Of course, far too young, and as surely far too tempting to drink right now because the wine is already mighty tasty. More width than length so far. More nuttiness and breadiness than exoticism in the current state. Is sure to be another classic. Starting to get there as early as autumn 2007. Clear as a bell and stunningly beautiful! April 2022.

Vinous readers are well aware of how much I like Taittinger’s Comtes de Champagne. The 1996 is in a perfect place right now, where it has mellowed nicely in middle age, while retaining plenty of energy. I am not sure it is going to improve meaningfully however, so I would be thinking about drinking any remaining bottles over the next decade or so. September 2022

An original disgorgement showed like this in September 2013: Medium-deep lemon. Elegant, rich nose of sweet tropical fruit lemon, vanilla, créme brûlée, toast, gunpowder. Superb nose. Creamy, harmonious palate of highly accentuated acidity. Long and extremely fresh. Still going strong. A 2014 disgorged magnum showed even a touch superior in 2014: Stunning nose of gunpowder, coffee, cream, tropical fruit, vanilla. Absolutely pure and exuberant. Full, soft, fruit-packed palate building up superb complexity and depth. Lovely smooth mousse and fine, refreshing, lemony acid line. Perfectly crafted, all pieces at place. It all leads to a hugely fruity, sweet, appetising finish. Not one sign of tiring. December 2014.