Wine Reviews

Evoking a superb bouquet, the remarkable 2012 Brut Comtes de Champagne Rosé reveals aromas of mint, strawberries, ripe red berries, tangerine, plums, orange rind and blood orange. Full-bodied, vinous and concentrated, it has a delicately, perfectly balanced phenolic mid-palate framed by a pinpoint mousse of striking finesse and delicacy, concluding with a vibrant, vertical finish enhanced by gastronomic bitterness. A blend of 70% Pinot Noir, including 14% as red wine, and 30% Chardonnay, disgorged with a dosage of nine grams per liter, this is one of the most elegant and refined Comtes de Champagne Rosé releases from Taittinger.

The 2013 Comtes de Champagne Rosé is a wild, exotic wine that is going to need at least several years to come together. It is the sort of wine that only develops in bottle. Tasted from a trial disgorgement, the 2013 is super-impressive and very promising, but it’s also an infant.

A rush of red cherry fruit, kirsch, blood orange, cinnamon and rose petal soars out of the glass. Vertical structure and tons of energy are the signatures. I would be thrilled to own this.

This shows fragrant grapefruit, wild raspberry, iodine, honey, blood orange, salty bread and hazelnut aromas. It’s sleek, taut and superbly fresh on the palate. The red and orange citrus pinot noir character is singing at the moment, accompanied by salty and mineral nuances. Seamless and long, and taut at the end. 60% pinot noir and 40% chardonnay, all from grand cru sites.

This is a structured, focused yet delicate rosé Comtes. Almost rust-colored, with tons of grapefruit, crushed stones, blackcurrants and wild raspberries, alongside oyster shells and chalk. Very precise and fine, with seamless bubbles and a fresh, very long finish. 60% pinot noir (from Mailly, Verzenay and Ambonnay) and 40% chardonnay (Avize, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger and Oger), of which 16% red wine from Bouzy, all grand cru. Drink or hold.