'Spécial Club' Brut

Score

96

"This is showing fantastic aromatic complexity, exuding notes of walnut, quince, dried apricot, white cocoa and pastry. It's creamy, sleek and layered. Very soft and fine bubbles. Long, caressing and fresh finish. Disgorged in 2023. Dosage 4,5g/L. Chardonnay from the Grand Cru villages of Cramant (58%) and Chouilly (27%) with wine from the 1er Cru village of Cuis (15%). Drink or hold."

Score

95

"Entirely Chardonnay and coming from the villages of Cramant, Chouilly, and Cuis, the shimmering yellow-golden 2016 Champagne Special Club Extra Brut is rounded and attractive with aromas of fresh baked croissant, honeyed green apple, and lemon bars. Approachable and medium-bodied, it fills the palate with an elegant mousse, a soft texture of citrus oil, and a clean, chalky finish. It's already showing balanced layers and classic charm with a promising ability to enjoy over the coming 12 or more years. Disgorged April 2023, it has the addition of 4 grams per liter dosage."

Score

93

"Derived from old-vine parcels scattered around Cramant, Chouilly and Cuis, Gimonnet's 2016 Special Club Grands Terroirs de Chardonnay bursts from the glass with aromas of apple, lemon zest, hazelnut and white flowers. Medium to full-bodied and enveloping yet bright, it is less taut than the Chouilly Special Club but a bit more ample than the Cramant Special Club standalone bottling. Full-bodied and concentrated and underpinned by vibrant acidity, it is an admirably consistent and age-worthy cuvée that always begins to show its plenitude with a few extra years post disgorgement. Incorporating fruit from vines planted in 1911 and 1913, plots that Gimonnet works with horses, I would be very curious to try a Champagne produced solely from these ancient vines. It was disgorged in June 2024 with four grams per liter dosage."

Score

93

"Compact and well-integrated, this minerally Champagne shows racy acidity and intensity, with focus to the notes of crunchy green pear, preserved lemon, apple blossoms and blanched almond. Fine and creamy on the palate, but with a zesty energy as this expands through the finish. Disgorged April 2023. Drink now through 2036. 250 cases imported."

Score

92

"The 2016 Extra Brut Spécial Club Grand Terroirs de Chardonnay is a blend of Grand Cru parcels in Cramant and Chouilly and Premier Cru sites in Cuis. Bright and focused, with terrific depth, the 2016 is an absolute delight. Citrus peel, flowers, mint and chalk open first, followed by tropical overtones that give this an exotic flair. Open and approaching maturity, the 2016 is a wine to enjoy over the next few years. Tangerine oil and hazelnut traces linger. Dosage is 4 grams per liter. Disgorged: April, 2023."