Comtes de Taittinger 2013

Dating back to 1734, the Forest-Fourneaux Champagne House, one of the oldest in the region, was acquired by Pierre Taittinger in 1934. In 1952, the most exclusive and premium cuvée, Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs, was born. Only made in exceptional vintage with 100% Chardonnay from the Côte des Blancs Grand Crus, this is Taittinger’s hallmark.

The 2013 vintage is one of the best Comtes de Champagne ever produced. It matches the legendary 2008 which was released at £1070 per case of 12 bottles and now trading at £1800, almost 70% higher, making it a serious investment.

It’s a standout cuvée from the house and is shaped by the vintage's classic profile. Aficionados of this cuvée will be pleased to find that it exemplifies the distinctive style that has garnered Comtes’s global recognition. – Yohan Castaing, Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate

Comtes de Tattinger’s Story

The legend of the ‘Comtes de Champagne’ dated back to the Middle Ages and is dedicated to the flamboyant legend of Thibaud IV le Chansonnier and King of Navarre. He influenced Champagne’s politics, economy and arts but will be mainly remembered for returning from the crusades with an example of a new grape variety, never seen before in Europe, and is now known to be the ancestor of Chardonnay. In 1952, the Taittinger Champagne House created the Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs - its most exclusive and premium cuvée - in his honour and proudly added his seal to adorns every bottle of Taittinger.

Vineyards & Winemaking

Year on year, the vineyard size has increased and now covers 288 hectares, making it the third largest estate in Champagne. Comtes de Champagne is only made with Chardonnay grapes sourced from the Grands Crus of the Côte des Blancs region, including the villages of Avize, Cramant, Chouilly, Mesnil-sur-Oger and Oger.

Only juice from the first press goes to this cuvée. 5 % of the blend is aged in fresh oak barrels before the blend. After the second fermentation, the wine aged for up to 10 years in the chalk quarries beneath Saint-Nicaise.

2013 – The Growing Season

2013 was an odd year for the region. After a cold, wet winter, and a particularly chilly, rainy, overcast spring, the vines began their growth cycle two weeks later than the ten-year average, and never caught up again. The hot, dry summer added greatly to the quality of the grapes. For such a late vintage, the weather was remarkable, almost summery, with high temperatures, lots of sunshine and a breeze that helped to keep the grapes healthy.

The Scores

Nervy and tight with notes of crushed almonds, chalk, white grapefruit, digestive biscuits, lemons and apricot stones. Hints of fennel and white pepper. Deep and mineral, with plenty of power. Very fine bubbles. Long drive at the end. Try after 2024. - 98 points James Suckling

The 2013 Comtes de Champagne captures all the pedigree of this great vintage in its energy, depth and vibrancy. Lemon confit, dried flowers, chamomile, spice and crushed rocks all race across the palate. Passionfruit, ginger, marzipan and mint appear later, filling out the layers beautifully. Harvest took place in October in what has become the exception rather than the norm in Champagne. - 98 points Antonio Galloni

The 2013 Brut Blanc de Blancs Comtes de Champagne's bouquet is compellingly fresh and minty, revealing aromas of white fruit—notably pear and apple—marzipan and sweet spices, as well as a light touch of citrus mingled with classy autolytic notes. On the palate, this is a structured, tensile and ethereal Champagne with high acidity—a sign of a classic vintage—animated by a mousse of striking finesse and delicacy. Although already enjoyable, it should develop well for several decades. A standout cuvée from the house, shaped by the vintage's classic profile. Aficionados of this cuvée will be pleased to find that it exemplifies the distinctive style that has garnered Comtes’s global recognition. - 96 points Robert Parker