Taittinger Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blanc 1998

Taittinger Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs was created to commemorate Thibaud IV, Comte de Champagne, who planted the first Chardonnay vines in France in the 13th century. First released in 1957 with the 1952 vintage, it is produced exclusively from the delicate first pressing of costly Chardonnay grapes grown to greatest perfection in the vineyards of the communes of the Côte des Blancs, named for the suitability of its microclimates to that vine variety. Champagne Taittinger's extensive vineyard holdings of 600 acres include several parcels in the 100 percent-rated villages of Avize, Cramant, Chouilly and Le Mesnil-sur-Oger in the Côte des Blancs, and assure the consistent supply from year to year of the most exceptional Chardonnay grapes available.

This superb Champagne, produced only in years exceptional enough to declare a vintage, is appropriately presented in an antique-style bottle of XVIIIth century design. Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs is the ultimate expression of the Taittinger style, a Champagne of great refinement, elegance and delicacy. The clean, aristocratic Chardonnay fragrance is offset by warm, toasty nuances, which carry onto a palate of finely- balanced, generous white fruit flavors underscored by a fine, crisp acidity and subtle mineral notes. The refined, toasty finish is lasting and complex.

"Rich chardonnay flavors of ripe peach and nectarine come up against the formidable structure of this wine." 90 Points
Wine & Spirits

"Possibly the most famous Blanc de Blancs, this continues to be a yardstick. This is a classic." 95 Points
Wine Enthusiast