Champagne Gaston Chiquet Tradition Premier Cru Brut 750ml

The Gaston Chiquet Brut Tradition is highly complex, evoking roasted peanut and subtle chalkiness, toasted almond, celery seed and marjoram on the nose. The pleasant emphasis on herbal elements – including the aforementioned, all of which reprise on the palate – is doubtless attributable to 40% Meunier, which however is less than the amount Chiquet’s typically accords this “basic” cuvee. There is a fresh spinach-like combination of piquant and sweet nuttiness with deep mineral-richness that adds to the interest of this satisfyingly persistent bottling, and its eight grams of residual sugar certainly evoke no overt sweetness. This Champagne will age and develop well over the next few years.

Critical Acclaim:

Soft and round, with flavors leaning toward coffee and caramel. Has a subtle complexity and full-bodied presence, finishing on a walnut note. Drink now. 7,500 cases made. Score: 92 points -- BS, Wine Spectator, Oct 2001

Fresh and lively, with a leesy hint of bread dough mixing with candied berry, quince paste, lemon zest, wax and fleur de sel. Fine-grained, with a lip-smacking, juicy finish. Disgorged April 2011. Drink now through 2018. Score: 92 points -- AN, Wine Spectator, Nov 2011

The NV Brut Tradition is a wine of pure texture and softness. The flavors are bright and beautifully focused, while the red grapes that make up most of the blend contribute depth and resonance. Creamy and expressive throughout, the Brut Tradition impresses for its balance and sheer appeal. There is a lot to like here. The current release is 40% Pinot Meunier, 35% Chardonnay and 25% Pinot Noir, based on 2010, with small amounts of reserve wines from 2009 and 2004. Disgorged March 2014. Dosage is 8 grams per liter. Score: 89 points -- Antonio Galloni, Vinous, Nov 2014