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Taittinger, 1998 Champagne and Sparkling

Vintage Champagne Zao Wou-Ki Label
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Bottle size: 75cl

ABV: 12%

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Price:

£365.00

1 In Stock

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    • Description

    Taittinger Collection Zao Wou-Ki 1998

    Vintage & Artist Edition Background
    The Zao Wou-Ki edition is one of the later releases in Taittinger’s Collection Series, where great vintages are paired with artwork by noted artists. The artist here, Zao Wou-Ki, was a Chinese-French abstract painter famous for his luminous, flowing works that blur the boundary between landscape and abstraction. The 1998 vintage was selected because it offered ripeness, balance, and intensity, considered by Taittinger among the strong harvests.

    Blend & Vineyard Sources
    This Champagne is a Brut Millésimé made from an equal or near-equal blend of Chardonnay (50%) and Pinot Noir (50%), drawing Chardonnay largely from the Grand Cru vineyards of the Côte des Blancs, and Pinot Noir from vineyards in Montagne de Reims and Vallée de la Marne. The grapes for this wine come from top-quality parcels, chosen for both fruit intensity and structural backbone.


    Appearance & Nose
    In the glass, the wine shows a clear golden-straw colour with bright clarity. The nose opens with citrus notes — think lemon, perhaps light grapefruit — accompanied by orchard fruit aromas (apple, pear), and over that a mineral edge. There is also a subtle pastry or brioche character, with toasted nuts and light honey or floral tones as the wine evolves in the glass.

    Palate & Texture
    On tasting, Zao Wou-Ki 1998 is elegant yet dense. The mousse is fine and persistent, offering a creamy texture. The fruit centre is rich with more citrus and stone fruit, supported by minerality and balanced acidity, which gives tension and lift. There are secondary flavours of brioche, toasted nuts, maybe even some subtle spice or vanilla. The finish is long and composed, with lingering flavour of fruit, toast and mineral salinity.


    Maturity & Drinking Window
    At this age (mid-20s), the wine is mature and well-on in its development. It has gained tertiary complexity while maintaining freshness. Well-stored bottles are likely at or approaching their drinking peak, offering a lot of character and nuance. It can still evolve further, adding more oxidative, honeyed, nutty tones, but its core fruit and structure are strong now.


    Food Pairing & Serving Suggestions
    Serve this Champagne at around 10-12 °C in a tulip or white wine glass to let aromas develop. It pairs beautifully with shellfish (lobster, crab), richer seafood, perhaps even poultry with creamy sauces, or aged cheeses. Because of its depth and texture, it also works wonderfully as a contemplative wine on its own.

    Overall Verdict
    Taittinger Collection Zao Wou-Ki 1998 is a beautiful example of how a prestige vintage Champagne can combine artistry and winemaking. Its elegant fruit, minerality, texture and fine mousse give both pleasure and complexity. For collectors, its artist-edition appeal adds to its desirability. If you enjoy vintage Champagne that has aged well but still retains structure and freshness, this is a very rewarding bottle.

    For his collaboration with Taittinger Champagne, Zao Wou-Ki takes us into a world which characterises his style of abstraction.

    ‘I paint what isn’t seen’ he said. ‘My paintings become unreadable. Still life and flowers no longer exist. I am attracted by marks which are imaginary, indecipherable’. Indecipherable maybe, but not unfathomable to those who allow themselves to be led into his mysterious abysses, sea beds, phantasmagorical grottos and skies, which are both calm and stormy, where the viewer is drawn into a feeling of complete physical freedom and weightlessness.

    The bottle contains a Brut Millésimé 1998, made from Chardonnay (50 %) and Pinot Noir (50 %), taken from the best vintages.

    The harvest in 1998 started in mid-September in the rain. After alternating hot and cold periods, the sun promptly made an appearance and rescued an abundant crop which had wonderfully ripened. The balance between the sugar alcohol and the acid is unprecedented and ranks it among the best harvests in the House’s history. The 1998 wines are blessed with an impressive intensity and harmonious aromas. These qualities, together with an ever-present freshness mean that this vintage keeps very well.

    Condition

    Good in original presentation box

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