I recently learned that Champagne Gaston-Chiquet was perhaps the original ‘grower-producer’ Champagne when the estate was divided over 100 years ago.  Their Blanc de Blancs was especially fine; with precisely defined fruit flavors; an amalgam of minerals, toastiness, fresh-cut flowers and delicate perfume. ***(FR)

One of my wines of the day, this had a gorgeous vinosity and enormous complexity. Fresh, minerally and deep, deep, deep.  Yes, it’s BdB so not necessarily applicable to all situations, but I would be very happy drinking this every day!  ****(JR)

We recently learned that Champagne Gaston-Chiquet was perhaps the original ‘grower-producer’ in the Champagne region, a badge of courage coveted by many these days.  Their fabulous Blanc de Blancs is even more unique being one of the very few 100% Chardonnay wines made in the village of Ay, the historical heart of Pinot country.  Winemaker Nicolas Chiquet eschews the use of oak in his wine and driven to produce wines as long on finesse and purity as they are on power.  The Blanc de Blancs we saw at this year’s Champagne Extravaganza was especially fine.  Based on the 2020 vintage with 36 months on its lees, it is a wine of precisely defined fruit flavors; an amalgam of minerals, toastiness, fresh-cut flowers and delicate perfume. It was one of my absolute wines of the day thanks to its gorgeous vinosity and enormous complexity. Yes, it’s a BdB so not necessarily applicable to all dining or toasting situations, but I would be very happy drinking this every day!  And then there’s the price.  This is an extraordinary value to top notch Champagne!  Put some on your holiday table!