Taittinger Comtes de Champagne 2011 Rose

Created as early as the 18th century and served in the royal French courts, rosé champagne is at the very source of the success of champagne in general. It becomes an extremely rare, very exclusive pleasure with the Comtes de Champagne Rosé. This cuvee is only produced in exceptional years and is made from 100% Grand Cru Grapes. The Chardonnay grapes come from the most renowned vineyards of the prestigious Côte des Blancs, and the Pinot Noir from the Montagne de Reims. Only juice from the first pressing is used in order to ensure the structure and long aging potential that is so essential to this exceptional Champagne. 12% of the Pinot Noir is blended in as still red wine.

The 2011 vintage is cloaked in a beautifully colored robe of vivid pink gold. The shimmering red hues highlight the finesse and delicacy of the effervescence. The nose releases sweet notes of gingerbread, black fruits, cherry and acacia flowers intermingled with aromas of tangerine peel and slight touches of mint, licorice and sweet spices (turmeric, saffron) to add energy to this wine. On the palate, the delicately fruity, fine, and precise attack gives way to a silky and radiant tannic structure. This extraordinary vintage reflects the optimum ripeness of the Chardonnay, with great aromatic finesse, and a unique strength of character that is fresh with an abundance of fruit.

Wine Enthusiast scored this 96 points saying, "A great rosé Champagne, this relies on balanced ripe fruits and a fine texture. It is both taut and full of berry and citrus flavors that give richness to the wine. It is mature, but that has hardly dented the wine’s fruitiness and texture."

James Suckling also scored this 96 points saying, "Beautiful orange-cherry color, exuding aromas of dried flowers, cherry stones, wild strawberries, cloves and cinnamon pastries. It’s medium-bodied with excellent weight and balance. Soft bubbles. Layers of soft, supple berry fruit. Pastries and walnuts come through on a seamless finish."