NV Taittinger Prelude

This is a Champagne that those in the know appreciate for its youthful style on release (this release is based on the 2013 vintage and has spent a minimum of four to five years on the lees) and its tremendous age-worthiness in bottle thanks to the harmonious blending of first-press Chardonnay and Pinot Noir fruit from exclusively Grand Cru sites. As the third largest domaine in Champagne with its impressive 288 hectares of vineyards, Taittinger has access to the best fruit in any given vintage, from the top villages of the region, including Avize and Le Mesnil for the Chardonnay and Mailly and Ambonnay for the Pinot Noir. Although based entirely on the 2013 vintage in this release (a 4/5 star vintage according to Decanter), the House refrain from labelling Prelude as a vintage Champagne to underscore the consistency of excellence that this cuvee achieves across vintages because the grapes are entirely sourced from Grand Cru vineyards. This fact guarantees the quality of the fruit in the blend. The Pinot Noir differentiates Prelude from Taittinger's 100% Chardonnay based Comtes de Champagne and adds a great depth and richness to the flavour profile. Although drinking beautifully now, especially for those who love their Champagne in a richer style with bold, toasty fruit and bright and vibrant acidity, Prelude is also ideal for laying down - its fantastic concentration, length and freshness will see it develop beautifully in bottle. Vibrant nose of green as well as baked apple, golden peaches, white flowers, toasty sweetness, and lemony chalk. Superb fine mousse and a satisfyingly tense and compact structure that opens up and becomes long and linear on the delicious finish. Drinking beautifully and will age.