that Champagne is renowned for. Produced by the esteemed house of Taittinger, this Blanc de Blancs is a blend of Chardonnay grapes sourced from the prestigious Côte de Blancs region in Champagne, France.

In the glass, this wine exhibits a beautiful golden-citrus color, which is a testament to its maturity and quality. The nose is immediately captivating, with intense floral notes and a hint of reductive character. As the wine breathes, it opens up to reveal enticing aromas of lemon, lemon confit, crushed chalk, and a distinct iodine quality reminiscent of the nearby Atlantic Ocean. The bouquet is utterly complex and promising, showcasing the winemaker's expertise and attention to detail.

On the palate, the 2006 Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs is simultaneously fresh, rich, and intense. The purity of the Chardonnay grapes shines through, while the concentration of perfectly ripe fruit adds depth and complexity. The suppleness of the 2006 vintage is evident, contributing to the wine's impeccable balance and high tension. Although the wine is still tight and on its way to reaching its full potential, there are already hints of aromatic ripeness that bode well for its future development.

The finish is tensioned, concentrated, and mineral-driven, leaving a lasting impression on the palate. This wine has the potential to age gracefully, and it is recommended to cellar it for a few more years to allow its flavors to fully integrate and evolve. However, if you can't resist the temptation, it is also enjoyable to drink now, especially when paired with delicate seafood dishes or creamy cheeses.

Renowned wine critics have bestowed high praise upon the 2006 Taittinger Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs. Robert Parker's Wine Advocate awarded it an impressive score of 96 points, describing it as an "utterly complex and promising bouquet." Wine Spectator awarded it 94 points, highlighting its vivacity and rich mineral character. Wine Enthusiast gave it 95 points, praising its elegance and stylishness. James Suckling also awarded it 96 points, remarking on its freshness and toasty layers. Decanter scored it 92 points, commending its evolution and complexity.

In conclusion, the 2006 Taittinger Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs is a remarkable wine that exemplifies the best of Champagne. With its stunning aromatics, impeccable balance, and potential for aging, this Blanc de Blancs is a true gem that will delight wine enthusiasts for years to come.