Philipponnat Blanc de Blancs 'Grand Blanc' Extra Brut 2014

"Clicquot's signature non-vintage Brut is loved all over the world for its crisp, full flavors, consistent quality and celebratory yellow label. This classical dry Champagne is a blend of two-thirds black grapes (Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier) for body, balanced with one-third Chardonnay for elegance. It has a fine persistent sparkle and golden Champagne color." —winemaker

"In 2014, an unusually mild, wet winter was followed by a dry, sunny spring. Summer was notable for abundant rainfall in July and August, two months of contrasting temperatures. September brought a return to normal, with favorable climatic conditions for harvest. The grapes were healthy and picked at the point of perfect ripeness. The resulting clear wines were powerful and complex with subtle overtones of fruit.

"A pale gold, clear and luminous, like the rising sun. Delicate aromas of fruit – vine peach and poached pear – and linden and hawthorn blossom. Notes of juicy vine peach lend a fine texture, complemented by poached pear and tangy rhubarb. A combination of freshness, balance and tension. A rare and harmonious champagne." —winemaker

"The Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs is the finest example of the Taittinger House style and is always a vintage cuvée. It is made with 100% white grapes from the 5 villages with a Grands Crus classification for the Chardonnay grape (Avize, Chouilly, Cramant, Oger, Mesnil-sur-Oger). This cuvée is created using juice from the first press only. A small percentage (5 %) of the blend is aged in fresh oak barrels to create the very delicate balance of toasted notes in the final wine. Taittinger knows it must be patient with these great Chardonnays, which are the crowning glory of its terroir; the Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs remains for up to  10 years in the chalk quarries beneath Saint-Nicaise, before emerging to ignite and delight the palates of wine-lovers." —winemaker