Byron Hewett

9.0

Better than Leroux, but not quite as good as the Francois Carillon, Thomas Morey or Lafon! — 3 years ago

David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.5

Well...this was one hell of a week. There is only one way to wind it down. Reach for an excellent bottle of vintage Champagne.

My first thoughts are how delicate this is on the palate. Further, how unbelievable it will be with another 8-10 years in bottle.

The nose shows; slightly sour lemon, the good parts of lemon Pledge, lemon meringue, white stone fruits, pineapple fresh with lots of juice, grapefruit, lime pulp, honeysuckle, soft, haunting caramel, brioche, limestone & slightly, dirty, grey volcanics, saline, sea fossils, sea spray, bread dough, vanilla, white spices-light ginger with spring flowers, mixed floral greens & lilies.

The body is light on its feet and dances on the palate. Delicacy abounds. Its soft, gorgeous mousse right there with the best money can buy. Slightly sour lemon, lemon meringue, green & with more bruised golden apple, white stone fruits, pineapple fresh with lots of juice, grapefruit, lime pulp, touch of apple cider, honeysuckle, soft, haunting caramel, ginger ale into cream soda, brioche, nougat, toffee notes, lighter nuts without skin, limestone & slightly, dirty, grey volcanics, saline, sea fossils, sea spray, bread dough, vanillin, marzipan, white spices-light ginger with spring flowers, mixed floral greens & lilies. The acidity is mellow yet lively, gorgeous and as good as it gets. The finish is all luxury. So well knitted & balanced, elegant, rich but not overpowering and gently persisting several minutes.

Photos of; The House of Taittinger, their caves so chalky white and built on the famous Crayères Cellars of Reims: 2.5 miles of tunnels (they own 1/4 to 1/3 of it) cut out of chalk by the Romans, the portrait of Thibaud IV who was a king, lord, manager, singer, conqueror, explorer & 11th century Crusader all rolled into one from which, this Cuvée was the catalyst creation and part of the 600 plus hectares they own in Champange.

Some producer notes; Taittinger's history can be traced back to 1734, when it was originally known as Forest-Fourneaux, founded by Jacques Fourneaux who worked closely with local Benedictine monks to learn how to produce wine. They were just the 3rd Champange house.

The estate was bought by the Taittingers – a family of wine merchants – in 1932, and thanks to the great depression and subsequent low land prices, the family also picked up huge swathes of vineyard. From 1945-1960, Francois Taittinger established the cellars in the Abbey of Saint-Nicaise, and after his death in 1960 his brother Claude took over, pushing the estate into a Champagne house of world renown. Such was the status of the label that the Taittinger family soon expanded its business into other luxury goods. However, this eventually led to financial difficulties, and in 2005 the Taittinger brand – including the Champagne house – was sold to the American owned Starwood Hotel Group. The sale was badly received by the Champagne industry, with many fearing the new owners – unfamiliar with the culture of Champagne – would put profit ahead of quality.

Just one year later, Claude’s nephew, Pierre-Emmanuel Taittinger, who had always been opposed to the sale, negotiated a €660m deal with the Starwood Group, and the Taittinger family resumed ownership of the company.

In 2017, Taittinger planted its first vines in England, near a village in Kent, for its venture into English sparkling wine. The first bottle will be ready in 2023.

1/8/21 — 4 years ago

Byron Hewett

9.3

Another beautiful, well made Puligny from Francois Carillon. — 3 years ago

Vincent Piquard

9.2

Des l'ouverture à la couleur et au nez on sent que le vin est à son apogée. C'est très bien construit au niveau des arômes. Agrumes, on pressent un équilibre de gras avec beaucoup de tension pure. En bouche c'est excellent, équilibre entre mineralite et gourmandise. Toujours ravi avec Carillon (Jacques) de surcroît en 2008. — 5 years ago

Bob McDonald

9.4

The 2nd GC White Burgundy of the day. Nose not giving much - a little closed and sadly the wine a bit cold. The palate a little more restrained and medium bodied than the Jacques Carillon. — 6 years ago

Scott Wren

9.7

Jacques is the farmer of the two brothers and his wine shows restraint if such can be said of such rich layered and complex wine. At 12 years young this is showing it’s Grand Cru pedigree. Sublime in this case is hardly an exaggeration. — 6 years ago

Byron Hewett

9.0

Terrific Bourgogne Blanc. In a really good place. Open this about 30 minutes ahead. I am a fan of Francois Carillon and the 2017 vintage for white Burgundy. — 3 years ago

Craig Williams

9.6

In contrast to the Bouchard, this exhibited more fruit, less reduction; more length. Really a great Puligny and in great shape. — 4 years ago

with Maureen and Gavin

Manny Abascal

9.1

Creamy, lush. — 6 years ago

TH

9.1

@知多繁 3,229 incl tax — 6 years ago