Gaston Chiquet Brut Tradition 12/375

On the latest disgorgement June 2012 | 12.5%
Rich and blousy come hither sort of champagne both true to the Vallée de la Marne and the Pinot Meunier that drives this blend at 45% with 35% Chardonnay and 25% Pinot Noir rounding this out into a fragrance of fresh apricots and red plums, talcum and apricot croissants. This is sensationally good champagne from the clay and limestone soils that top the belemnita quadrata chalk of their vineyards around the villages of Hautvillers, Dizy and Mareuil-surAÿ whose plantings average around 25 years old and show more depth and concentration for it. Orchards of fruit, crackling chalky minerality, and ethereal floral top notes –and yet plush! 1er Cru champagne par excellence!
Wine review by Nicholas Livingston, September 2013

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With absolutely no time in wood, this champagne blends the pure merits of Pinot Meunier, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in high Marne style with sweeter scents of hard shelled candies. No doubt the more grapey and strawberry scented of this afternoon's lineup, the palate wryly betrays the suggestive sweetness of the nose despite red fruit and candied raspberries on the midpalate to my relief and shows more floral notes after a dynamic palate as engaging as it is charming.
Wine review by Nicholas D. Livingston, October 2012