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 2012 Taittinger Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs is a prestigious offering from the renowned Champagne house Taittinger, located in the Champagne region of France. This vintage is composed entirely of Chardonnay grapes sourced from Grand Cru vineyards, and it has received widespread acclaim from critics.

James Suckling awarded this wine an impressive 99 points, describing it as "fantastic and refined" with "lemon curd, chalk, hazelnuts, pastries, baked apples and almond croissants." He further praised its structure and "almost imperceptible bubbles," concluding with "delicious salty notes at the end" (jamessuckling.com, 12/5/2022).

Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate gave the wine 95+ points, noting its "demonstrative aromas of sweet golden orchard fruit, buttery croissants, peach and hazelnuts." The review highlighted its "rich, textural, vinous" profile and compared it to the brilliant 2002 vintage, suggesting it might improve with additional time in the bottle (10/6/2022).

Wine Spectator rated it 96 points, calling it a "gorgeous blond bombshell of a Champagne." The review emphasized its "roasted hazelnut, vanilla and smoke notes," coupled with "a vibrant acidity" and a "plush, silky mousse" (12/28/2022).

Decanter also awarded it 95 points, highlighting the wine’s "energy, depth and complexity" from the first whiff. The palate was described as "rich and full-bodied," with satisfying sapidity on the long finish. The reviewer recommended five to eight years of further cellaring for optimal enjoyment (11/14/2022).

Vinous praised the 2012 Comtes de Champagne as "gorgeous" and "warm and resonant," awarding it 96 points. The review noted the combination of "bright citrus, mineral and floral notes" and "light tropical accents on the finish" (5/1/2022).

Wine Enthusiast lauded the wine for its maturity and balance, describing it as "mature and beautifully textured" with minerality tempered by acidity and touches of white fruits. This publication also rated it 96 points (7/7/2023).

The Wine Independent awarded 96 points as well, appreciating the wine’s "rich and seductive" nose with ripe yellow apple, lemon tart, buttered warm brioche, and honeycomb. The palate was described as "ample and generous" with "spirited acidity and mouthwatering salinity" (11/8/2023).

Finally, Jeb Dunnuck also gave the wine 96 points, remarking on its "fantastic aromatic complexity" and "full-bodied" palate. The review highlighted the wine’s "refined and pillowy mousse" and praised its purity and balance, suggesting a wide drinking window (11/17/2023).

Overall, the 2012 Taittinger Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs is highly celebrated for its complexity, richness, and potential for further aging.