2012 Taittinger Comtes de Champagne Rose, Champagne

This is a structured, focused yet delicate rosé Comtes. Almost rust-colored, with tons of grapefruit, crushed stones, blackcurrants and wild raspberries, alongside oyster shells and chalk. Very precise and fine, with seamless bubbles and a fresh, very long finish. 60% pinot noir (from Mailly, Verzenay and Ambonnay) and 40% chardonnay (Avize, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger and Oger), of which 16% red wine from Bouzy, all grand cru. Drink or hold.

99 points James Suckling 

Few rosé Champagnes command the same reverence as Comtes de Champagne Rosé. Produced only in exceptional vintages, it stands among the great prestige cuvées of Champagne and represents the pinnacle of Taittinger's craft. Founded in 1734 and owned by the Taittinger family since 1932, the house has built its reputation on elegance, precision and a distinctive Chardonnay driven style. The Comtes de Champagne wines are created from the finest Grand Cru vineyards, with meticulous attention to detail from vineyard to cellar.

The 2012 vintage is regarded as one of the finest Champagne harvests of the century. Despite a challenging growing season, the fruit that reached harvest displayed extraordinary concentration, freshness and balance. Comtes de Champagne Rosé is based predominantly on Chardonnay from Grand Cru villages of the Côte des Blancs, complemented by carefully selected Pinot Noir from top sites including Bouzy, contributing both structure and colour. Extended ageing on lees has added remarkable depth and complexity while preserving the vibrancy that defines the vintage.

A luminous salmon pink with delicate copper highlights, the bouquet is wonderfully layered. Wild strawberry, raspberry and red currant mingle with blood orange, rose petals and pink grapefruit. As the wine opens, notes of brioche, toasted hazelnut, spice, chalk and subtle smoky minerality emerge. The mousse is exceptionally fine and persistent, carrying flavours of red berries, citrus zest and stone fruits across a palate of remarkable precision and energy. There is extraordinary tension between richness and freshness, with a chalky mineral thread driving a finish that seems to last for minutes.

This is a magnificent partner for lobster with citrus butter, seared scallops, roast duck with cherry glaze, bluefin tuna sashimi or delicate dishes featuring truffle and wild mushrooms. While already breathtakingly beautiful, the structure and balance suggest a cellar life of 20 years or more from vintage. Every glass reveals new layers, making it one of the most captivating rosé Champagnes of its generation. For collectors and lovers of great Champagne, this is a benchmark wine that combines power, finesse and extraordinary longevity.