In 1952, the Taittinger Champagne House introduced the Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs, which stands as its most exclusive and premium blend, paying tribute to the Comtes de Champagne and, notably, Thibaud IV, whose seal proudly embellishes each Taittinger bottle. This exceptional champagne is crafted exclusively from Chardonnay grapes sourced from the Grands Crus vineyards in the Côte des Blancs region. These vineyards, located in the renowned villages of Avize, Cramant, Chouilly, Mesnil-sur-Oger, and Oger, are celebrated for their exceptional soil quality, especially ideal for cultivating Chardonnay grapes in the region.
2013 Vintage
The weather conditions were quite unusual. Following a cold and wet winter, and an exceptionally chilly and rainy spring with overcast skies, the vines initiated their growth cycle two weeks later than the ten-year average, and they never managed to catch up. However, the quality of the grapes greatly benefited from the hot and dry summer, particularly in July and August, which were the sunniest months ever recorded in Champagne.
Despite being a late vintage, the weather was remarkable, almost resembling summer, featuring high temperatures, abundant sunshine, and a gentle breeze that contributed to the well-being of the grapes. Harvesting varied significantly across different areas, with some plots ready as early as September 24th, while others needed until October 9th. However, the majority of the grapes were harvested in the early days of October, a timing that hadn’t been witnessed in Champagne for the past two decades.
Vinification
Comtes de Champagne maintains its commitment to excellence by selecting only the finest cuvees for its production, ensuring the utmost finesse in its wines. Within the composition of this exceptional champagne, 5% of the wines have undergone a four-month ageing in oak barrels, one-third which are replaced annually. This meticulous barrel ageing enhances the overall profile of the blend, infusing it with subtle toasted notes that contribute to its distinctive character. Over the course of its decade-long maturation in cellars, time has performed its enchanting alchemy, bringing to us the extraordinary vitality and an exceptional capacity for ageing.
Tasting Notes
James Suckling describes this wine as having a vibrant and taut personality, featuring distinct flavours such as crushed almonds, chalk, white grapefruit, digestive biscuits, zesty lemons, and the essence of apricot stones. Subtle hints of fennel and white pepper add complexity to the profile. It showcases a profound mineral quality and a notable sense of strength, accompanied by an abundance of fine bubbles. The finish is remarkably extended, leaving a lasting impression. For optimal enjoyment, it is recommended to experience this wine after the year 2024, allowing it to mature and fully express its potential.
Antonio Galloni at Vinous suggests “Two thousand thirteen is the last October harvest in Champagne. The season was extremely challenging throughout France, but most of Champagne was spared the worst. Particularly in the Côte des Blancs, the best Chardonnays are drop-dead gorgeous. The best wines, those from sites with low yields, show tremendous concentration, depth and power allied to bright acidities and low pHs, a version of 2008 but with more mid-palate richness.”
Awards
Antonio Galloni, Vinous – 98 points
James Suckling – 98 points
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