Gaston Chiquet, Special Club, Champagne Millesime Brut 2015 (France)
Producer Notes: ince 1971, a group of winegrowers representing the most renowned crus of the region have come together as the Club Tresors de Champagne.
The principle aim of this group is to uphold three principles – authenticity, originality and meticulousness – and to increase knowledge of their very best Champagnes through the "Special Club" cuvees.
Each member uses grapes harvested on their own land to ensure typcity and character rather than a common product. A selection of blends is submitted to the rigorous regulations and standards of oenologists and winemakers expert in the Champagne tradition. Only those that pass the test are deemed worthy of the Club Tresors label and presented in the Club’s elegant, exclusive bottle.
Tasting Notes: Golden yellow hue with a hint of green and a fine mousse. Fine nose that is fresh, elegant, and floral. Fresh and balanced palate; hazelnut, quince paste in the long finish. An elegant wine.
BLEND: 68% Chardonnay & 32% Pinot Noir
Jeb Dunnuck, 94 Points: The 2015 Champagne Special Club Brut is a seductive offering from the Chiquet house. Pouring a silver-straw hue and composed of 68% Chardonnay and the rest Pinot Noir, this year's release is lush and expressive on opening, with a decadent perfume of red apple, sweet brioche, honeyed Meyer lemon, and wet stone. Approachable on the palate, it opens with a rounded and pillowy mousse, a supple texture, and modest acidity, although at this stage, it remains fresh and inviting, with a touch of green almond notes on the finish. Although I don’t see 2015 as the longest-lived of vintages, this wine will have an open drinking window that may prove to surprise me over the coming decade or more.
Wine Spectator, 93 Points: Finely balanced, with bright acidity enlivening delicately woven flavors of cherry, crushed almond, blood orange sorbet and toast point. Satiny in texture, with floral and mineral accents on the finish. Disgorged January 2023. Drink now through 2028. 625 cases imported.
