Champagne Taittinger Millésime Brut 2015 “Champagne is the best way of saying

It was 1932 when a young cavalry officer named Pierre Taittinger fell head over heels in love with Champagne – in no small part because of the delectable wines produced there. He purchased the historic Château de la Marquetterie and developed a Champagne business with the help of his brother-in-law, Paul Eveque. Step by step, generation by generation, the Taittinger family has created one of the greatest houses of Champagne. 

Their history is too long to recall here, but my favorite part of the story is that the winery was sold in 2005 to a U.S. investment group, Starmont (global real/hotels, etc). As you might imagine, the entirety of Champagne, and France, nearly revolted. It was a scandal that eventually required the French government's intervention – as the purchase threatened to destabilize the entire Champagne industry (at least in the eyes of the French people). With a fair amount of prodding, the remaining branches of the Taittinger family unified to bring the house back under family control just over a year later. Today, the estate is run by Vitalie Taittinger, who serves as president, aided by her brother, Clovis Taittinger, who is now the estate’s general manager.  

Forged in the deep silence of the chalk quarries of Saint-Nicaise, where the only sound is the muffled steps of the riddlers carrying about their turning, this 2015 vintage Brut wine sat contemplatively for just under 5 years aging on the lees in bottle. Disgorgement occurred in July 2020 – granting this over 3 years added development on the cork to add layers of nuance and complexity. The lightly copper hue to the wine hints at the layers of minerals that makes this wine so unique and vinous, but the brightness and fruit is what first attacks one’s senses. Floral aromatics of mandarin blossom, and raspberries on the vine, with nutty accents of toasted almond pull you into the glass, where a panoply of citrus and berries takes hold. Lemon, orange, more raspberries, and white cherries dance across the palate, interweaving with bakery notes of strawberry shortcake, cocoa nibs, and key lime pie. The salty mineral vein runs lightly through it all, growing steadily into a long and powerful finish, and standing alone as a singular sensation at the very last. You'll never be able to take just one sip (I mean, who would even try?), but however many you do sip – steel yourself for a moment of longing, and a brief sadness upon realizing your last sip has come and gone. I’m delaying that for as long as possible by getting a six pack… and I’d highly suggest you do the same! 97 point Taittinger is worthy of any bubbly collector – and this stellar price makes it all the more tempting!!!