Kurt Schuster

8.9

Took a flyer on this and actually really liked it. Round red fruit, bright, but not overly acidic, chewy tenants that aren’t overwhelming. A bit of a one note song with the round red fruit, and medium acidity that much in the way of dust or spices, but it very much complimented roasted meat very well and was eminently drinkable. — 11 days ago

with Denise

David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.0

Golden Apple, overripe pineapple, mango, Meyer lemon to pledge, lime zest, toast, almonds, waxy mouthfeel, touch of melted butter, jasmine, mixed greens, excellent chalkiness, grainy limestone, beautiful rich wire to wire finish.

Burgundy prices have soared to new heights. Better to go taste them vs buying. Except good year/producer Village and Bourgogne.

This one not worth the $100 plus. — 2 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

Daron Watson

9.6

The bouquet is sooooo intoxicating, melting you from all directions with orange and apple blossoms, peach and nectarine nectar, jasmine, shortbread, lemon pledge, limeade, oyster shells and ocean spray, and crushed gravel

On the palate a spectrum of citrus lasers meld w that juicy dripping peach flesh ~ riding that long acidic and saline finish ~ WOW! — 5 months ago

Rachael

9.8

A delightful Malbec; As mentioned before reminiscent of a Cabernet Sauvignon. Just the right amount is bold fruit and light spice. Perfect with pizza. A classic Malbec. — 2 years ago

Dawn E.

8.9

Costco find and checking this out vastly premature! I am amazed what I am finding in my glass! Most nuances are on the midpalate to finish, subtle but definitely there! I love the viscosity, mild cheese rind, lemon Pledge, Chamomile tea, macadamia nuts, lemon and crushed rocks!
This is a nice wine now, eager to see progress!
Label says 11-14 % alc. 🤷‍♀️😆 — 3 years ago

Brad Jensen

9.4

Beautiful grassy nose, with hints of pineapple, lemon pledge, and crushed limestone. Beautiful hay color, slightly oily, mouth coating texture on a medium body. Palate is silky, with notes of lemon, bright pineapple, and creamy citrus, with notes of vanilla and slight fresh cut hay on the finish. — 9 months ago

Daron Watson

9.2

musky perfume of apricot, lemon pledge and quince
honeyed, rich and oily with apricot marmalade, mirabelle, cantaloupe and fruited nougat — a year ago

Daron Watson

9.1

floral w vanilla and lemon pledge ~ rich, oily & viscous w flavors of peach marmalade, apricot sauce, lanolin and apple pie crust — 3 years ago

Dawn E.

9.0

Wonderful Costco find in Indiana, sub $20, screwcap; showing Lemon Pledge, pears, apple, mango, minerals and a wonderful creaminess ..not really oak! A little off on the finish; overall nice balance. — 4 years ago