2011 Champagne Taittinger, Comtes de Champagne, Blanc de Blancs, Brut spirit when I became the only

when I became the only journalist at what has to be the wine event of the year - the unveiling of a bottle of Petrus that had spent 438 days on the International Space Station

With a glorious concentration of blackcurrant fruit on the nose and an intense

and yet I am also struck by its tension

Aged all in foudre and normally a blend of 60% Mourvedre

it really is the archetype of a wine for the cellar

2011 Champagne Taittinger, Comtes de Champagne, Blanc de Blancs, Brut spirit when I became the onlyThe 2011 Taittinger Comtes de Champagne is superb with generous, bright aromas of lemon cream, stone fruits, baked pastry and almonds. The palate has a subtle verve: rich but not overbearing and its weight is carried with deftness and elegance. There is freshness here and a fine mousse brings a lively energy. Beautiful acidity and with extraordinary length, it finishes with a twist of salinity leaving you reaching for a second sip. Berry Bros. & Rudd