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Taittinger, 1985 Champagne and Sparkling

Taittinger collection, Roy Lichtenstein edition, vintage champaigne

Bottle size: 75cl

Price:

£385.00

1 In Stock

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    • Description

    Vintage & Edition Background
    The 1985 Taittinger Collection Roy Lichtenstein is part of Taittinger’s renowned artist-series, which pairs exceptional vintage Champagnes with striking artwork. Released in 1990, this edition features a bold design by American pop artist Roy Lichtenstein, known for his graphic style inspired by comic books. The wine itself is a Brut Vintage 1985, drawn from a blend of approximately 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay, sourced from the Grands Crus of Champagne’s Côte des Blancs, Montagne de Reims, and Vallée de la Marne.

    Appearance & Nose
    In the glass the champagne shows a mature golden-amber tone with fine bubbles. Aroma opens with layers of toasted nuts, honey-edged brioche, and dried orchard fruit — think baked apple, pear, and subtle quince. Over time, more tertiary notes emerge: hazelnut, caramel, mild toffee, and a gentle oxidative edge, with undertones of dried flowers and a warm, honeyed sweetness.

    Palate & Texture
    On tasting, it is medium-bodied with a pleasing richness balanced by a clean acidity that prevents heaviness. The fruit flavours are softened by age: cooked apple, pear, perhaps a hint of marmalade, backed by toast, almond, and some spice. Texture is creamy, with a fine mousse that has mellowed but still persists. The finish is long, harmonious, with lingering notes of nuts, warm spice and a touch of savoury minerality.

    Maturity & Drinking Window
    The 1985 Roy Lichtenstein has clearly reached a mature phase. It shows fully developed tertiary character while retaining balance. Bottles stored well will remain enjoyable for the near future, though peak richness may begin to taper off. For collectors, it’s very much a wine to savour now.

    Art, Bottle & Collectibility
    The presentation adds to its allure: the Lichtenstein design is not simply decorative but lends strong collectibility. The screen-printed bottle art, the limited release, and the combination of wine and visual art make this a highly sought-after piece both for wine lovers and art collectors.

    Overall Verdict
    1985 Taittinger Collection Roy Lichtenstein is a compelling mature Champagne. It balances richness, complexity, and elegance, offering more than just vintage prestige — it’s also a collector’s object. For those who appreciate the intersection of wine and art, and who enjoy age-worthy luxury with mellow fruit and savour, this delivers a memorable, multidimensional experience.

    *** 93 Points - Parker ***
    Roy Lichtenstein (1923–1997) is a beloved New York artist best known for his vibrant Pop Art paintings and prints. These were inspired by comics and advertising, and often reproduce the familiar plot frames, dialogue bubbles and dot printing of comic books. The work most often parodies social norms. His iconic imagery is featured on the 1985 Collection Series bottle.

    The Taittinger Collection Series bottles are released only in great vintages, from a selection of the year's finest cuvées. The wines are made from Chardonnay mainly from the Grands Crus of the Côte des Blancs, and Pinot Noir from Montagne de Reims and Vallée de la Marne vineyards. The fruit is pressed in the vineyards and the first pressing is transported to the winery for fermentation, followed by a second fermentation in the bottle. Aged for five or more years on the lees, the wine acquires complexity and the fine, pinpoint bubbles characteristic of its sparkle.

    The Taittinger Collection Series was conceived in the late 1970s by Claude Taittinger. Long a patron of the arts, with a passionate interest in the modern schools of painting and sculpture, he perceived a natural alliance between the creation of the artist and the art of the great winemaker. Thus, in 1983, Champagne Taittinger introduced the first of its revolutionary Collection Series, uniting art and Champagne in the design of a special bottle with a laser-sealed sheath that visually expresses the artist’s concept of the magic of Champagne. Featuring the work of artists such as the French surrealist André Masson, American pop artist Robert Rauschenberg, and more recently the renowned Senegalese painter Amadou Sow, these exquisite bottles are commissioned well into the 21st century, and will perpetuate Champagne Taittinger’s affiliation with the greatest artists of our time.

    Condition

    Excellent

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