There is a stream of releases from the various champagne houses at the moment, this being the third in so many weeks. However I believe that the Comtes de Champagne 2006 is really very special. The quality is superb and it is the least expensive of the grand cuvées. It is brilliantly balanced, lovely long finish with a delicious freshness. I tasted it against the 2005 and the 2004; it was better than even these two beauties and it just might be as good as the 2002. I have tasted it twice and cannot recommend it more highly.
It’s had stunning write ups, even Jancis Robinson who is generally the toughest of the critics, gives it 19/20. Another top critic, Antonio Galloni, has the following to say:
“The 2006 Comtes de Champagne is going to make a very strong case for inclusion in any conversation about the all-time great vintages of Comtes.”
For those interested in some financial data: Comtes de Champagne is the least expensive of the Grand Cuvées. It is made in far smaller quantities than Dom Perignon and Cristal. The price after release normally increases markedly. 2006 Comtes gets half a point from Galloni behind the 2002 vintage which is selling at £620 per six in bond.