Taittinger Brut Millésimé 2016 - 75cl

House History:
Taittinger remains one of Champagne’s large family houses, now led by Vitalie Taittinger. The style leans on Chardonnay elegance and chalk. A vintage cuvée is made only when the harvest is exceptional, under cellar master Alexandre Ponnavoy (after Loïc Dupont). Vineyards carry Haute Valeur Environnementale. Millésimé sits above Brut Réserve and below Comtes de Champagne.

Wine Introduction:
2016 brought a mild winter, spring frost and mildew, then a late mid-September pick—smaller crop, fine fruit. The blend is 50% Chardonnay and 50% Pinot Noir from some fifteen villages: 70% Grand Cru, the rest Premier Cru (including Villers-Marmery and Trépail). First press only, over five years on lees, disgorged about September 2024, Brut at 9 g/L. Côte des Blancs chalk meets Montagne de Reims Pinot breadth. Wine Spectator 93, James Suckling 94.

Tasting Notes:
Nosing: Hawthorn, pear, kumquat, verbena and gingerbread, with mint and white flowers.
Palate: Fresh attack—honeysuckle, peach and citrus on a fine, energetic mousse.
Finish: Long, with bitter orange peel and chalk.