Taittinger, Rosé, Comtes de Champagne, 2011
Having returned to family hands in 2006, Taittenger continues to go from strength to strength. Their tête de cuvée rosé is adored by those in the know for its hallmark steely finesse, provided by their phenomenal Chardonnay, overlaid and blended with rich and luxuriant red berry fruit from Muenier and Pinot Noir. All the grapes are drawn from their best Grand Cru vineyards in the Côtes des Blancs and Montagne de Reims. The addition of still red wine imparts a more vibrant colour and a profound, red fruit character. This exuberant and joyful Comtes is instantly appealing. Vibrant strawberry, fresh raspberry, ripe red cherry and a touch of mandarin drive this fruit centric Champagne. However, there is plenty of complexity and nuance with notes of Crème Patissiere, cinnamon and vanilla spice on the finish. 2011 may remain in the shadow of the lauded 2008 and 2012, but we feel this accessible vintage will provide more immediate drinking pleasure.
critic reviews
Disgorged in October 2022, the 2011 Brut Comtes de Champagne Rose is a blend of 40% Chardonnay and 60% Pinot Noir, including fully 14% of red wine that lends it notable depth of color this year. Evoking aromas of cherries, buttery pastry, raspberries and tangerine, with an attractive minty top note, the bouquet is complex and incipiently spicy. Medium to full-bodied, layered and vinous, with chalky structuring extract, it concludes with a long, sapid finish. The limitations of the vintage mean that this is a giving, rather open-knit Comtes Rose, but it is nevertheless a great effort in a challenging year and exhibits none of the herbaceous qualities that mar some of the wines produced in this year. Drink it now and over the next decade.