“An insider Champagne”(Anson) - The 2011 Taittinger Comtes de Champagne
We are delighted to offer a new and very well-priced parcel of Taittinger’s flagship Comtes de Champagne. From the 2011 vintage, this is “An insider Champagne” for Jane Anson, and the price bears this out as given the pedigree and the scores, it’s an absolute bargain.
100% Chardonnay from Grand Cru vineyards, the Taittinger Comtes is easily among the finest cuvees made in Champagne. It is also a bargain, especially from under-the-radar vintages, as prices tend not to escalate as quickly as in the more famous years. For a shrewd buyer looking for a vintage to drink, 2011 is in a real sweet spot where quality and price combine to make it just about unmissable.
There are some excellent scores and notes from the critics. James Suckling gives it 97 points and calls it “full-bodied with a racy mid-palate. Long and persistent”, Jane Anson calls it “accomplished and moreish” and “at a great moment to begin drinking”. Charles Curtis found it “voluptuous and almost dense” and, like Anson, gives it 95 points.
Details are below:
97 points James Suckling
A firm, fresh Comtes with a tight and composed palate. It’s full-bodied with a racy mid-palate. Long and persistent. Very structured with phenolics and acidity. Minerally. Floral, too. Refreshing and energetic. September 2021 release. Drink or hold. (2021) www.jamessuckling.com
95 points Jane Anson
An insider Champagne, the Comtes de Champagne from Taittinger 2011 is at a great moment to begin drinking. A Blanc de Blancs made entirely from Chardonnay grapes sourced from entirely from Grand Cru vineyards in Avize, Chouilly, Cramant, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger and Oger, this is accomplished and moreish, with plenty of grip, green apple, quince and citrus fruit, with expertly-maintained kicks of citrus peel and apricot pit through the palate, deepening in complexity and exotic fruit expression in the glass. 9 years on the lees, disgorged April 2021, 9 g/l dosage. www.janeanson.com Drink 2022-2038
95 points Decanter (Charles Curtis MW)
2011 is a year that continues to surprise. Warm and dry conditions from March into May set up an early harvest, but the growing season was cool and wet, dashing grower’s hopes. Despite the dreary summer, however, some lovely wines were made. The Comtes is voluptuous and almost dense, with aromas that blend green apple and nectarine with floral notes and a hint of toast. A slightly lower dosage, fresh acidity, and a touch of bitterness bring balance and length to this wine. Much better than I dared hope. www.decanter.com
