Taittinger Champagne Grand Cru "Prélude"

(a 50/50 blend of chardonnay and pinot noir; L2068TD00100): Light, bright gold. Mineral-accented lemon and lime pith on the nose, with complicating notes of honeysuckle and pear skin. Dry and precise, offering vibrant citrus fruit and fresh fig flavors and showing strong mineral spine. Finishes bright and long, with lingering floral notes and a touch of ginger.

- Josh Raynolds (12/2012)

An elegant and mineral Champagne that has aromas of biscuit, dried apple, honeycomb, chalk and lemon curd. It's silky and refined on the palate. Rounded, supple and seamless finish. 50% chardonnay and 50% pinot noir. 100% grand cru. Based on 2017 vintage. Drink now or hold.

- Claire Nesbitt (07/2024)

Equal parts Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, the NV Champagne Grand Crus Prelude Brut is based on the 2017 vintage and comes from the villages of Ambonnay and Bouzy for the Pinot Noir and Mesnil-sur-Oger and Chouilly for the Chardonnay. The same release that I tasted last year, it’s developing nicely and harmonizing, with aromas of toasted almond, lemon custard, ripe orchard fruit, and fresh chalky earth. Filling the palate, it’s full-bodied and powerful, with a driving texture of citrus oils and a long, savory, mineral-toned finish. It displays a nice balance between its ripe fruit and its mineral tone. Drink 2023-2033. 9 grams per liter of dosage.

- Audrey Frick (11/2023)

Well-honed acidity defines rich notes of smoked hazelnut, pear tarte Tatin, lemon meringue and mineral, a focused profile set on the satinlike mousse. Lingering and spiced on the racy finish. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Drink now. 300 cases imported.

- Alison Napjus (11/2025)