Taittinger, 1988 Champagne and Sparkling

Vintage Champagne Imai

Bottle size: 75cl

Price:

£345.00

Out of stock

Description

Taittinger Collection Imai 1988

Vintage & Edition Background
The 1988 vintage delivered excellent growing conditions for Champagne — warm late summer weather coupled with cooler nights allowed grapes to ripen fully while retaining bright acidity. Taittinger selected this vintage for its Collection Series, an artistic line of bottles released only in outstanding years. For the 1988 Imai edition, the wine was released later (1994) and bears label artwork by the Japanese artist Toshimitsu Imai, whose abstract style adds both visual drama and collectibility to the bottle.

Composition & Style
This is a Brut Vintage Champagne, with a blend weighted more towards Pinot Noir (≈ 60%) alongside Chalky, refined Chardonnay (≈ 40%), giving a balance of richness and precision. The dosage sits around 9 g/L — enough to lend softness without masking the wine’s ageing finesse. Over long lees ageing, the wine has developed complexity and depth, with secondary and tertiary aromas coming to the fore.

Aroma & Palate
In the glass, you’ll notice a deep golden tone; age has given it warmth. On the nose there are aromas of brioche, toasted almond, honey, and dried stone fruit — apricot or peach — mingling with hints of citrus zest and a faint smokiness. The palate is elegant but with substance: creamy mousse, layers of mature fruit, roasted nuts, baked apple, preserving the freshness in acidity which gives lift. The texture is refined, the finish long and gently nutty.

Maturity & Drinking Window
At this stage, the 1988 Imai is fully mature yet still enjoyable for those who like character and aged complexity. Excellent provenance and storage will make a difference — good bottles show no signs of decline, and the wine still has enough energy to evolve further, albeit more subtly. This is a wine best enjoyed now through the next several years.

Food Pairing & Serving Tips
Serve this Champagne at about 10-12 °C to allow its aromas to unfurl. It pairs beautifully with richer dishes that have depth but are not overly heavy — think lobster thermidor, roasted poultry with truffley or nutty sauces, or aged cheeses. It also rewards being sipped on its own in good company, perhaps preceded by shellfish or soft, creamy starters.

Overall Impression & Verdict
Taittinger Imai 1988 is a fine example of a Champagne that has matured with dignity. It combines elegance and power, offering complexity and character rather than youthful flash. The artistic bottle delivers on both aesthetic and wine-quality fronts. For collectors and connoisseurs, this is a memorable bottle: rich, layered, and reflective of both its vintage and the Taittinger house style.

Condition

Bottle in good condition

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