97 points, “The balance between ripeness and acidity that is the hallmark of this fine vintage is expressed well in this impressive wine. Tangy, with a strong streak of minerality, it is crisp and rich at the same time.” – Wine Enthusiast 93 points, “Taittinger’s complexity is apparent here on the nose of this complex, rich and deeply powerful vintage Champagne. Flinty struck match reduction, toasty yeasty notes and bright lemon-infused citrus notes are all bursting from the glass amid savoury, chalky minerals. The palate has a bold lemon citrus and peach fruit flavour to it, really saline, minerally and contained. Some glossy brûlée-like notes to close.” – James Suckling Probably the most striking bottle of Champagne to ever grace our shelves.

Since 1983, Taittinger has collaborated with some of the greatest contemporary artists the world has ever seen, turning the bottles of their vintage cuvées into blank canvases on which to work. Entitled ‘Taittinger Collection’, this series was devised by Claude Taittinger and the first bottle was designed by the Hungarian artist Vasarely. He was later joined by the likes of André Masson, Roy Lichtenstein, Imaï, Rauschenberg, Amadou Sow and many more. Released in 2016, the Taittinger Collection Brut Vintage 2008 was designed by the Brazilian photographer Sebastião Salgado. Previous iterations of the Taittinger Collection had been colourful and abstract paintings, but this is the very first photographic art to be included in the series and the black and white picture is immensely eye catching. It features an image captured in the Barab River Valley in Namibia of a leopard quenching its thirst. Far from preoccupied by the act of drinking, the leopard seems to eye from the bottle with a look that reaches in and touches your soul. This seems strangely fitting for such a life-affirming Champagne full of animal vitality. Only crafted in exceptional years, Taittinger Brut Millésimé is a blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from Grand Cru plots. Matured on the lees for around four years, it’s a tense and vibrant wine, almost like a coiled spring or a leopard ready to pounce. Refreshing acidity and a creamy mousse are accompanied by zesty grapefruit, lemon curd, crunchy pear, notes of red fruits, smoked sea salt, toasted brioche and a pinch of spice. Sure to evoke conversation, this is a sensational choice for a dinner party. Taittinger’s vineyards date back to 1734 and were owned by Jacques Fourneaux. The château was bought by Pierre Taittinger in 1932 and the business prides itself on being one of the last remaining independent, family-owned Champagne houses, run by the name on the label. For us, their vegan-friendly Champagnes offer a quality-to-price ratio that’s almost unparalleled.

£28 per 100.00ml