Champagne Taittinger Brut Millésimé

2005

Overall, 2005 was a hot and dry year. After a very cold winter with little rainfall, spring was very mild with occasional hot spells. The vines came into bloom between the 15th and the 19th of June. Following a period of heavy rain towards the end of June and early July, the rest of the month was hot while August saw a distinct cooling of temperatures.

The harvesting which began on the 12th of September was very spread out and took place in mild and humid conditions. The wind also present at the end of the harvesting contributed to a healthy and abundant harvest. The excellent quality Chardonnays were characterised by their freshness and minerality but also by their generosity and length. The Pinots produced very distinctive, vinous and ample wines.

Tasting notes
The colour of the Taittinger Brut Millésimé 2005 is a shimmering golden yellow. The effervescence is frank with an abundant rise of bubbles. The nose reveals a beautiful aromatic intensity. After the first floral notes, in which we can make out a hint of honeysuckle, come riper fruity and generous fragrances of raisins and hot and honeyed fruits such as greengage plums.

The attack is fresh with an indulgent quality reminiscent of the flavour of syrupy preserved fruits. On the palate, unctuosity and suppleness complete the qualities of balance and richness. A real finesse becomes apparent in an aftertaste that is also long and complex. Brut Millésimé 2005 has a promising lay down potential but equally offers a remarkable balance between finesse, generosity and the richness of its aromas to be enjoyed as of now.

2006

Overall, 2006 was a hot year. After a very dry autumn, the winter was cold and snowy, but fortunately there was no damage in the vineyard. The spring brought steady, mild weather, and ended with the vines fl owering between 12 and 18 June. The summer was very variable, with exceptionally hot periods punctuated by numerous storms in July, followed by cooler temperatures and overcast skies in August, while September saw renewed heat and the start of a dry spell, which did not, however, have a negative effect on the volume of the harvest.

The harvests began on 7 September and were relatively spread out, in order to take into account the unevenness in the ripening. Rain arrived at the end of the harvest, but yields were high enough for us to be able to select the best grapes.

The Chardonnay produced rich, complex aromas of citrus and white fruit, and white flowers. A beautiful minerality gives them finesse and elegance. These characteristics, combined with excellent balance and suppleness, suggest a good potential to age.

Tasting notes
The Taittinger Brut Vintage 2006 has a bright, pale yellow colour. The effervescence is lively, with abundant, very fine bubbles. The nose instantly reveals great finesse, with elegant notes of vine flowers. This is followed by intense, sweet, fruity aromas, evoking currants and quince paste, accompanied by a hint of aniseed on the finish.

The attack is generous, rich and fruity, underscored by fl avours of yellow fruit compote and greengages. The mid-palate is fl avourful, very smooth and generous, suggesting fruit paste. The finish is uniform, very well-structured and full-bodied, developing a slightly tannic note. Already presenting fi nesse, richness and body, the Brut Vintage 2006 promises to age well.

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Shared by Kevin McKee