Wine Advisor
Taittinger, Comtes de Champagne Brut Rose 2003
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Description
Taittinger Comtes de Champagne Brut Rose cuvée, which is always a vintage, is only made when the year has been exceptional and all the demanding quality criteria have been met. It is made from 30% Chardonnay Grands Crus from the prestigious Côte des Blancs region and 70% Pinot Noir from the Grands Crus from the Montagne de Reims region. The Comtes de Champagne Rosé owes the secret of its uniqueness to the 15% of still red wine which is added to the blend. It is the Champagne House’s most rare cuvée. Its fruity character and smooth, caressing taste make it a delicious luxury to only be enjoyed in small sips. Another legend, Rudolph Noureev, said, “When I drink Comtes de Champagne rosé, I no longer dance, I fly...”
Tasting notes
Reviewed by: Antonio Galloni
The 2003 Rose Comtes de Champagne flows from the glass with layers of sweet, perfumed fruit. With some time in the glass, the wine fills out with superb elegance and precision. This generous, weighty Champagne is probably best enjoyed with food. As delicious as this is today, I would be tempted to age a few bottles in the cellar. Only the price is an obstacle. In 2003 the Comtes de Champagne Rose is 70% Pinot Noir from Montagne de Reims, which includes 12% still Pinot juice, and 30% Chardonnay from Cotes des Blancs, all from grand cru villages. This is Lot: L7377WA01600, disgorged November 19, 2007 Anticipated maturity: 2010-2020. Taittinger is one of Champagne’s historic houses. The estate is best known for its Blanc de Blancs Comtes de Champagne, a wine that has a strong track record of developing beautifully in bottle, often for several decades after release. While a few bottles in the range aren’t quite up to par, in aggregate this is an impressive showing for a house of this scale. Importer: Kobrand Corp., Purchase, NY; tel. (914) 253-7756
Reviewed by: Antonio Galloni
Initially quite reticent, the 2003 Comtes de Champagne Rosé need a lot of air to open up, which is frankly a bit of a surprise, given the extremely warm vintage. Dried rose petals, and sweet red berry fruit are the signatures. Overall, the 2003 Comtes Rosé is a bit light and lacks the structure of the best wines. It is best enjoyed over the next decade or so. Readers should plan on giving the 2003 a good bit of air. This is an unusual vintage for Taittinger, as there is no Comtes the Champagne Blanc, the result of a crippling April frost that took with it 90% of the Chardonnay production. Because of the scorching hot summer, all the fruit was harvested in August.
Reviewed by: Antonio Galloni
The 2003 Rosé Comtes de Champagne flows from the glass with layers of sweet, perfumed fruit. With some time in the glass, the wine fills out with superb elegance and precision. This generous, weighty Champagne is probably best enjoyed with food. As delicious as this is today, I would be tempted to age a few bottles in the cellar. Only the price is an obstacle here. In 2003 the Comtes de Champagne Rosé is 70% Pinot Noir from Montagne de Reims, which includes 12% still Pinot juice, and 30% Chardonnay from Côtes des Blancs, all from grand cru villages. This is Lot: L7377WA01600, disgorged November 19, 2007
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.
