This wine is 60% Pinot Noir (16% still red wine from Bouzy) and 40% Chardonnay – all from Grand Cru villages – receiving 99 points from James Suckling alongside a pile of additional high praise from other top critics. The awestruck critics called it “structured, focused yet delicate,” “alluringly silky,” “fruity but weightless,” and “layered, broad and textural.” Quite high praise and admiration, and very likely one of the most complex and balanced Rosé Champagnes to ever be crafted!

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 a carrying thread of long-term vision and consistency in style throughout the years. The house is renowned for its high proportion of Chardonnay in its blends, imparting a signature delicacy, freshness, and refined structure in every one of its wines. 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.

The wine reflects the absolute pristineness of the vintage and terroir, boasting exceptional freshness, vibrant acidity, and remarkable aging potential. Notes of strawberry, cherry, raspberry, and blood orange arrive on the nose, with a salty seashell note that carries from the nose to mouth. The palate erupts with bright red fruits in the same vein as the nose, adding peach, pomegranate, Ruby Red grapefruit, and red plum to the fruit party before introducing elegant elements of flaky choux à la crème, white pepper, dried flowers, and river rocks. The acidity is blaring and balances out the boldness of fruit, and the mouthfeel is like the softest pillow you’ve ever laid your head on, with a long-lingering finish that stays for minutes in the mouth and eternally the mind. A brilliant wine, no question, and every bit worthy of its reputation!