Taittinger Brut Blanc de Blancs Comtes de Champagne 2013

99 points James Suckling: "Fantastic complexity here with aromas of toast, biscuit, lemon, almond, chalk and some fennel. It's long, sleek and mineral, with tight, very fine bubbles and so much tension and precision. Very long and chalky finish. Disgorged end of 2023. Drink or hold. (8/6/24)"

96-99 points Essi Avellan, MW: "(100% Chardonnay). Elegantly charred nose with ripe white fruit profile. Youthful, holding back a lot for the time being. Some candy tones and juicy fruit on the vibrant palate of pristine fruit quality. Aptly dosed, deliciously fruity finish. This will greatly reward ageing. (Jul 2023)"

98 points Tyson Stelzer (The Champagne Guide): "(tasted in 2023 in Australia; 100% grand cru Côte des Blancs chardonnay; 60% Avize and Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, the pillars of Comtes, for structure and finesse, then Chouilly for body and strength, Oger and a little less than 10% Cramant; 5% from Chouilly aged [not fermented] for 4 months in young oak barrels [new, with one-third renewed each year] to add body and subtle burnt-vanilla and coconut character; 9g/L dosage). The sheer expanse of Taittinger's sourcing from the greatest chardonnay crus and the intricate fanaticism of its winemaking team makes Comtes a legendary blanc de blancs—and never more so today than in the cooler seasons. 2013 reflects the brilliant pale straw hue of 2008 and follows a similarly pure and precise fruit trajectory of accurate lemon and white peach, then takes a turn unique to 2013 and introduces a tweak of exoticism unusual for Comtes. This is the voice of Avize, hinting at star fruit, kiwi and almost ripe pineapple that brings an alluring immediacy to an otherwise tense and ageworthy season. A touch of barrel maturation brings the signature vanilla and toasted coconut nuances specific to Comtes, while a decade in the depths of the crayères contributes subtle brioche, almond nougat and a softly whipped butter texture. Yet both of these influences are profoundly understated here—unprecedented since 2008—and it is the purity and energy of fruit that defines this slow-evolving season, promising tremendous endurance for the coming decades. This cool season sets off the dramatic chalk minerality of Avize and Le Mesnil, guiding a finish of monumental persistence and undeterred line. Another brilliant Comtes. (Edition VII; 2024)"

98 points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "The 2013 Comtes de Champagne captures all the pedigree of this great vintage in its energy, depth and vibrancy. Lemon confit, dried flowers, chamomile, spice and crushed rocks all race across the palate. Passionfruit, ginger, marzipan and mint appear later, filling out the layers beautifully. Harvest took place in October in what has become the exception rather than the norm in Champagne. Drink: 2023-2043. (May 2023)"

98 points/'Cellar Selection,' Wine Enthusiast: "This beautiful Chardonnay from five top Grand Cru vineyards is textured with fruit that is still impressively perfumed. Its concentration has allowed it to remain perennially young. Although there are hints of toastiness, the Champagne has many more years of potential. Drink now and at least up to 2027. Alcohol 12.5%. (Dec 2023)"

97 points Jasper Morris, MW (Inside Burgundy): "After the relatively easygoing 2012 comes the more serious 2013 vintage. A long growing season with a late harvest has marked the wine with intense acids. The aromas are also cool and intense: lemony fruit on the palate is fragranced with just a hint of coffee beans. As the wine warms in the glass, herbaceous nuances emerge (and a dusting of almonds for good measure). Full of nervy energy from start to finish, the mid-palate interjects a ripe juiciness, hinting at the oft-ignored ripeness of this vintage. The acidity and extended lees aging have imparted a delicate salinity on the long, complex finish. Phenominally phenolic! This precise and fresh rendition of Comtes de Champagne may threaten to topple 2008 from its throne in the decades ahead. Excellent! Drink from 2028-2055. Tasted: 3-Nov-23. (Dec 2023)" -Steve Pritchard

96 points Yohan Castaing (Wine Advocate): "The 2013 Brut Blanc de Blancs Comtes de Champagne's bouquet is compellingly fresh and minty, revealing aromas of white fruit—notably pear and apple—marzipan and sweet spices, as well as a light touch of citrus mingled with classy autolytic notes. On the palate, this is a structured, tensile and ethereal Champagne with high acidity—a sign of a classic vintage—animated by a mousse of striking finesse and delicacy. Although already enjoyable, it should develop well for several decades. Drink: 2023-2045. (9/29/23)"

96 points Decanter: "Glistening with lemon rain, ripe peach, apple and oozing with lush vanilla pastry. Deeply delicious and lingering with a burst of quince on the dreamy finish. Alcohol 12.5%. (DWWA 2024)"

96 points Wine Spectator: "[$280 list] The Marilyn Monroe of Champagne, with voluptuous notes of lemon meringue, poached apricot, black cherry, brioche and candied ginger trimmed nicely by sleek, mouthwatering acidity. A minerally underpinning of smoke and oyster shell pushes through to drive the finish. It's hard to stop sipping this bright and harmonious bubbly. Drink now through 2038. (9/25/24)"

95 points Sarah Mayo (The Wine Independent): "Taittinger’s 2013 Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs captures an abundance of finesse from Champagne’s cooler 2013 vintage. Mineral-rich and taut, it opens with honeyed notes of ripe citrus, poached nashi pear, butter wafers, and crème fraiche that gradually gain aromatic intensity as it unfurls. Light to medium-bodied, it has well-heeled, vibrant acidity that lends an energetic tension and freshness to the long, toasty finish. This subtly assertive and refined Comtes de Champagne should evolve beautifully with bottle age for 15+ years. Drink 2023-2040. Alcohol 12%. (9/22/23)"