2015 Gaston Chiquet Special Club Champagne

2015 Gaston Chiquet Special Club Champagne

2015 Gaston Chiquet Special Club Champagne Gaston Chiquet has made a name for itself as one of the best. In a region with thousands of small producers, it is a credit to owners Antoine and Nicolas Chiquet. Based in the evocatively named Dizy, the family first planted vines in 1746 but did not produce Champagne until 1935, when brothers Ferdinand and Gaston Chiquet took the bold step of setting up their own label, rather than merely selling grapes to the larger houses.

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. 94pts JD

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. 93pts Wine Spectator