Taittinger - Comtes de Champagne 2011

Jane Anson - Inside Bordeaux

Bettane et Desseauve

Gilbert & Gaillard

Falstaff

Beautiful bright pale yellow with greenish tints. After swirling, the nose opens up to toasted, mineral notes with a touch of almond. Full attack with refined bubbles supported by pronounced exuberance. A nervy Champagne, still in its infancy.

Gismondi on Wine

Comtes is a remarkable wine, very vintage dependent, but hallmarked with the undeniable finesse of Comtes. This BdB comes from the profoundly chalky GC villages Avize, Chouilly, Cramant, Mesnil-sur-Oger, and Oger. 5% of 2011 has been aged for four months in new oak barrels, one-third of which are replaced yearly. It remained sur lattes for ten years before disgorging with 9 g/L (mostly unfelt up against the tight 2011). Crushed stone, light smoke, deep and damp chalk, meringue strides across a powerful, gently expansive, yet tightly structured palate, lit with lemon pith, anise, green apple and smouldering mineral salts, the latter lingering long on the finish. There's an impressive density here for all its effortless finesse and lightness. Reminiscent of 2007, but lighter and more fleeting, this is drinking beautifully now.

Adrian van Velsen - vvWine.ch

Robert Parker Wine Advocate

The 2011 Brut Blanc de Blancs Comtes de Champagne has generated a certain amount of controversy in critical circles, with appraisals ranging from the condemnatory to the ecstatic, so I was curious to revisit a bottle with some more time on cork. Since I tasted it last year, the wine has tightened up a little, integrating its dosage and showing more of a structural backbone. Exhibiting aromas of crisp stone fruit, buttery pastry, freshly baked bread and hints of fresh hazelnut, it's medium-bodied, pillowy and racy, with an impressively seamless palate and delicate but penetrating finish. It isn't a powerhouse, but I continue to think that it's a genuine success in a challenging year.

Jeb Dunnuck

The 2011 Champagne Blanc de Blancs Comte de Champagne is from all the Grand Crus of the Côte de Blancs except for Oiry. With a kiss of toasted brioche, caramel apple, and a hint of saline, this wine gets more savory as it opens, although it has a bit of greenness. The palate is full, with a fine mousse and a dusty feel of chalk, as well as fresh and pithy citrus. It has a reasonably long finish, although perhaps not up to par for the tête de cuvée. It is drinking well now but is likely best for relatively early drinking. 2022-2033.

Decanter Magazine

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.

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.

Champagne Club by Richard Juhlin

Clovis Taittinger was kind enough to let me taste 2011 Comtes for the upcoming new book six months before release. A daring decision as several of my fellow tasters were really disappointed with their favorite champange. Personally, I already enjoyed it to the fullest most aware of the date of disgorgement and that extra time in the cellar will open up a greater depth. Already now everything is in the right place and we have another great Comtes to long for.