Photo by Johnny

Taittinger Comtes de Champagne Brut Rose 2002 (750ml)

Grape proportions: 70% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay

Tasted in June, 2010

Bought in May 2008 upon release, thus disgorged more than 2 years ago. But as I unwind the wire, the cork, with no more patience, ‘pop’ out crisply! Look at the lovely shape of the cork, and I feel so happy that I’ve purchased the bottle right upon release and cellared it by myself ever since.

Served upon uncorking. A lovely robe of intense salmon hue with reflections of rose gold.  Streams of fine bubbles in vigorous effervescence. Romantic!

On the nose, exquisite fruity aromas of freshly picked red currants and raspberries at the centre stage, with an edge of pungent, almost peppery minerality! Exciting!

The first attack on the palate is fresh, crisp and instantly explosive, then exquisite red fruits satisfy the mid palate, finishing on the elegance and merest astringency of fine minerality.

As the bubbly loses its initial chill, the nose becomes more opulent and constantly evolves in the glass from naturally sweet red berries, toffee, undergrowth to raspberry ice cream and butter; and the palate grows more fruit-fleshy and rounded, naturally sweet and supple, but in no way heavy or dull thanks to the fine core of minerality and acidity. The finish is a touch astringent though, with bitterness building up.

Overall, this drinks cheerfully and light-heartedly till half an hour after uncorking. Then the young fruit seems to hide into a tunnel, leaving behind only the tension of tannin and the astringency of minerality, a bit too tight and mean to swallow -- I think it's undergoing some changes at this stage, and shall unfold beautifully by its 15th birthday...The nose, however, continues to evolve and hint at the future direction of maturity: the meaty tone of fine Burgundian red, mingled with red fruits and chalky minerality!