2013 Taittinger Comtes de Champagne

A very compelling vintage for Taittinger, the 2013 Champagne Blanc De Blancs Comtes de Champagne is more structured and deeper compared to the 2014. It has an impeccable balance of decadence and tension. Full-bodied, with persistent focus, it has a mouthwatering finish with vibrant driving acidity and saltiness that accents the wine's core of ripe stone fruit and citrus oil texture. This is going to be a great vintage to drink over the coming decades. Drink 2025-2050.

Something about Blanc de Blancs automatically fires my pleasure receptors – especially when it’s this good. Ripe apple fruit, smoke, toast, butter and a lovely mineral twang as well. Not heavy, but certainly lengthy. A masterclass in Blanc de Blancs. (RH)

A cool, pretty and elegant if decidedly restrained nose somewhat grudgingly reveals its array of lemon-lime, spice, crushed anise, yeast, brioche and Granny Smith apple as well as a vague suggestion of the exotic. There is both good volume and solid density to the vibrant and utterly delicious middle weight flavors that are supported by a delicate mousse before culminating in a clean and sleek if not especially dry finale. At 11 years of age, this is coming along nicely but in magnum format, I would allow it at least another 5 years. I would add that while I personally like, and collect, this wine, I always wish that it was just a bit drier though your mileage may vary.