2007 Taittinger "Comtes de Champagne" Brut Blanc de Blancs Champagne

A plentiful, early harvest after a cool and rainy August did little for the reputation of the 2007 vintage. Still, I find that the quality of the Chardonnay this year is often underestimated. The Comtes de Champagne is, with Salon, the wine of the vintage, with an aroma of ripe Golden Delicious apples, lemon peel and linden flowers. There are very noticeable notes of saline minerality, smoke and toast. The wine is approachable and silky textured on the palate, with a lively mousse and rich, mouth-filling plumpness. (CC)

The 2007 Comtes de Champagne has evolved beautifully into a stunning wine that shows incredible class and elegance. It displays remarkable purity and crystalline character as opens to wonderful aromas of lemon oil, asian pear, white flowers, salty minerals and hints of fresh mushroom character which unwind beautifully in the glass. The palate is simply gorgeous, displaying remarkable precision and finesse with a marvelous core of ripe stone fruit which is framed by a stunning combination of acidity and minerality which is in perfect balance. Overall this is an utterly thrilling Comtes de Champagne that is sensational today, but should continue to have incredible future ahead. (JD)