2014 Taittinger - Brut Blanc de Blancs Comtes de Champagne (750ml)

Taittinger has been in family hands since Pierre Taittinger established the house in the 1930s, building his reputation on the historic Château de la Marquetterie estate in Pierry. Comtes de Champagne, first created in 1952, was named for Thibaud IV, the medieval Count of Champagne credited with bringing Chardonnay vines to the region, and stands as the house's flagship prestige cuvée, made only in years the cellar team judges exceptional.

The 2014 is crafted entirely from Chardonnay grown in five Grand Cru villages of the Côte des Blancs: Avize, Cramant, Chouilly, Oger, and Le Mesnil-sur-Oger. Only free-run juice from the first pressing goes into the blend, with a small portion aged briefly in new oak barrels to add depth and toasted character. The finished wine then rests for close to a decade in Taittinger's chalk cellars beneath Reims before release.

Bright yellow in the glass, the 2014 opens with aromas of ripe orchard fruit, candied citrus, and dried flowers, joined by hints of brioche and toasted hazelnut. The palate is full and seamless, with racy acidity and a chalky, saline finish that carries real length. Serve it with a delicate fish terrine or fresh langoustines.