1996 Taittinger Comtes de Champagne Champagne Blanc 1.5L

1996 Taittinger Comtes de Champagne: Mythic Millésime Magnum

The 1996 Taittinger Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs Brut 1.5L Magnum stands as an aristocratic prestige cuvée of breathtaking refinement. In particular, this rare vintage is crafted exclusively from 100% Grand Cru Chardonnay grown in the historic villages of the Côte des Blancs. In addition, the legendary 1996 harvest delivered electric natural acidity and structural tension that has aged into golden perfection in large format.

Tasting Notes for 1996 Taittinger Comtes de Champagne

The wine opens with commanding aromas of toasted brioche, roasted hazelnut, dried apricot, mirabelle plum, and candied citrus peel. Furthermore, nuanced notes of ginger, honeycomb, pipe tobacco, and wet chalk emerge through the pinpoint mousse. On the palate, a rich, vinous mouthfeel is energized by vibrant citrus acidity and chalky minerality. Consequently, the finish lingers with extraordinary length, smoky depth, and noble composure.

Key Wine Details

• Producer: Champagne Taittinger

• Vintage: 1996

• Appellation: Champagne Grand Cru, Côte des Blancs, France

• Cuvée: Comtes de Champagne

• Varietal: 100% Chardonnay (Grand Cru)

• Format: 1.5L Magnum

• Cellar Window: Drink now through 2040

Estate History and Heritage

Champagne Taittinger is one of the last great family-owned houses in Reims, tracing its origins back to 1734. Specifically, the house created Comtes de Champagne to honor Thibaud IV, the historic Count of Champagne who brought vines from the Crusades. Moreover, the wine matures for over a decade inside ancient Gallo-Roman chalk crayères.

Today, 1996 Comtes de Champagne magnums are widely considered by connoisseurs to be among the finest sparkling wines ever created. As a result, this bottle represents an essential acquisition for serious collectors.