Gaston Chiquet Spécial Club Premiere Cru Brut 2016, Champagne, France

TASTING NOTES

Since 1971, a group of winegrowers representing the most renowned crus of the region have come together as the Club Trésors 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” cuvées. Each member uses grapes harvested on their own land to ensure typicity and character rather than a common product. A selection of blends is submitted to the rigorous regulations and standards of oœnologues and winemakers expert in the Champagne tradition. Only those that pass the test are deemed worthy of the Club Trésors label and presented in the Club’s elegant, exclusive bottle.

 

The 2016 Special Club is a harmonious blend from a rigorous selection of Nicolas Chiquet’s finest parcels. Aromas unfold gradually, revealing ripe lemon, yellow apple and white peach, layered with notes of toasted brioche, hazelnut and a subtle floral lift. The palate is taut yet generous, driven by bright, well-integrated acidity and a finely etched chalky minerality. A refined and persistent mousse lends a creamy texture framing flavors of citrus oil, baked orchard fruit and gentle spice with a long, saline, citrusy finish.

 

94pts - Vinous

"The 2016 Special Club is a delight. Lemon oil, chalk, mint, white flowers, slate and dried herbs are all beautifully lifted. This energetic, vibrant Champagne has so much to offer. I find its complex, dynamic personality utterly beguiling. The 2016 growing season presented more than its fair share of challenges, all of which Chiquet handled with aplomb. Disgorged: October 2024."

 

93pts - Jeb Dunnuck

"The 2016 Champagne Premier Cru Special Club Brut pours a bright yellow color and offers notes of cherry blossom, fresh pastry cream, candied lemon, and white grapefruit citrus. Airy and elegant, with a supple mousse and a medium-bodied frame, it's very fresh and young, with a silky, stony texture and a graceful, long finish. A floral vintage of this cuvée, a second tasting revealed some greenness and possibly a hint of weediness on the palate, but it might just be more lime leaf, lime zest, and oils that emerge as its profile opens. I would not be surprised to see this show better with time."

 

93pts - Wine Spectator

"There’s buoyant energy to this finely balanced Champagne, with the bright acidity and creamy mousse springboarding flavors of silky pear, juicy black currant and honeyed almond, plus a touch of brioche, as they expand on the palate. Minerally, with chalky and smoke accents through the finish."

 

(Sustainable)