taittinger prelude grand crus brut n.v. 750ml

Prélude Grands Crus Cuvée is composed of Chardonnay (50%) and Pinot Noir (50%) that Taittinger has selected exclusively from the top Grands Crus vineyards classified as “100%” in the Champagne system. Produced only using first press wines, this rare blend offers the finesse and structure that a great wine needs if it to be laid down for any length of time. On the palate, this wine strikes the perfect balance of the instantly minerally Chardonnay and the strongly expressive Pinot Noir. Aged for more than five years in the cellar, the Prélude cuvée is unique for its remarkable youth and great wealth of flavours.

The brilliant body is pale yellow with silver highlights, a sign of the high proportion of exceptional Chardonnays.The bubbles are fine and form a persistent and delicately creamy ring of foam.The wine is subtle and fresh on the nose. The initial mineral aromas quickly give way to green and then floral notes with the fragrance of elderflowers and spicy cinnamon undertones.The entry onto the palate is clean and lively, dominated by very exceedingly fresh citrus notes. These segue into much fuller, rounder and silkier flavours where white peaches in syrup predominate.The finish is rich, lingering and bursting with flavour. Prélude «Grands Crus» is a joyous blend of finesse and complexity. its balance of freshness and aromatic expression is outstanding.

Prélude “Grands Crus” is a cuvée that makes an excellent aperitif or accompaniment to classic seafood dishes.

Critical Acclaim:
94 points - Wine Enthusiast
"Made from only Grand Cru vineyards, this ripe, full and wonderfully textured wine is rich and complex. It brings out tangy orange and lemon zest, a tightly mineral texture, fragrant fruit and acidity. Dense and concentrated, the wine would benefit from some bottle age to bring out all its flavors."

93 points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
"The NV Brut Prelude Grands Crus has a very clear, complex and fresh yet intense bouquet, currently with more Pinot and walnut/macadamia flavors rather than Chardonnay flavors. Almond biscuits and fine brioche aromas come through only on the second nose. Bottled in 2012, this should be based on the 2011 vintage. It is a full-bodied, fine and elegant but also very complex and persistent Prelude that was sourced in only grand cru vineyards. Disgorged in October 2016 (dosage: nine grams per liter), tasted in November 2017."

92 points - Allen Meadows - Burghound
"There is just a hint of reduction present that shaves the top notes off of the otherwise yeasty green apple and subtle floral aromas. There is fine complexity to the equally yeasty flavors where the supporting effervescence is not particularly refined though it's by no means rustic either, all wrapped in a lingering and sappy finish. I suppose if I'm being really nitpicky this lacks just a touch of freshness and verve even though it's clear that the idea here is to deliver a wine with real depth. I would be the first to acknowledge that it is very difficult to deliver depth with freshness because of the very nature of developing the complexity in the first place. Still, it can be done and this, while certainly delicious and attractive, lacks that little extra dimension that separates the very best cuvees from the 'merely' excellent."

91 points - Vinous
"Pale gold. Vibrant, mineral-laced citrus and orchard fruit aromas are complemented by suggestions of buttered toast and honey. Toasty orange and pear flavors are braced by juicy acidity, picking up a suggestion of chamomile with air. Finishes dry and precise, with repeating mineral and toast notes."

90 points - Wine & Spirits
"This is a substantial, full-bodied 50-50 blend of Chardonnay from Avize and Le Mesnil-sur-Oger with Pinot Noir from the Montagne de Reims. It balances savory, nutty aromas of yeast autolysis with bright, zesty orange and deeper, red fruit essences. The wine's persistent acidity keeps its plump body firm."

90 points - Wine Spectator
"Fine and lacy in texture, this clean-cut Champagne in an aperitif style offers a subtle mix of patisserie apple and pear, lemon zest, pickled ginger and orchard blossom notes. Fresh, with a lightly toasty finish. Drink now through 2019."

750ml Bottle