Wine Reviews

The latest rendition of the NV Brut La Française is showing well, evoking aromas of confit citrus, herbs, spring blossoms and pastry. Medium to full-bodied, enveloping and fleshy, it’s perfectly balanced, with bright acids and a mouthwatering, delicate finish.

Taittinger’s signature Brut Reserve NV is a 40% Chardonnay, 35% Pinot Noir and 25% Pinot Meunier based on the 2019 vintage with 30% reserve wines, of which 20% are Grand Cru. Pale champagne yellow in color, the nose reveals delicate notes of honeysuckle, dried apricot and hints of toast. The medium-bodied palate is well balanced with vibrant, supple acidity framing a textured and ripe fruit core. It finishes long and refreshing with attractive honeyed notes.

Coming from the 2019 base vintage with 35% reserve wine, the NV Champagne Reserve Brut retains the same blend, but they’ve added a new update to the label as well as a QR code. A bright straw color, the NV Champagne Reserve Brut is fresh with ripe aromas of fruit cocktail, ripe peach, lemon curd, and fresh bread dough. Highly consistent with the previous year, it’s fresh, inviting, and long on the palate, with ripe, silky fruit, a lively mousse, and a clean, juicy finish. This is the signature wine of the house. Drink 2023-2030. Disgorged in February 2023 and sees the classic 8 grams per liter dosage.

In the glass this charming Chardonnay focused French Champagne is a light golden color with plenty of tiny streaming bubbles. The vibrant bouquet includes brioche, green apple, nectarine, perfumed florals, and lemon zest aromas. There is nice froth on the palate, which is dry, medium-plus bodied, well balanced, textured and refreshingly acidic. There are flavors of apple, white pepper, lemon-lime, and saline. The finish has a chalky note, and the fruit lingers for quite a while