Taittinger Comtes de Champagne Rosé 2012

Quite a deep, reddish salmon colour in the glass. The nose is powerful, quite red-fruited and deeply savoury, layering bready biscuit tones with dried strawberry, craisins and peach. The palate has a sweet core, red and stone fruits intertwined and coated in a creamy mousse. This is a gourmand, powerful Champagne that is textural, chewy and rich. Smoky and savoury on the finish, this is is impressive, long and age-worthy.

This is a structured, focused yet delicate rosé Comtes. Almost rust-colored, with tons of grapefruit, crushed stones, blackcurrants and wild raspberries, alongside oyster shells and chalk. Very precise and fine, with seamless bubbles and a fresh, very long finish. 60% pinot noir (from Mailly, Verzenay and Ambonnay) and 40% chardonnay (Avize, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger and Oger), of which 16% red wine from Bouzy, all grand cru. Drink or hold.

Evoking a superb bouquet, the remarkable 2012 Brut Comtes de Champagne Rosé reveals aromas of mint, strawberries, ripe red berries, tangerine, plums, orange rind and blood orange. Full-bodied, vinous and concentrated, it has a delicately, perfectly balanced phenolic mid-palate framed by a pinpoint mousse of striking finesse and delicacy, concluding with a vibrant, vertical finish enhanced by gastronomic bitterness. A blend of 70% Pinot Noir, including 14% as red wine, and 30% Chardonnay, disgorged with a dosage of nine grams per liter, this is one of the most elegant and refined Comtes de Champagne Rosé releases from Taittinger.