Champagne 'Prelude' Grands Crus Brut NV by Taittinger, 750ml

Bought in Shanghai @ RMB 608 in March 2008

Tasted on Oct 16, 2008 @ 串若丸 Japanese restaurant

Originally only available in magnums, the 'Prelude' 750ml-bottle version is an eagerly awaited new comer just released in late 2007. Why eagerly awaited? Just have a glimpse of these: 50% Chardonnay from classic Grands Crus Avize and Le Mesnil! 50% Pinot Noir from  classic Grands Crus Bouzy and Ambonnay! 75% of the base wines from 2002 harvest, the first true vintage of the new century, with the rest 25% being reserve wines of older vintages. 4 years on lees and then dosaged @ 11.5g/L...Can you wait any more?

Pale gold. Many fine bubbles dance their way up in a waltz - they also look like many glittering stars in the night sky. What an effervescent feast to the eyes in perfect harmony with the gorgeous label design! So let's drink the stars!

After an initial burst of bready and yeasty notes, the nose turns subtle: green and floral. When further aired in the glass, nutty and mineral notes gain more strength and intensity, then finally give way to accomplished buttery tones.

Just a sip and you are shocked - if this is JUST a prelude, then your expectation for the wines to follow will be very difficult to satisfy! So when you drink 'Prelude', either drink no other wine OR you have to make sure the ones to follow are truly decent and really serious stuff.

The palate is lush and full. Surprisingly evolved already - impressive weight of roasted coffee and hazelnut, packed in a silky robe of ripe citrus fruit. The finish is seriously earthy and chalky.

Both the nose and the palate sealed the distinctive edge of mature Chardonnay. To me, 'Prelude' definitely represents the best value among the whole Taittinger range.

This elegant figure was on the original Magnum 'Prelude' label, making such original Magnum version quite appealing as collection.