Taltarni Blanc de Blancs 2016
- 90
- $26
- Drink by: 2020 - 2025
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Personally, whenever I think of Taltarni, I think of high-class cool-climate reds. It would seem that I have been somewhat limited in that thinking. Sparklings, sure, but that is Clover Hill. Taltarni have a collection of discrete fizz, aside from the link to Clover Hill, and they are a surprisingly impressive collection offering terrific value (I only say ‘surprising’, because I had neglected them somewhat, which is on me). The wines are made in the méthode-traditionnelle manner from cool-climate fruit. Serious value at $26 each, less if you are a Taltarni member.
This 2016 Blanc de Blancs is a great place to start exploring this collection. Fruit is sourced from the Pyrenees, Adelaide Hills, Tasmania and the immediate impression is a sparkler of depth and creaminess. A creamy texture and flavours of crème brulee mixed with stonefruit; peaches mixed with a hint of fresh pear. Quite a vibrant style – the acidity is a bit like biting into that fresh green apple – with a cleansing finish and decent length. Supple, attractive and thoroughly enjoyable and a worthy successor to the extremely successful 2015, winner of much fizz bling.
Ken was born and bred in Brisbane, Queensland. He had a non-trendy, perfectly happy childhood, in a family convinced alcohol meant instant condemnation to Hades. But a break fishing on the Great Barrier Reef, and some good wine, started a serious obsession that eventually took over. It did not stop Ken being chastised later for drinking Pol champagne, disgusted he’d drink anything made by a Cambodian dictator. Now, Ken mostly writes on wine, champagne and spirits for various newspapers, magazines and books, but is perhaps best known for his work in The Courier Mail. He also has a little sideline writing on cigars, fishing, travel and food. When not writing, fly-fishing for trout in NZ or bonefish on the flats of Cuba, travelling or smoking cigars, he is no doubt following a variety of sporting teams – the occasionally glorious Queensland Reds rugby, the dysfunctional Washington Redskins, the dodgy Arsenal and especially revels in the world restored to its proper axis with the return of the Ashes to their rightful home.
