97

Antonio Galloni

Vinous

Taittinger’s 2002 Comtes de Champagne is a great way to kick things off. Rich, radiant and lush, with all of the exotic ripeness of the year in evidence, the 2002 Comtes delivers the goods. This bottle is perhaps a bit more forward than others have been, but it is nevertheless very fine. 03/2018

98

Neal Martin

Vinous

We started with a sensational 2002 Taittinger Blanc de Blancs Comtes de Champagne. My word, this is exquisite, representing everything I adore in champagne. Limpid gold in hue, it has a compelling bouquet of walnut, smoke, dried honey and shucked oyster shells that I found utterly entrancing. The palate does not disappoint, displaying an irresistible rounded texture and perfectly pitched acidity that cuts through the flavors of lemon curd, orange pith and crushed stone. It was as if this champagne tries to give you everything you desire, and does it with such aplomb that you cannot help but be smitten. I have no doubt that it will cruise at a high altitude for many years. 08/2020

96

Richard Juhlin

Richard Juhlin

A wine that was made all too few bottles of. The champagne is going from strength to strength and swims in the mouth with the power of a tsunami and caressing you at the same time in a powerful combination. Sweet citrus, vanilla and Meursault notes together in a beautiful harmony. Crazy mute as recently discorged. Improves in the glass and is packed with fruit for the future. Only three months later you could already see the greatness and feel the concentration. This vintage one has only made 35,000 bottles, which is 100,000 bottles less than normal so it will be a battle for the dense lime-scented muscle knot when it wakes up from its sleepless sleep. 07/2024

98

William Kelley

Robert Parker/Wine Advocate

The 2002 Brut Blanc de Blancs Comtes de Champagne is beginning to drink very well, wafting from the glass with a brilliant bouquet that mingles aromas of pear, citrus confit and dried fruits with notions of marzipan, brioche, oyster shell and smoke. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, broad and textural, with a layered and multidimensional core, considerable concentration and a long, penetrating finish. Racy and precise though the wine is, this is a somewhat broader, richer rendition of Comtes than the compelling 2008 that preceded it in this tasting, but it's hard to choose between the two in terms of quality. 08/2019

99

James Suckling

James Suckling

This is showing incredible complexity with notes of preserved lemons, beeswax, chamomile, quince and porcini mushrooms. Salted caramel also. It's full-bodied, layered and concentrated, with rich and salty layers. Fantastic freshness, too. Powerful and keeps going. This was disgorged in 2012. Ten years on the lees and ten years in bottle. Drink or hold. 08/2023