Taittinger "La Francaise" Brut Champagne Jeroboam (3L)
SKU #1147316
90 points
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The deliciously delicate Taittinger NV Brut La Francaise L2383PK01300 is strikingly buoyant and dominated by subtle scents of yeast-tinged flowers and foliage - honeysuckle and mint immediately come to mind - that allude to its roughly one-quarter Meunier component, with a luscious matrix of lime-drenched honeydew melon and apple well-supported by discreet residual sugar leading to a sustained and refreshing finish. Hints of toasted almond and vanilla-tinged cookie dough lend a faintly confectionary cast that manages to harmonize with the dominant fruitiness and florality, while piquancy of apple and lime pit serve for counterpoint. That Taittinger’s standard-bearing cuvees (outside the U.S., the cuvee in question is called 'Brut Reserve') are relatively short on Pinot Noir by standards of that genre is obvious on tasting. (DS)
(11/2013)
90 points
Wine Spectator
Smoke and toast accents lace crushed raspberry, candied lemon zest and apple blossom notes in this firm, aperitif-style Champagne. Lively. (AN, Web-2016)
Connoisseurs Guide
*One Star* So precise and refined that it approaches the delicate end of the sparkling wine spectrum, this non-vintage bottling delivers creamy yeast notes with hints of chalk and vanilla and an appropriate bit of citrusy, slightly angular fruit in its light-medium depth aromas. Finely bubbled and fairly insistent with a glimpse of inner richness that reminds a tad of California-born bubblies, it can be enjoyed by itself or with light foods.
(12/2013)
Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar
(roughly 40% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot Noir and 30% Pinot Meunier; 9 g/l dosage; L3348NA09100): Light gold. Poached pear, peach, orange and honey on the fruity nose. Broad and fleshy on entry, then tighter and more tangy in the mid-palate, offering juicy citrus and orchard fruit flavors with subtle ginger and toasted grain nuances. Shows a supple, round character on the finish, with the ginger and peach notes repeating. Note that this bottling is labelled as "Reserve" for every country aside from the United States. In fact, I tasted a bottle labeled as such here in New York this fall, from Lot L3348NA9200. How it wound up here, I've no idea. (JR)
(1/2015)
Wine & Spirits
Broad and leesy, this wine’s flavors layer that autolytic character with scents of lemongrass, green fig and pineapple. A creamy, ripe style, this finishes open and clean.
(12/2013)
Wine Enthusiast
A blend of the three main Champagne grapes from vineyards in 35 villages, this is light and fruity, with some bottle age giving it a hint of toast. White fruits and acidity add crispness to this well-balanced wine. (RV)
(12/2016)
K&L Notes
50% Pinot Noir, 40% Chardonnay and 10% Pinot Meunier.
