Champagne Gosset Grand Millésime Brut 2012 1.5 L

’Since Gosset makes a point of commercializing wines only when they deem them ready, the 2012 Grand Millésime Brut will be released at the end of this year, while the 2010 and 2008 continue to wait in the wings. The wine is still quite tightly wound after its recent disgorgement, unfurling in the glass with a youthful bouquet of warm biscuits, apple, lemon and peach that picks up a more pronounced smoky top note as the wine sits in the glass. On the palate, it's medium to full-bodied, broad and powerful, with a deep and concentrated core, incisive acids and a precise, saline finish. This is a muscular vintage of the Grand Millésime that seems likely to evolve slowly. Drink 2020-2040.’ 94+ points, William Kelly, The Wine Advocate, May 2019.

’(56% pinot noir, 44% chardonnay) [actually 33% Pinot Noir, 67% Chardonnay, ed.]. A cool, ultra-pure and exceptionally pretty nose combines notes of green apple, floral, citrus peel and plenty of yeast influence. The equally elegant, pure and refined middle weight flavors are supported by a firm but fine mousse, all wrapped in a wonderfully long finish that is shaped by tangy citrus-tinged acidity. This is really lovely stuff that will need a few years of bottle aging to fully flesh out. Extremely promising. Drink 2024+’ 94 points, Burghound, September 2020.

Established since 1584, Gosset is one of the smallest Grande Marque Champagne producers. Whilst the champagnes that they produce have never been plentiful in quantity, they have distinguished themselves with the consistently superb quality throughout the entire range of champagnes produced. Remaining a family owned house, the Gosset family sold the business to the Cointreau family in 1994.

Starting with their flagship champagne, the superbly aged Grande Reserve multi-vintage, it is clear that they have sought to exceed all standards required by the region. Firstly, and most strikingly, the presentation is remarkable in heavy dark antique bottles that are unique to Gosset. Instead of aging this champagne for 3 years on lees before bottling, Gosset have aged this blend for four and half years. After bottling, this champagne is then aged a further 6 months in their cool cellars before they permit this champagne to be sold.

From the superbly smooth and well rounded flavours of the Grande Reserve to the elegance and perfume of the brilliant Grand Rose champagne to the incomparable Grand Millesime vintage it is clear that these champagnes have been conceived for the most demanding champagne enthusiast. Whilst the vintage champagnes are only released in the very best years, the cellaring capacity of Gosset champagnes in those select vintages is well documented. At Gosset malolactic fermentation is avoided to ensure sufficient acidity enabling a long evolution.