Wine Reviews

Taittinger’s newly released 2018 Brut Millésimé, derived from a warm, dry and abundant vintage, offers a striking contrast to the incisive 2016. It delivers aromas of yellow apple, ripe peach, succulent pear and freshly baked bread. Medium- to full-bodied, with a sweet core of fruit, ripe yet vibrant acids, a pillowy mousse and a long, enveloping finish, it was disgorged in April 2025 with a dosage of nine grams per liter.

Disgorged in September 2024 with a dosage of nine grams per liter, Taittinger’s 2016 Brut Millésimé is showing very well, offering aromas of white peach, nashi pear, brioche and burnt buttered toast. On the palate, it is medium-bodied, racy and precise, with an inviting core of fruit and a long, saline finish that will delight the house’s admirers. It is sourced from Mailly-Champagne, Ambonnay, Hautvillers, Écueil, Trépail, Vertus, Avize and Le Mesnil and is an equal blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

I like the toastiness of this savory, flavorful Champagne, showing dried flower, gingerbread, brioche, berry and oyster shell aromas. A hint of pralines, too. It’s layered with a medium body, fine bubbles and a long, silky finish.

Lovely fresh citrus, honeysuckle, white flower and honey aromas. It’s fresh, silky and elegant, with a medium body and gentle bubbles. Very clean, pure and classy.

Mostly grand cru as well as 30% from Villers-Marmery and Trepail, I love the nose of the 2016 Champagne Millesime Brut, which is very pretty and offers lots of pleasure and decadence. It has more Chardonnay character at this tasting, with lemon custard, a long, pillowy mousse, and a lovely, balanced feel on the finish. Drink 2025-2040.