WTN: 1996 Chartogne-Taillet Champagne Brut

by **David M. Bueker** » Sun May 31, 2020 1:13 pm

1996 Chartogne-Taillet Champagne Brut Millésimé - France, Champagne (5/31/2020)
Opened to accompany a Zoom call with Gabe Clary of Skurnik and Alexandre Chartogne (though Alexandre did not make this wine), this was in a nearly perfect spot, especially when allowed to warm up a touch from fridge temperature. Wheat toast, apricot, apple, a touch of spun sugar all blended together into a harmonious whole. Over the hour and a half of the call the wine stayed essentially stable, so it appears to be on a very nice peak of maturity. Gentle but persistent bead and a long finish of fruit and toasty notes give me guidance to drink the next bottle in the mid rather than short term.