Taittinger Comtes Champagne Blanc de Blanc 2011 (with Gift Box)

Description

By James Suckling in 2021 (JS97)
A firm, fresh Comtes with a tight and composed palate. It’s full-bodied with a racy mid-palate. Long and persistent. Very structured with phenolics and acidity. Minerally. Floral, too. Refreshing and energetic. September 2021 release.

By Farr Vintners in 2021 (FV96)
Formed – as ever – from 100% Chardonnay, the variety that excelled in 2011. Pale straw colour in the class, the nose is quintessential Comtes: elegant, with notes of freshly baked bread, hazelnut and cool lemon curd. There is a creaminess underneath, but for now this is a youthful, vibrant expression. The palate is precise and linear, a streak of zesty acidity cutting through a generous, velveteen mousse. Notes of rye and struck flint mingle with buttery citrus. Everything is perfectly proportioned in this refined and extremely moreish wine. The structure allows this to be approachable already, though there is no doubting the potential to age for over a decade. The finish is driven, focused but long – savoury, toasted spices linger together with bright and fresh fruit.

By Wine Advocate in 2021 (WA94)
The cold dry winter was followed by a warm and wet July, and then a cooler than usual August. The temperature then escalated, turning extremely hot towards the end of August. The nose is surprisingly restrained, with lime blossom tea and herbaceous notes. The palate is a bit richer, with a creamy, fat mouthfeel and toasted characters lifted by a cleansing acidity, followed by a chalky, mineral finish.