SPECIAL BUBBLY FOR SPECIAL OCCASIONS

IF you’ve a special occasion coming up, a really special occasion that calls for a really special bubbly to go with it, give yourself and friends a treat with a bottle of Taittinger’s Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs 1998.

This wine is made only from those vintages where all the conditions are met for its unique style, including exceptional weather and the availability of 100 per cent Grands Crus Chardonnay grapes from the most renowned vineyards of the Cote de Blancs. The ’98 vintage met all these and other criteria, and has been rated alongside some of the greatest Champagne harvests ever.

Taittinger, one of the last remaining family-owned Champagne houses, used only the first pressing to create the 1998, and matured five per cent of wines used in the blend in new oak barrels; the final blend spent a minimum four years in the cellar before release.

The 1998 Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs has an exceptionally fine and persistent bead that forms a delicate mousse, and light floral, almond and vanilla aromas with a hint of spice and lemon.

On the palate it has alluring fresh citrus and lemon zest flavours, a pleasant acidity and a luscious, creamy finish. A truly outstanding special occasion Champagne where the $240 price-tag is not a concern.