Magnificent is the perfect description for a Methuselah of Comtes de Champagne, the jewel in Taittinger’s crown. A Methuselah contains the equivalent of 8 bottles in one majestic format; production on this epic scale is understandably tiny. Magnums are incredible enticing too; bigger is always better!
We are delighted to offer you these rare large formats of both Blanc de Blancs and Rosé from the outstanding 2006 vintage. Both these Champagnes have received critical acclaim with some knockout comments and scores. Comtes de Champagne is never produced in large quantities, but its popularity has rocketed in recent years due to its stellar quality, tempting price and sheer deliciousness. Antonio Galloni gave the Blanc 97+ and Richard Juhlin gave the Rosé 4 stars, placing it on par with the legendary 2002.
The 2006 epitomises Taittinger’s famed signature style: purity, elegance and finesse. In the words of Champagne critic Antonio Galloni, “All the elements fall into place effortlessly. The 2006 has been nothing short of magnificent… The 2006 Comtes de Champagne is going to make a very strong case for inclusion in any conversation about the all-time great vintages of Comtes.”
Owning a rare large format of this gorgeous Champagne would make any great celebration complete. Whether you choose to drink this exceptional bottle now or choose to lay it down for future years, you will experience a piece of vintage Champagne history.
Quantities are limited so please do let us know if you are interested in securing one of these large formats.
Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs 2006
1 Methuselah @ £1250 per OWC Methuselah in bond
100% Chardonnay coming from 5 of the most renowned Grand Cru vineyards within the prestigious Côte des Blancs. This has only been made in exceptional vintages and was first produced in 1952. Matured for 8-10 years before release. Loïc Dupont, Taittinger’s cellar master, says this vintage is a wonderful surprise. It shows profound character and excellent finesse. It is rich and generous with lots of complexity.
Toast and iodine, salty, very fine mousse, lovely evolution on the nose. Citrus fruits, honeysuckle and a delightful fragrance of hazelnuts and pine nuts. Gorgeously layered, rich and balanced. Real elegance and poise with a vein of chalky minerality running through. A stunning Champagne that has pure class. Weightless on the entry, it packs power and complexity on the mid palate. Lots of energy, vitality and acidity. Goedhuis & Co
The 2006 Comtes de Champagne is striking, especially in the way it brings together elements of ripeness and freshness in a hypothetical blend of the 2002 and 2004. Smooth and creamy on the palate, the 2006 is all about texture. There is a real feeling of density and weight in the 2006, qualities I expect to see grow with time in the bottle. All the elements fall into place effortlessly. The 2006 has been nothing short of magnificent both times I have tasted it. Comtes de Champagne remains the single best value (in relative terms) in tête de cuvée Champagne. I suggest buying a case and following it over the next 20-30 years, which is exactly what I intend to do. There is little doubt the 2006 Comtes de Champagne is a magical Champagne in the making. Drinking Window: 2016-2046. 97+ points Antonio Galloni
Disgorged April 2013 for this tasting. Very lively bead indeed. Very sumptuous nose seems eerily close to fine white Côte d’Or Burgundy. Still tight and very glamorous. Really classy and explosive. Hugely promising. There is delicacy and charm here. 2015-2025 19 points Jancis Robinson
Comtes de Champagne Rosé 2006
Magnums 3×1.5l @ £625 per 3 Magnums in bond
Methuselah 1x6l @ £1695 per Methuselah in bond
Methuselah 1x6l @ £1895 per Methuselah in bond (Special gift box)
A blend of Chardonnay from the Côte des Blancs and Pinot Noir from the Montagne de Reims. Only juice from the first pressing is used to ensure fine structure and long ageing potential. 12% of the Pinot Noir from Bouzy is blended in as still red wine. This Rosé, only made in the greatest years, is about structure and fruit. The 2006 is a knockout.
Fine, delicate, fresh, fragrant and very lifted. Cherry, raspberry, wild strawberry, blossom and cream. This has energy, intensity and great beauty. Wonderful structure, with grip, depth and weight. It delivers purity of flavours and shows enormous elegance. On the palate the initial fruitiness quickly intensifies and leads into a rich, structured mid-palate and a generous finish that maintains balance and freshness. Excellent. Goedhuis & Co
Taittinger’s 2006 Comtes de Champagne Rosé has come along nicely over the last six months. Intensely perfumed, Pinot-inflected aromatics carry through the mid-palate and finish as the 2006 shows off its depth and pure energy. Veins of chalky minerality give the red berry and cranberry flavors an extra kick of energy. The 2006 is both powerful and delicate at the same, with crystalline precision and fabulous depth. Hints of orange peel, mint, cinnamon and cranberry add further shades of nuance on the complete, beautifully articulated finish. 95 points Antonio Galloni
Take Taittinger’s prodigious Chardonnay and add 15% Pinot Noir to create this masterful prestige rosé that has a mid-red hue and plenty of assertive pinot red fruits on the nose. Really impressive aromas of Turkish delight, cherries, chalky minerals and pink grapefruit. The palate has a fine core with some bolder red fruit flavors and Pinot Noir weight. Really impressive, deep and even, with much to come if you hold for three to five years before drinking. 95 points James Suckling