{"title":"Best Value Chardonnay \u0026 Pinot Noir + 2014 Taittinger Comtes de Champagne has Landed","description":"\u003cdiv style=\"line-height: 120%; text-align: center;\"\u003e\n\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 18px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: Raleway, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-style: normal;\"\u003e2014 Taittinger Blanc de Blancs Comtes de Champagne $449 \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"line-height: 120%; text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: Raleway, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-size: 12px;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"line-height: 120%; text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: Raleway, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-size: 12px;\"\u003e'[..] In this tasting, \u003cstrong\u003eit comes across as a mini-2008\u003c\/strong\u003e, similar in its linear personality, with just a touch more mid-palate creaminess. Readers will find a Comtes that plays in the realm of tension and energy. Citrus confit, white flowers, chalk, mint and chamomile are all finely sketched. Light tropical overtones grace the finish. What an absolute delight. [..]' \u003cstrong\u003e97 points - Antonio Galloni, Vinous\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"line-height: 120%; text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: Raleway, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-size: 12px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"line-height: 120%; text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: Raleway, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-size: 12px;\"\u003e'[..] What is showstopping about this wine is that it is \u003cstrong\u003ean absolute beauty from the tips of its toes to the last fibre of its being.\u003c\/strong\u003e [..]  I demand, and only react to, an exultant level of pristine fruit and seamless palate texture that this 2014 (and a handful of previous vintages) offer, and in addition, the finish, tension, and, ultimately, the pay-off, which is evinced in a sensational flavour memory which encapsulates the legend of this wine and its reputation, is complete.' \u003cstrong\u003e19.5\/20 Matthew Jukes\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"line-height: 120%; text-align: center;\"\u003e\n\u003cspan style=\"font-family: Raleway, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-size: 12px;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"line-height: 120%; text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: Raleway, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-size: 12px;\"\u003eSee the collection below of everyday, easy drinking chardonnay and pinot noir to have on hand for the summer break. We have done the work for you and have scoured the net looking for the best prices and have at the very least matched them, and in many cases have beat them.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"2022-first-drop-real-time-chardonnay-750ml","title":"2022 First Drop 'Real Time' Chardonnay 750ml","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eI’m not here for a good time, I’m here for a real time. This is from Gumeracha.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIt’s quietly fruity, you might say, with apple and nectarine, almond meal and cinnamon. A juicy medium-bodied wine with cream wafer biscuit and peach flavour, subtle powdery grip, some lemon drops and a spicy and dusty finish of good length. Sweetness of fruit is a thing here, though it’s largely a function of youth. It’s a nice glass of Chardonnay; flavoursome and affable.' \u003cstrong\u003e95 points - Gary Walsh, The Wine Front\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Randall's Fine Wines","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42436957929652,"sku":"22FIRSTDROPRTCHARD750","price":28.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0561\/1261\/1508\/files\/FIRSTDROPCHARDREALTIME.jpg?v=1765427941"},{"product_id":"2023-morooduc-devil-bend-creek-pinot-noir-750ml-bottle","title":"2024 Moorooduc Devil Bend Creek Pinot Noir 750Ml Bottle","description":"\u003cp\u003eBright, juicy, and quietly serious with red fruit, spice, and just enough grip. It’s wild-fermented, unfiltered, and unmistakably Moorooduc — approachable, honest, and full of Moorooduc soul. A perfect way in\u003cstrong\u003e. Jane Semple, Randall's Fine Wines\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Vintage and Vine","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43829450899636,"sku":null,"price":25.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0561\/1261\/1508\/files\/MoorooducDevilBendCreekPinot.jpg?v=1695713640"},{"product_id":"2023-provenance-golden-plains-pinot-noir-750ml-bottle","title":"2023 Provenance Golden Plains Pinot Noir 750Ml Bottle","description":"\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: Raleway, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-size: 12px;\"\u003eA blend of the best regions from South-West Victoria: Ballarat, Drumborg, Barrabool, Moorabool Valley and Bellarine. Polished and intensely aromatic red cherries, raspberries, cranberries, rhubarb and red plums. The tannins are sandy, leaving delicate traces like steps in the sand. An incredibly aromatic grip coupled with balanced acidity and persistent length makes this multi-regional blend a piece of mastery, combining the best of a part of Victoria often overlooked in favour of the usual reigning wine regions. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\n\u003cspan style=\"font-family: Raleway, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-size: 12px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e95 Pts - \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: Raleway, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-size: 12px;\"\u003eLisa Cardelli, Wine Pilot\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Randall's Fine Wines","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43852289540276,"sku":"23PRVGPPN750","price":27.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0561\/1261\/1508\/files\/Provenance_Golden_Plains_Pinot-Noir.jpg?v=1751863416"},{"product_id":"2022-provenance-golden-plains-chardonnay-750ml-bottle","title":"2022 Provenance 'Golden Plains' Chardonnay 750ml Bottle","description":"\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cspan style=\"font-family: Raleway, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-size: 12px;\"\u003e“Chardonnay from Ballarat, Drumborg, and Geelong. The fleshiness of the fruit here is quite something. It feels welcoming and generous and more-ish. It tastes of stonefruit and citrus, nougat and cedar, hay and sweet, juicy pears. It has excellent linger, and interest, to the finish, and while it’s easy to enjoy it’s more than that; its quality is blatantly clear.” \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: Raleway, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-size: 12px;\"\u003e93 Pts - Campbell Mattinson, The Wine Front\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cspan style=\"font-family: Raleway, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-size: 12px;\"\u003e\"This is 50\/40\/10% Henty\/Ballarat\/Geelong. Whole-bunch pressed, settled overnight and racked to French barriques (20% new). An excellent intro to the first of four quite excellent chardonnays from Provenance in '22. Stone fruits, orange blossom and a touch of spice lead onto the palate, which has super intensity, balance and structure for a wine at this price. Drink this while you wait for the regional wines to really hit their straps!\"\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: Raleway, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-size: 12px;\"\u003e93 Pts - Philip Rich, Halliday Wine Companion\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Randall's Fine Wines","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43852291145908,"sku":"22PVNCGPCH750","price":28.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0561\/1261\/1508\/files\/PROVENANCE-CHARDONNAY.jpg?v=1765428091"},{"product_id":"2024-hoddles-creek-estate-chardonnay-750ml-bottle","title":"2024 Hoddles Creek Estate Chardonnay 750Ml Bottle","description":"\u003cp\u003eJuicy white fruit, grapefruit, aniseed, a little struck match, almond paste, cinnamon and clove spice. It’s packed with flavour, white nectarine and nutty spicy characters, a flinty grip to texture, quite some intensity and power here, and in some respects it seems more Beechworth than Yarra, or so I think. Pear and citrus, lime rind, with excellent length of flavour. It’s elemental as at now, and a little raw, though I reckon it will deliver with a couple of years in bottle. It’s a cracking release. \u003cstrong\u003e95 points, Gary Walsh, The Wine Front\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mondo Imports","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43890121015476,"sku":"23HDCKCHD750","price":24.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0561\/1261\/1508\/files\/hoddles-creek-chardonnay.jpg?v=1765428166"},{"product_id":"2024-hoddles-creek-estate-pinot-noir-750ml-bottle","title":"2024 Hoddles Creek Estate Pinot Noir 750Ml Bottle","description":"\u003cp\u003eRed fruit, cherry, a little earthy, with some cinnamon oak showing, and sarsaparilla. It’s a more fruity and bouncy expression of Hoddles Pinot, some grainy chew to tannin, a bit of sap and orange rind, something of a ferrous edge, with a stiff tannic finish of good length. Needs a bit of time to come around. It’s maybe a little more robust and fruity than is usual for this wine, though it’s still good. \u003cstrong\u003e91+ points, Gary Walsh, The Wine Front\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mondo Imports","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43890121048244,"sku":"23HDCKPN750","price":24.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0561\/1261\/1508\/files\/hoddles-creek-ponot-noir.jpg?v=1765427634"},{"product_id":"2024-silent-way-pinot-noir-750ml-bottle","title":"2024 Silent Way Pinot Noir 750Ml Bottle","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e$29 in 6-packs automatically applied at checkout.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMatt Harrop's own label made from a mature vineyard at Kilmore that he buys fruit from each year. It's just outside the Macedon GI otherwise it would be $20 dearer! This is quite a rich and firm style of pinot, and it's great value too. Randall.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis is the twelfth vintage of Silent Way pinot from the Quarry Ridge vineyard just outside the dotted line for the Macedon region and near Kilmore. \u003cstrong\u003eAs Jamessuckling.com\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003epoints out\u003c\/strong\u003e, \"The only thing that separates this and other pinots of the region twice the price (or more!) is a layer of spicy new oak,  which it doesn't need anyway. With rich, intense red fruits\/dark cherries, precise tannin, and a forest-floor complexity - pinot purity is on show here.\"\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Randall's Fine Wines","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43957205631156,"sku":null,"price":31.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0561\/1261\/1508\/files\/Silentway_Pinot_Noir.jpg?v=1750824522"},{"product_id":"2024-cat-frank-chardonnay-750ml","title":"2024 Cat \u0026 Frank Chardonnay 750ml","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e94 points - Campbell Mattinson\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eTop class chardonnay usually costs a lot more than $30. This is a top class chardonnay, from the elite Upper Yarra sub-region of the Yarra Valley no less, with penetrating fruit flavours, almond notes, green olives and citrus, and the resultant length through the finish that you rarely see at this price level. It’s an excellent wine now but it will cellar well too. In short, this wine is an ultra easy \u003cem\u003eYes\u003c\/em\u003e. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Randall's Fine Wines","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43977823879348,"sku":null,"price":25.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0561\/1261\/1508\/files\/Cat_Frank_Chardonnay.png?v=1752637031"},{"product_id":"2012-diamond-valley-pinot-noir-750ml-bottle","title":" 2012 Diamond Valley Pinot Noir 750ml Bottle","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: Raleway, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-size: 12px;\"\u003eThis 2012 Blue Label wine is the “Reserve” (but not labelled as such) from the old vines in Diamond Valley (Yarra valley region). It was hand-picked, wild-yeast fermented in small vessels with some whole bunches and matured in French oak (20% + new). \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: Raleway, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-size: 12px;\"\u003eThis pinot has generous flavour, a silky palate, good density, ripe dark red fruits, smoky spice, mineral-driven tannins, is well balanced with mature complexity, structure and length. Phew! At 15 y.o. showing some very attractive fragrant, high-class dry-tea \/ hoisin \/ Asian spice and damp forest floor tertiary characteristics. It’s absolutely ready to drink but will be prime drinking for another year or longer.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: Raleway, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-size: 12px;\"\u003eThe value here is astonishing! Randall\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Diamond Valley","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44014167949492,"sku":"12DVPNBL750","price":25.9,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0561\/1261\/1508\/files\/diamond-valley-pinot-noir.png?v=1765427720"},{"product_id":"2025-kumeu-river-village-chardonnay-750ml-bottle","title":"2025 Kumeu River 'Village' Chardonnay 750Ml Bottle","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis is a wine where we always have a bottle in the fridge. The perfect aperitif Chardonnay, it's a wine that pairs very well with all types of seafood. Fermented 40% in old French oak barriques, and 60% in stainless steel tanks there is very little oak influence on either nose or palate. This has allowed the vibrant fruit to show through beautifully with lively lime and lemon aromas and a flinty, mineral edginess with hints of fig and white peach.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e'Entry-level Chardonnay that has been made with the sort of care and attention that leaves an indelible Kumeu River stamp...' \u003cstrong\u003eBob Campbell\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Deja Vu Wine Company","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44067232514228,"sku":"25KMURVRVLGCHRD750","price":24.9,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0561\/1261\/1508\/files\/Kumeu-River-Village-chardonnay.png?v=1765419151"},{"product_id":"2025-wickhams-road-tasmania-pinot-noir-750ml-bottle","title":"2025 Wickhams Road Tasmania Pinot Noir 750Ml Bottle","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: Raleway, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-size: 12px;\"\u003e'The first Tasmanian pinot released under the Wickhams Road label, and what a good wine and bargain it is! From a vineyard near Launceston, this bright and vivacious wine has aromas of ripe strawberries and some spice, while the palate is sweetly fruited, gently grippy and delicious, even at this early stage. Will be even better in three or four months once it fully hits its straps. Yet another feather in the d'Anna family cap!' \u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e95 points - Phillip Rich, Halliday Wine Companion\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Randall's Fine Wines","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44074022568116,"sku":null,"price":19.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0561\/1261\/1508\/files\/Wickhams_Road_Pinot_Noir_2025.png?v=1761890214"},{"product_id":"2024-deep-woods-estate-chardonnay-750ml-bottle","title":"2024 Deep Woods Estate Chardonnay 750Ml Bottle","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThere is everything you want in this chardonnay, classic Margaret River weight and class, ripe fruit, savoury, cashew \/ nutty elements. Rich and deep, full bodied and well balanced. This could be THE BEST value chardonnay in Australia (and hence, the world) right now. \u003cstrong\u003eJane Semple, Randall's\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e'[..] It's spicy and has just enough creamy lees to add depth with a light layering of oak bolstering the palate and flavour profile. Excellent go-to chardonnay.' \u003cstrong\u003e91 points - Jane Faulkner, Halliday Wine Companion\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Cellarhand","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44094782865588,"sku":null,"price":22.9,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0561\/1261\/1508\/files\/2022DeepWoodsEstateChardonnay.png?v=1700440241"},{"product_id":"2025-bannockburn-1314-chardonnay-750ml-bottle","title":"2025 Bannockburn 1314 Chardonnay 750Ml Bottle","description":"\u003cp\u003e'1314 Chardonnay is made from a blend of fruit from our established vineyards, from the oldest vines planted in 1976 through to the youngest planting in 2016. Fermentation took place with wild yeast in French oak hogsheads, around 10% of which were new. Approximately 85% of the wine went through malolactic fermentation. It rested on lees, unstirred, for 7 months before blending and bottling.' Angus Pollard, Bannockburn 2025\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis has a great quality, finesse, generosity, nice mineral dryness and a cashew notes and a nice little touch of yeasty \/ brioche character from the barrel ageing on yeast lees.  It’s not a “fat” style and it has lovely balanced acidity giving a classy wine.  Randall\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Bibendum Wine Co","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44098546532532,"sku":null,"price":29.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0561\/1261\/1508\/files\/bannockburn_1314-chardonnay.png?v=1765427888"},{"product_id":"2025-bannockburn-1314-pinot-noir-750ml-bottle","title":"2025 Bannockburn 1314 Pinot Noir 750Ml Bottle","description":"\u003cp\u003e'1314 Pinot Noir comes from a blend of vineyard sites on the property, primarily MV6, 114 and 115, planted in 1976, 1997 and 2004. Each parcel was fermented with indigenous yeast with around 15% whole bunch, including a portion of carbonic maceration. The wine was matured for 7 months in mostly hogsheads, with 15% new oak.' \u003cstrong\u003eAngus Pollard, Bannockburn 2025 \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"Such a pleasure. This is a lovely expression of Pinot Noir. It’s earthen and undergrowth-y and cherried and spicy, with squeaky\/grapey tannin and a keen juiciness through the finish. 100% yes to this. This wine has Bannockburn written all over it.\"\u003cstrong\u003e 93 Pts. - Campbell Mattinson,\u003cem\u003e The Wine Front \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Bibendum Wine Co","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44098547417268,"sku":null,"price":31.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0561\/1261\/1508\/files\/bannockburn-1314-pinot-noir.png?v=1765425204"},{"product_id":"2014-taittinger-comtes-de-champagne-750ml-bottle","title":"2014 Taittinger Comtes De Champagne 750ml Bottle","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe 2014 Comtes de Champagne is pristine. In this tasting, it comes across as a mini-2008, similar in its linear personality, with just a touch more mid-palate creaminess. Readers will find a Comtes that plays in the realm of tension and energy. Citrus confit, white flowers, chalk, mint and chamomile are all finely sketched. Light tropical overtones grace the finish. What an absolute delight. The 2014 can be enjoyed now or cellared. Dosage is 9 grams per liter.' \u003cstrong\u003e97 points - Antonio Galloni, Vinous\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrankly, who cares about the specs – for the record, this Chardonnay hails from Grands Crus Avize, Cramant, Chouilly, Oger and Le Mesnil-sur-Oger; it spent 10 years in the cellar; its dosage is 8-9g\/L. Nothing new here. What is showstopping about this wine is that it is an absolute beauty from the tips of its toes to the last fibre of its being. While the world and its aunt went tonto about the 2013, I held my cards close to my chest. It was a wine I liked on release and still like (yes, just like) today. It is impressive, towering and structured, but for me, it doesn’t resonate deeply in my psyche on account of scale and muscle alone. The building blocks are too rigid and brusque to conjure up a sense of true wonder, and Comtes is a wine I have been enchanted with in the past, so when four-square vintages come along, I find myself sitting on the sidelines while other commentators dance their jigs. So, with a couple of ounces of trepidation, I approached the 2014 release on Monday afternoon, only to be told to jog off and come back when it was the right temperature. Easy enough, but this only served to heighten my expectations. One hour later, and perfectly chilled, it was poured into my glass and the world, for a minute or two, became a glittering kaleidoscope of effortless, cleansing, elegant and sophisticated Grand-Cru-born, and perfectly balanced Chardonnay. This is the world of Comtes, as I know it. I demand, and only react to, an exultant level of pristine fruit and seamless palate texture that this 2014 (and a handful of previous vintages) offer, and in addition, the finish, tension, and, ultimately, the pay-off, which is evinced in a sensational flavour memory which encapsulates the legend of this wine and its reputation, is complete. This is Comtes. This is the Taittinger House in a sip! It is a phenomenal Chardonnay from the historic Côtes des Blancs, and it is not only drinking now, but I venture it will roll for a further decade and more without breaking step. If you, like me, have missed ‘classic Comtes’ of late, here she is. And this is why this beautiful wine has pushed all others aside to stand in the spotlight this week. ' \u003cstrong\u003e19.5\/20 Matthew Jukes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"review-body\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eClosed in style and character like the 2013, Taittinger’s 2014 Brut Blanc de Blancs Comtes de Champagne reveals aromas of ripe orchard fruit, confit citrus, dried flowers, herbs, spring blossoms and mirabelle mingled with customary autolytic notes. Full-bodied, seamless and enrobing, it has a delicate, elegant, fleshy core of fruit and racy acids, all enhanced by a saline, fresh and penetrating finish marked by finesse and elegance. This refined, chalky-inflected Comtes de Champagne has the potential to age gracefully over the next 30-40 years.\u003cstrong\u003e' 97 points - Yohan Castaing, The Wine Advocate\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eApricots, hazelnuts, lemons, white flowers, sliced almonds and hints of licorice on the nose. It's creamy and layered, with soft, rounded bubbles that spread across the palate. Lovely balance of breadth, ripeness and freshness, with delicious wildflower honey and nut notes lingering. 100% grand cru chardonnay from Avize, Mesnil-sur-Oger, Oger, Cramant and Chouilly. Drink or hold. \u003cstrong\u003e97 Points - Claire Nesbitt, jamessuckling.com\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Joval Wines","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44104663761076,"sku":"14TTGCMTDCH750","price":449.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0561\/1261\/1508\/files\/TAITTINGERCOMTEsDECHAMPAGNE.jpg?v=1765585482"},{"product_id":"2025-hoddles-creek-estate-chardonnay-750ml","title":"2025 Hoddles Creek Estate Chardonnay 750Ml","description":"\u003cp\u003e\"It smells of pears and oyster shells; it tastes of nectarines, grapefruit, cedar-spice and mineral; it finishes with such an emphatic burst of fruit that its quality feels instantly upgraded. How or why this wine is only $26 I do not know. This release will need a bit of time in the bottle to really blossom but the power, structure, length and indeed X-factor place it in rare air once again.\" \u003cstrong\u003e94Pts. - Campbell Mattinson, \u003cem\u003eThe Wine Front\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Heart \u0026 Soil","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44248102404276,"sku":"23HDCKCHD750","price":25.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0561\/1261\/1508\/files\/hoddles-creek-chardonnay.jpg?v=1765428166"},{"product_id":"2025-hoddles-creek-estate-pinot-noir-750ml","title":"2025 Hoddles Creek Estate Pinot Noir 750Ml","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Raleway; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: #1d1d1d; letter-spacing: .75pt; background: white; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;\"\u003e\"This wine is in its usual good form, offering red and black cherry flavours, five spice notes, flashes of mint and even fennel. It has both composure and drinkability writ large, though the fineness of the tannin and the dryness of the finish lend it, too, a seriousness. There’s an orange and perhaps even a blood orange note to the acidity, and a chalkiness too to the tannin. It’s pretty much impeccable all over.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\" \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Raleway; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: #1d1d1d; letter-spacing: .75pt; background: white; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;\"\u003e93Pts. - Campbell Mattinson, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Raleway; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: #1d1d1d; letter-spacing: .75pt; background: white; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;\"\u003eThe Wine Front\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Heart \u0026 Soil","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44248103485620,"sku":"23HDCKPN750","price":25.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0561\/1261\/1508\/files\/hoddles-creek-ponot-noir.jpg?v=1765427634"},{"product_id":"2011-taittinger-comtes-de-champagne-750ml","title":"2011 Taittinger Comtes De Champagne 750ml Pre Arrival","description":"\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-bottom: 12.0pt;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eThese wines are offered on pre-arrival basis.\u003cbr\u003e$329 in 3-Packs! sales@randalls.net.au\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-bottom: 12.0pt;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e97 points Jane Anson (\u003ci\u003eInside Bordeaux\u003c\/i\u003e)\u003c\/b\u003e: \"100% Chardonnay. We served this Champagne during the Connoisseur Week in 2022 also, and the last year has seen it deepen and gather complexity. If you have been holding on to it, I strongly suggest taking another look, as everything has pulled together, with the quince and brioche character more pronounced, along with smoked almonds and bright citrus. Alcohol 12.5%. Drink: 2023-2038. (6\/13\/23)\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e97 points James Suckling\u003c\/b\u003e: \"A firm, fresh Comtes with a tight and composed palate. It’s full-bodied with a racy mid-palate. Long and persistent. Very structured with phenolics and acidity. Minerally. Floral, too. Refreshing and energetic. September 2021 release. Drink or hold. (5\/5\/21)\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e18\/20 points Jancis Robinson, MW\u003c\/b\u003e: \"From grand cru vineyards in Avize, Chouilly, Cramant, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger and Oger. Aged for nine years in Taittinger's particularly deep cellars. Dosage 9 g\/l. Quite a deep greenish primrose yellow. Meaty, substantial, quite savoury evolution on the nose. Bone-dry finish but no shortage of rather captivating fruit before then. Very appetising with good steady bead and no aggressive froth. A very successful Comtes with a deep undertow. This may have been a challenging vintage but the Taittinger team seem to have risen well to the challenges. (10\/12\/21)\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Aptos',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Aptos; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Aptos; mso-ligatures: standardcontextual; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;\"\u003e96 points Tyson Stelzer (\u003ci\u003eThe Champagne Guide\u003c\/i\u003e)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Aptos',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Aptos; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Aptos; mso-ligatures: standardcontextual; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;\"\u003e: \"(tasted in 2021 and 2022 in France and Australia.) In the most lauded vintages, \u003cb\u003eComtes is one of the wines of the year.\u003c\/b\u003e But it is when it achieves this same distinction in the lesser seasons that it truly asserts its stature as one of the great wines of the world. There's an integrity and a confidence on display here that transcend all the not insubstantial challenges of 2011. …and only those houses with the tenacity to hold out until after the rain to achieve flavour ripeness produced wines of true greatness. \u003cb\u003eComtes stands tall among the highlights of the season.\u003c\/b\u003e …2011 concludes with compelling line and length, riding the pure white cloud of Côte des Blancs chalk mineral texture. (Edition VII; 2024)\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e96 points Anne Krebiehl (\u003ci\u003eFalstaff\u003c\/i\u003e)\u003c\/b\u003e: \"Exquisite candied lemon and the first stirrings of blossom honey play on the nose before green apple and freshly toasted white bread appear. The body is slender but concentrated, a shimmering, silvery thread of freshness is woven throughout. The bubbles are creamy and smooth, An intriguing aftertaste of liquorice and subtle chalkiness pervade the zesty, smooth finish. A citric highway of beauty. (11\/12\/21)\"\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Heart \u0026 Soil","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44339497337012,"sku":"14TTGCMTDCH750","price":346.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0561\/1261\/1508\/files\/TAITTINGERCOMTEsDECHAMPAGNE.jpg?v=1765585482"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0561\/1261\/1508\/collections\/Summer_Wines_6.png?v=1765430368","url":"https:\/\/randalls.net.au\/collections\/summer-red-white-sparkling\/2011.oembed","provider":"Randall's Fine Wines","version":"1.0","type":"link"}