Gosset "Grand Reserve" Brut Champagne

SKU #100127 92 points Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar

(46% Chardonnay, 39% Pinot Noir and 15% Pinot Meunier; L0428123): Powerful, pungent aromas of pear, orange pith, baking spices and dried flowers, with a mineral overtone. Dry and incisive on the palate, offering lively citrus and orchard fruit flavors and slow-building smokiness. Nervy and taut on the finish, leaving notes of allspice and candied citrus fruits behind. (12/ 2011)

91 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

The NV Brut Grande Reserve opens with a bouquet of chalk, slate and wet stones. It is a beautifully pointed, energetic wine endowed with gorgeous drive from start to finish. Red berries, dried flowers and mint are some of the nuances that inform the finish. This is Lot # L0428123. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2016. This is a strong set of wines from Gosset. Unfortunately there are no new vintage releases this year. All of these wines are made in the very dry style that is the Gosset signature. (11/ 2011)

91 points Wine Spectator

Lively, with good balance and subtle flavors of green apple, Meyer lemon, chalk and spice. Lightly crunchy, with a fresh, lip-smacking finish. Drink now. (12/ 2011)

90 points Wine & Spirits

This Grand Reserve, a blend of the '05, '06 and '07 vintages, has a higher proportion of Chardonnay than the Brut Excellence. It is bold, savory and intense, powered by flinty minerality. The citrus flavors broaden into the finish, almost blunt in their density. It should develop well with a year or two in bottle. (12/ 2011)

K&L Notes

Gosset is a traditional producer, using a proportion of old oak for the Grand Reserve. None of their Champagnes ever go through malolactic. On their web site, they list the Grand Reserve as being composed of 46% Chardonnay, 39% Pinot Noir and 15% Pinot Meunier including 12% reserve wines from two vintages. When I met the sales manager of Gosset, she told me that they also use a small amount of Fromenteau (Pinot Gris) Petit Meslier & Arbanne in this reserve wine. Those are the almost extinct, native varietals of Champagne and it would certainly explain some of the Grand Reserve's exotic complexity if they were indeed in the blend. This is big, rich, layered Champagne with brioche and pear aromas and a long, bright finish from the suppressed malo. It is snappy enough to serve for toasting, but has enough guts for a salmon dinner and enough exotic intrigue to keep the interest of a Champagne enthusiast all night. It should keep well, and even improve for a couple of years if you like the taste of aged Champagne. (Gary Westby, K&L Champagne Buyer)