We met at Smith & de Luma on the 26th of June 2024, on a beautiful summer evening, a fitting backdrop for a Champagne tasting. Food pairing was kentucky style chicken with french fries, providing adqequate richness for the fresh 2008 vintage.
2008 is hailed as one of the great Champagne vintages, celebrated for its exceptional quality and potential for long aging. This vintage is among the other recent standout years like 1996, 2002, and 2012, each with its unique characteristics. Here, we delve into the growing season, expert opinions, and the stylistic attributes of the wines from this remarkable year
The 2008 style
Overall, the 2008 vintage is characterized by its balance of ripe fruit flavors, vibrant acidity, and pro-nounced minerality. These wines possess a crystalline purity and a sense of finesse that is both thrilling and timeless. The potential for aging is immense, with many experts predicting that the best wines will continue to evolve and improve over the next several decades.
…
The tasting
Taittinger, Comtes de Champagne 2008
Wow, interesting note here, lots of mineral-ity and minty elements. In the glass, it opens up more and more, very generous and toasty with some yellow fruit. Fine and round. Great showing, everybody loved this champagne. 19/20 (97/100).
