2014 Champagne Taittinger 'Comtes de Champagne' Blanc de Blancs – 100% Grand Cru Chardonnay from the five Côte des Blancs villages of Avize, Cramant, Chouilly, Oger and Le Mesnil-sur-Oger. First-press juice only; 6–8% of the wines aged in barrel for 4–6 months; around 10 years on lees. Dosage 8–9 g/L. This listing is the bottle only; it is not gift boxed.

Winery tasting note
Appearance: Crystalline, with a sparkling yellow colour and slight flashes of silver. Its bubbles are fine and delicate, with an almost silky texture.
Nose: Opens with a chalky, briny, mineral feel, then expands into toasted notes of brioche and pastries flavoured with lemon meringue, hazelnut and almond. Once the wine has breathed, the 2014 expresses notes of citrus, white flowers, white fruit and aromatic botanicals.
Palate: The bubbles leave a gentle caress with a hint of zest and passion. Superb, mouthwatering freshness, an excellent structure with light components, refined bitter notes, and a long, saline finish. – Champagne Taittinger

“The Comtes de Champagne 2014 reveals a unique structure, underpinned by a controlled energy that is channelled by both the acidic and bitter components.” – Alexandre Ponnavoy, Cellar Master, Champagne Taittinger

Expert reviews
97/100 – Antonio Galloni, Vinous. 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. Citrus confit, white flowers, chalk, mint and chamomile are all finely sketched. Light tropical overtones grace the finish. Dosage is 9 grams per liter. Drink 2026–2044.
96/100 – Tom Hewson, Decanter. Taittinger's Comtes de Champagne shines in 2014. This is still primary and youthful, its zesty roasted grapefruit, sweet clementine and pineapple flavours meet juicy white peach and gentle ageing flavours of demerara sugar and toasted brioche. Drink 2026–2040.

Details
Vintage: 2014 | Variety: 100% Chardonnay Grands Crus | Region: Champagne, France | Alcohol: 12.5% | Dosage: 8–9 g/L | Closure: Cork | Size: 750mL | Cellaring: 10 years or more (Taittinger); critics suggest drinking from 2026 | Gift box: No