Pierre Gimonnet & Fils Gastronome Brut Blanc de Blancs 1er Cru 2012 (750ML)

92 VM / 92 BH / 17+ JR

The 2012 Brut Blanc de Blancs Cuvée Gastronome 1er Cru is terrific. In this release, the Gastronome has more fruit depth than typical and, consequently, less austerity than these wines can show at times. Creamy and ample on the palate, with terrific vibrancy underpinning the fruit, the Gastronome is sublime. Disgorged: May 2017. Dosage is 6 grams per liter. Antonio Galloni – Vinous Media

Here too there is plenty of petrol character to the fresh and moderately yeasty nose that combines notes of citrus, brioche and the same hint of quinine. Just like the Cuvée Cuis there is a medium-fine effervescence shaping the appealingly textured flavors that terminate in a solidly complex, persistent and markedly dry but not austere finish. Not surprisingly at only five years of age this is still very much on the way up and this is a wine to buy and forget for 5 to 7 years, perhaps even a bit longer. Lovely stuff. - Allen Meadows, Burghound

100% Chardonnay. 38% Chouilly grand cru, 17% Cuis premier cru, 24% Cramant grand cru, 10% Oger grand cru, 11% Vertus premier cru. Stainless steel. Malo done. Made with less pressure for ‘creamier, smaller bubbles’ to go with food. 36–48 months’ ageing on lees. Dosage 6.5 g/l. Very fine and well constructed with lots of delivery and layers (unusual in champagne). - Jancis Robinson