1982 Taittinger Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs.

I’m not sure that this bottle was at top form. When first opened it showed a big streak of cellar floor, barrel, almost a touch moldy. It was not corked but seemed somehow tainted. It did evoke some nuances of citrus peels some creamy appley fruit but lacked the graceful notes that I’ve had from others. On the palate it seemed a bit tightly wound, again showing off plenty of citrus and acid which was quite pronounced, not showing that creamy elegance of Blanc de Blancs. As it warmed up it did start to compile more character in the form of butterscotch and maybe a touch of mocha, but lacked in the midpalate fruit. I think the true greatness of Comtes de Champagne did not show through in this bottle.-rv