2004 Gaston Chiquet Special Club

Honey, hard candy, apricots, smoke and spices flesh out in the 2004 Millésime Brut. Despite its medium-bodied personality, the 2004 packs serious punch and density. Sweet floral and spice notes wrap around the resonant, deeply expressive finish. The 2004 is 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay, disgorged in October 2012 and bottled with 8 grams/liter of dosage.

(60% pinot noir and 40% chardonnay; sourced from Mareuil-sur-Ay, Dizy and Hautvillers; aged on its lees for more than six years and disgorged in October, 2012): Pale gold. Smoky dried peach and poached pear aromas, with lively floral and quinine qualities adding complexity. Firm and dry, with chewy texture and energetic bitter pear skin and citrus pith flavors gaining weight and sweetness with air. Finishes very long, with firm cut and grip and lingering tarragon and dusty mineral notes.

(60% pinot noir and 40% chardonnay, aged for six years on its lees): Bright yellow. Complex aromas of dried pear, blood orange, iodine and white flowers. Densely packed, spicy and complex, showing very good energy to its citrus, mineral and floral flavors. This deep but energetic Champagne finishes firm and smoky, with strong suggestions of minerals and pear skin.