97

Antonio Galloni

Vinous

The 2004 Comtes de Champagne is at a glorious peak of early maturity where the first notes of aromatic and flavor development have arrived, and yet the wine remains fresh. Apricot, baked apple tart, pastry and touch of reduction all run through this super-classic Comtes de Champagne. Now showing the gentlest hint of patina, the 2004 is magnificent. The delicately saline finish is a thing of beauty. At the outset, many Chefs de Cave believed the 2004s would not age, since at the time, yields were the highest ever in Champagne. Time has proved otherwise for the top wines. This is a great bottle of the 2004, the best I have had yet. 03/2024

95

Richard Juhlin

Richard Juhlin

Very unexpectedly appeared this vintage up in Prague in 2012. Ultra-youthful, almost distressing fresh mineral and rock hard stony toasted. Everything is in place though and time will bring classic beauty. 08/2021

96

Antonio Galloni

Robert Parker/Wine Advocate

It’s fascinating to taste the 2004 Brut Blanc de Blancs Comtes de Champagne after the 2002, something I have been able to do on a few occasions. The 2004 is all about minerality, precision and tension. It doesn’t have the sheer richness or power of the 2002, but it makes up for that with its crystalline purity and sheer energy. Bright hints of lemon oil, white flowers and crushed rocks are layered into the pointed, vibrant finish. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2034. This is a fabulous set of new releases from Taittinger. The 2002 Comtes de Champagne is easily one of the very best young Champagnes I have ever tasted. Over the next year or so, Taittinger plans to list more information about their NV wines on the back labels, something that is a huge positive for the consumer. 10/2012

98

James Suckling

James Suckling

After almost 10 years on the lees and 10 years after disgorgement, this is showing nervy minerality, flintiness and oyster-shell characteristics, alongside dried pineapple and lemon peel. It's electric and lively on the palate with so much brightness. Tight, seamless bubbles. Unbelievably fresh and long. Bottled in 2005 and disgorged in 2014. Drink or hold. 08/2024