Champagne Taittinger Blanc de Blancs Comtes de Champagne Brut Grand Crus 2008

This tête de cuvée house was first established in 1734 under the name Forneaux Forest, but has been known by the Taittinger name since 1932. Unlike many larger houses, Taittinger remains family-owned, allowing for long-term vision and consistency in style. The house is renowned for its high proportion of Chardonnay in its blends, imparting a signature delicacy, freshness, and refined structure. Taittinger also owns one of the largest vineyard holdings in Champagne, including many prized parcels in Grand Cru villages. Their historic cellars, carved from Gallo-Roman chalk quarries beneath Reims, provide ideal aging conditions that contribute to the complexity and purity of their wines.

This 100% Chardonnay, crafted exclusively from only Grand Cru vineyards in the Côte des Blancs, won a perfect 100-point score from James Suckling, with piles of 99s, 98s, and 97s behind it. The 2008 vintage is certainly considered one of the all-time best – a “dream come true” for growers and vintners. The season was cool and dry, allowing fruit to ripen slowly and reach their full phenolic maturity, resulting in incredibly electric acidity and lush, plush fruit notes.

The wine reflects both the purity of the varietal and the finesse of the terroir, boasting exceptional freshness, cutting acidity, and remarkable aging potential. Notes of pears and peaches, followed by freshly baked pastries, arrive on the nose, and a pure, almost crystalline nature accompanies the wine in both aroma and flavor profile. The mouthfeel expands with orange oil and lemon citrus zest, tangerines, apple pie filling, and accents of nutmeg and croissants straight from the oven, all culminating in a finish that reveals elements of smoked hay, crumbled chalk, struck flint, blanched almonds, and pine needles. The wine stays on the tongue for minutes after each sip, and lingers in the brain for a lifetime. A triumph, without question, and every bit worthy of its reputation!