Tasting Notes

95
Robert Parker Wine Advocate Antonio Galloni - 23 Dec 10
The 1999 Brut Blanc de Blancs Comtes de Champagne is beautiful. Understated at first, and also, surprisingly accessible, the 1999 Comtes de Champagne backs up its open, inviting personality with considerable muscle married to vibrant, pure fruit. The long, polished finish bursts with Chardonnay character. As is often the case, Comtes is at its best when it has been opened for at least 1-2 hours, or, even better, with a decade or more of bottle age. This is going to be a fascinating Comtes to follow in the coming years and decades. This is Lot L8283UI00600, disgorged August/September, 2008 (not indicated on label). Anticipated maturity: 2012-2039. Taittinger is one of Champagne’s most consistent large brands. The flagship Comtes de Champagne and Comtes de Champagne Rose, two of the finest wines in the region, sometimes fly under the radar, but they are both super-pedigreed wines with brilliant track records for developing considerable complexity in bottle. Readers who want to learn more about the estate and Comtes in particular may want to take a look at my article on www.erobertparker.com published earlier in the year. Taittinger does so many things well, but it would be great to see the estate add disgorgement dates to its labels. Importer: Kobrand Corp., Purchase, NY; tel. (914) 253-7756
Drinking Date: 2012 - 2039
Champagne at Seckford Wines

Champagne

Champagne, exclusively from France's Champagne region, is synonymous with luxury and celebration. Made primarily from Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier, it undergoes secondary fermentation in the bottle, creating its signature bubbles. Flavours range from crisp green apple and citrus to rich, toasty notes of nuts and honey. Yeast contact in the bottle contributes to pastry and brioche notes, which are a key part of good quality Champagne. Top producers include Moët & Chandon, Veuve Clicquot, and Krug.