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 2013 Taittinger Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs is a notable offering from the Champagne region in France. This white champagne blend, produced by Taittinger, is made from 100% Chardonnay grapes sourced from the Côte des Blancs grand cru villages. With an alcohol content of 12.5%, it is recognized for its finesse and longevity.

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate awarded it a score of 96, highlighting its "compellingly fresh and minty" bouquet with aromas of pear, apple, marzipan, and sweet spices. The review notes its high acidity, structured palate, and delicate mousse, suggesting it will develop well over several decades (Yohan Castaing, 9/29/2023).

Vinous' Antonio Galloni was even more enthusiastic, giving it a score of 98. He described it as "a towering Champagne" with a mix of tropical fruit, apricot, passion fruit, baked apple tart, mint, and yellow flowers. Galloni emphasized its rich and explosive character, calling it "one of the most explosive, extroverted Comtes" he has ever tasted (3/26/2024).

James Suckling also rated it 98, noting its "nervy and tight" profile with hints of crushed almonds, chalk, white grapefruit, digestive biscuits, lemons, and apricot stones. He praised its deep mineral quality and very fine bubbles, recommending consumption after 2024 (8/7/2023).

Wine Enthusiast's Roger Voss echoed the high praise with another 98 score, describing it as a "beautiful Chardonnay" with a texture that remains "impressively perfumed" and hints of toastiness. Voss noted its concentration and potential for longevity, suggesting it can be enjoyed now or up to 2027 (12/31/2023).

Decanter's review, scoring it 96, remarked on its "cool and a little inscrutable" nature upon release, with flavors of green mandarin, dried apple, white peach, and croissant dough. The review highlighted its serene texture and gliding mousse, advising patience for the initial sweet citrus to develop into more complex flavors (10/1/2023).

The Wine Independent's Sarah Mayo gave it a 95, commending its finesse and vibrant acidity. She described it as mineral-rich and taut, with notes of ripe citrus, poached nashi pear, butter wafers, and crème fraiche, projecting it will evolve beautifully over the next 15+ years (9/22/2023).

In summary, the 2013 Taittinger Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs is a highly acclaimed champagne known for its finesse, complexity, and potential for aging, consistently receiving excellent reviews from top critics.