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 2011 Taittinger Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs is a notable Champagne blend produced by Taittinger in France's renowned Champagne region. This vintage, released in September 2021, has garnered considerable attention from wine critics, with scores ranging from 92 to 97 points.

James Suckling awarded it a high score of 97, describing it as "firm, fresh," with a "tight and composed palate." He noted its full-bodied nature, racy mid-palate, and long persistence, praising its structure, minerality, and floral notes (jamessuckling.com, 5/5/2021).

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate provided a more nuanced view with a score of 92. William Kelley remarked that the wine has "generated a certain amount of controversy," but found it to have tightened up with more time on the cork, showing a "structural backbone" and aromas of "crisp stone fruit, buttery pastry, freshly baked bread, and hints of fresh hazelnut." Kelley concluded that it’s "a genuine success in a challenging year" (Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate, 11/11/2022).

Decanter rated the 2011 Comtes de Champagne at 95, highlighting the surprises of the 2011 vintage. Despite the challenging growing conditions, the wine emerged "voluptuous and almost dense," with aromas blending "green apple and nectarine with floral notes and a hint of toast." The slightly lower dosage and fresh acidity bring balance and length (Decanter, 1/5/2022).

Wine Spectator’s review, scoring it 93, described it as a "minerally version," with "smoke and saline notes" meshed with flavors of "glazed apple, lemon-infused pastry cream, and marzipan." The texture is fine and creamy with good definition and a lightly toasty finish (Wine Spectator, 4/6/2022).

Jane Anson also awarded it 97 points, noting that it had "deepened and gathered complexity" over the past year. She highlighted pronounced "quince and brioche character," along with "smoked almonds and bright citrus." This Blanc de Blancs, sourced entirely from Grand Cru vineyards, spent 9 years on the lees and was disgorged in April 2021 with a dosage of 9 g/l (janeanson.com, 6/13/2023).

Jeb Dunnuck's review, scoring 93, noted its origins from all the Grand Crus of the Côte de Blancs except Oiry. Audrey Frick mentioned flavors of "toasted brioche, caramel apple, and a hint of saline," with a full palate and fine mousse, though she suggested it might be best for early drinking (jebdunnuck.com, 11/7/2022).