Champagne Gaston Chiquet 2015 Special Club 750ml

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. 

Score: 94 points -- Audrey Frick, jebdunnock.com, 2023

***

Eight generations have passed since Nicolas CHIQUET planted his first vine in 1746. In 1919, brothers Fernand and Gaston CHIQUET – winemakers born and bred – came together to create their house, CHIQUET Brothers. They were pioneers in Champagne, among the very first winemakers to take the initiative, bold at the time, to keep their grapes, turn them into Champagne and sell their own product. In 1923, they were awarded their first medal in PARIS, then their gold medal in EPERNAY.  In 1935, Gaston CHIQUET separated from his brother to create his own brand. At the beginning of the 1950s, Gaston CHIQUET and his son Claude extended the family domain into the areas of Aÿ and Hautvillers, bringing new blending possibilities. In turn, Claude CHIQUET and his sons, Antoine and Nicolas, ensure continuity by complying with the family rule: “Our primary goal is to maintain the quality standards of our heritage.” While the techniques have been improved, the tradition remains the same.  In 2003, Antoine and Nicolas CHIQUET’s turn. These brothers assure continuity while respecting their ancestral rules. The techniques improve – the tradition endures  Today, for over 80 years, the brand Champagne Gaston Chiquet is still lead by the family.  The two brothers and the next generation, Marion Chiquet (Antoine’s daughter) work 23 hectares of vineyards situated primarily in the precious perimeter of Dizy, Aÿ, Mareuil-sur-Aÿ and Hautvillers. The three grape varieties used in Champagne are cultivated in the following proportions: Chardonnay 50%, Pinot Meunier 30%, Pinot noir 20%.