Taittinger Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs 2015 - 75cl/12.5%

House history:Champagne Taittinger traces its origins to Forest-Fourneaux in 1734 and was acquired by Pierre Taittinger in 1932. The family still owns the house, based in Reims. Chardonnay is central to its style, and Comtes de Champagne, introduced with the 1952 vintage, is released only in outstanding years as a pure Blanc de Blancs.

Wine notes:This is the 2015 Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs, 100% Chardonnay from the first pressing of five Grand Cru villages in the Côte des Blancs. Alcohol is 12.5% with dosage around 8-9 g/L. About 6-8% is aged in oak for 4-6 months, the rest in stainless steel, followed by long aging on lees in the chalk cellars of Reims. It is produced only in exceptional vintages.

Tasting notes:Nosing: lemon peel, white flowers and chalky mineral, with citrus and light brioche.Palate: fine mousse, crisp and layered, with citrus and white peach, bright acidity.Finish: lightly saline and chalky, long and clean, with mineral tension.