WTN: Taittinger Comtes de Champagne ('93, '96, '98)

[David M. Bueker]

As part of a tete de cuvee Champagne dinner last night we had a small vertical of the Taittinger Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs.

The '96 and '98 were both initially quite reductive and needed a lot of air time. The '93 was a charmer from the first sniff, and amid a large selection of top wines (including a very nice '98 Pol Roger SWC & a badly corked Krug ) it was my (and Laura's) wine of the night for its nutty, apple & long toasty finish. Certainly a case of the lesser vintage showing better than tow wines that were too young. The '98 did eventually come around & was quite delicious though tight. The '96 is a complete powerhouse that needs every bit of 10+ years of cellar time.

I don't buy or drink a lot of Comtes de Champagne, and I should and will do more of that in the future. It's a great wine despite its big house origins.

Corked Krug? Ugh. That's a real shame - although good to hear the other wines were very enjoyable. The CdCs sound lovely - I remember the '95 we had at Dish a few weeks back was also really enjoyable.

Stay dry in that weather - hope it doesn't disrupt your vacation plans much further.

[David M. Bueker]

It's snowy, but we're warm and dry. I have shoveled Beth's driveway once already & will do it a second time before dinner.

Things should be ok by tomorrow afternoon.

Enjoy On20.