2014 is one of the newest releases of Taittinger's prestige cuvée, Comtes de Champagne, a Blanc de Blancs figurehead created in 1952, drawn exclusively from five Côte des Blancs grands crus (Avize, Chouilly, Cramant, Oger, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger) and produced only in excellent vintages from first-press juice, with a small fraction raised in fresh oak to build texture before an extended rest in the very deep chalk cellars. Chardonnay is the standout for Champagne in 2014, delivering energy over opulence—plays straight into the house style: taut yet creamy, with a dosage that balances the vintage's bright acids and, classic, fine boned nature. In the glass, it's focused and detailed, showing lemon oil, white peach, and pear layered with lime blossom, almond, and discreet brioche; While the palate is linear but deep with chalky drive and saline length, finishing long and precise. A reference-point Blanc de Blancs that's compelling now with air but built for 10–20 years of graceful development, Galloni calls this a mini 2008, and the potential here is outstanding. It's most certainly one to check out, especially for fans of Taittinger and Blanc de Blancs, and is one of the wines of the vintage for Blanc de Blancs Champagne!
Antonio Galloni 97 points! "The 2014 Comtes de Champagne is pristine. In this tasting, it comes across as a mini-2008, similar in its linear personality, with just a touch more mid-palate creaminess. Readers will find a Comtes that plays in the realm of tension and energy. Citrus confit, white flowers, chalk, mint and chamomile are all finely sketched. Light tropical overtones grace the finish. What an absolute delight. The 2014 can be enjoyed now or cellared. Dosage is 9 grams per liter. (Drink between 2026-2044)"
Wine Advocate 97 points! "Closed in style and character like the 2013, Taittinger's 2014 Brut Blanc de Blancs Comtes de Champagne reveals aromas of ripe orchard fruit, confit citrus, dried flowers, herbs, spring blossoms and mirabelle mingled with customary autolytic notes. Full-bodied, seamless and enrobing, it has a delicate, elegant, fleshy core of fruit and racy acids, all enhanced by a saline, fresh and penetrating finish marked by finesse and elegance. This refined, chalky-inflected Comtes de Champagne has the potential to age gracefully over the next 30-40 years."
2014 Taittinger Champagne Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs Brut
2014 Taittinger Champagne Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs Brut
2014 is one of the newest releases of Taittinger's prestige cuvée, Comtes de Champagne, a Blanc de Blancs figurehead created in 1952, drawn exclusively from five Côte des Blancs grands crus (Avize, Chouilly, Cramant, Oger, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger) and produced only in excellent vintages from first-press juice, with a small fraction raised in fresh oak to build texture before an extended rest in the very deep chalk cellars. Chardonnay is the standout for Champagne in 2014, delivering energy over opulence—plays straight into the house style: taut yet creamy, with a dosage that balances the vintage's bright acids and, classic, fine boned nature. In the glass, it's focused and detailed, showing lemon oil, white peach, and pear layered with lime blossom, almond, and discreet brioche; While the palate is linear but deep with chalky drive and saline length, finishing long and precise. A reference-point Blanc de Blancs that's compelling now with air but built for 10–20 years of graceful development, Galloni calls this a mini 2008, and the potential here is outstanding. It's most certainly one to check out, especially for fans of Taittinger and Blanc de Blancs, and is one of the wines of the vintage for Blanc de Blancs Champagne!
Antonio Galloni 97 points! "The 2014 Comtes de Champagne is pristine. In this tasting, it comes across as a mini-2008, similar in its linear personality, with just a touch more mid-palate creaminess. Readers will find a Comtes that plays in the realm of tension and energy. Citrus confit, white flowers, chalk, mint and chamomile are all finely sketched. Light tropical overtones grace the finish. What an absolute delight. The 2014 can be enjoyed now or cellared. Dosage is 9 grams per liter. (Drink between 2026-2044)"
Wine Advocate 97 points! "Closed in style and character like the 2013, Taittinger's 2014 Brut Blanc de Blancs Comtes de Champagne reveals aromas of ripe orchard fruit, confit citrus, dried flowers, herbs, spring blossoms and mirabelle mingled with customary autolytic notes. Full-bodied, seamless and enrobing, it has a delicate, elegant, fleshy core of fruit and racy acids, all enhanced by a saline, fresh and penetrating finish marked by finesse and elegance. This refined, chalky-inflected Comtes de Champagne has the potential to age gracefully over the next 30-40 years."
