Wine Advisor
Taittinger, Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs Brut 1996
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Description
In 1952, the Taittinger Champagne House created the Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs - its most exclusive and premium cuvée - in honour of the Comtes de Champagne and in particular Thibaud IV, whose seal proudly adorns every bottle of Taittinger. It is made only with Chardonnay grapes from the Grands Crus of the Côte des Blancs region, including the villages of Avize, Cramant, Chouilly, Mesnil-sur-Oger and Oger, which all have a renowned soil quality for this particular variety in the region. "Small Quantity, Premium Quality" Taittinger’s own criteria govern the production of the Comtes de Champagne putting an emphasis on quality rather than quantity.
Tasting notes
Reviewed by: Antonio Galloni
Vinous readers are well aware of how much I like Taittinger’s Comtes de Champagne. The 1996 is in a perfect place right now, where it has mellowed nicely in middle age, while retaining plenty of energy. I am not sure it is going to improve meaningfully however, so I would be thinking about drinking any remaining bottles over the next decade or so.
Reviewed by: Antonio Galloni
Taittinger’s 1996 Comtes de Champagne is another highlight. The flavors are only now beginning to show elements of complexity, a great sign for aging. Gently spiced and buttery notes suggest the 1996 is about to enter the early part of its maturity, where it is likely to stay for another decade or so.
Reviewed by: Antonio Galloni
The 1996 Comtes de Champagne is awesome, but it, too, is all about potential, and there is no shortage of it here. Austere and very youthful, the 1996 is dominated by bright, piercing acidity and formidable structure. Readers who can wait will be rewarded with a magical bottle of Champagne, but today patience is the word.
Reviewed by: Josh Raynolds
Green-gold. Vibrant, youthful, precise aromas of green apple, Meyer lemon and dusty citrus zest. Racy and taut on the palate, with a strong mousse and impressive focus and concentration to the tangy apple and citrus flavors. Juicy, palate-staining finish of striking purity. This is clearly an outstanding Champagne but needs some more time in bottle.
About the Producer
A Great Champagne House, which has quickly established itself as one of the most prestigious in the region, Taittinger is founded upon exceptional cuvees from the greatest terroirs of Champagne. The history of the Taittinger Champagne House begins at the beginning of the 20th century. Taittinger developed his brand’s identity gradually, building its identity upon a daring and innovative style. In 1932, Taittinger became one of the most important references among the great Champagne Houses. The noble Chardonnay became the emblematic grape variety of the House, producing brilliant wines full of finesse, elegance and an ethereal lightness. Since 2006, Pierre-Emmanuel Taittinger, along with his daughter Vitalie and his son Clovis, has been at the helm of the business started by his ancestors. Thanks to the great commitment of a united and dedicated family, Taittinger has maintained a winning spirit and a certain consistency of style, marking this beautiful Champagne House. The Taittinger Champagne House boasts a wealth of very precious and rare vineyards. In order to preserve the invaluable genetic heritage that is the signature of the Taittinger brand, the estate has chosen mass selection for more than 90% of its vines. In addition to Pinot Noir (48%) and Pinot Meunier (15%), a pride of place is given to Chardonnay (37%), the variety that leaves its print most significantly on the cuvées of the House.
