Dick Schinkel

9.4

Only 1911 bottles made!
100% Pinot Noir!
This is Bottle 1483 de la Cuvée 87, Dégorgée à Bouzy, le 01-07-2020
50% from the 1996 harvest, 25% from 1995 and 25% from 1997 harvest.

Paired with Oysters 🦪 “oesterij specials”

On the nose apple, pear, hazelnuts, brioche, honey, toast, Full bodied palate with lovely fruit flavors, chalky mineralty, crispy and complex, fine acidity, roasted almonds, refined mousse. 94 DSP
— 5 days ago

Ming L

9.2

Aromas of dried cherry, strawberry, rose petal, and sweet tobacco with hints of leather and dried herbs. The palate is poised and medium-bodied, with fine, still-firm tannins, bright acidity. finishing long and quietly elegant.

Though a bit more advanced than I anticipated, really drinking beautifully now. — 7 days ago

Eric Urbani

9.2

New producer introduced to me by my favorite local wine shop in Modesto, CA– Bestie. Excellent GSM / Rhône blend of 30% Syrah, 20% Granache, 15% mourvedre and 15% Sangio. Fruit from Santa Barbara County, made in Lompoc, CA. They even share profits with the vineyard crew! — 9 days ago

Pinotman /// Andreas

9.2

This is an oddball from the Gaia team and quite $$$. The half empty wine- bottle gained weight and flavor in my fridge door over a full week. Touch bitter, apricot, stone fruits, still very fresh and alive, citrus notes, touch honey 🍯 and some sprinkles of nuttiness. I wonder how this will evolve over the next five to ten years? It certainly has the stuffing to do so - kind of a sleeper wine. Given its evolution in the fridge, (shaken but not stirred à la James Bond). — 6 days ago

with Dustin

Jan A

9.8

Most balanced and complete of the two SQN wines tonight. Although I prefer a slightly less bombastic style, I keep being impressed how Mr Krankl combines the ripeness, high alcohol and extract dialed at 11 whilst still keeping a balanced wine somehow. — 7 days ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.8

Armand de Brignac “Gold” Brut – NV
Champagne, France 🇫🇷

Overview
A prestige multi-vintage Champagne, composed of three distinct vintages sourced exclusively from estate-owned Grand Cru and Premier Cru parcels in Rilly-la-Montagne, Chigny-les-Roses, and Ludes. Blend composition; 40% Chardonnay, 40% Pinot Noir, 20% Pinot Meunier.

Handcrafted in small batches, this cuvée exemplifies depth, polish, and harmony, a benchmark luxury Champagne that delivers substance beyond the spectacle. Dosage is kept discreet, allowing purity, texture, and natural vinosity to shine.

Aromas & Flavors
Golden apple, ripe pear, and baked quince lead the nose, followed by brioche, toasted hazelnut, almond cream, and hints of citrus oil. Subtle honeyed notes and chalky minerality add impressive aromatic layering.

Mouthfeel
Silky yet energetic. The mousse is fine and persistent, framing a palate that is both rich and precise. Chardonnay provides lift and elegance, Pinot Noir adds structure and depth, while Pinot Meunier rounds the mid-palate. Long, polished finish, lingering but never heavy or fatiguing.

Food Pairings
Caviar, lobster with beurre blanc, sashimi, truffled poultry, aged Comté, or simply on its own as a statement aperitif.

Verdict
A spectacular Champagne that justifies its prestige. Complex, impeccably balanced, and deeply satisfying, the Gold Brut delivers true luxury through craftsmanship and terroir, not excess.

Did You Know?
Armand de Brignac is produced by the Cattier family, whose Champagne lineage dates back to 1763. Unlike many prestige cuvées, the Gold Brut is crafted from 100% estate fruit, with each bottle riddled, disgorged, and finished by hand , a rarity at this scale.

🍷 Personal Pick Highlight
One of the most delicious Champagnes tasted recently, memorable and worth the investment. — 8 days ago

Pooneet K

9.3

Last had 2 years ago and the extra time has been good to this. Really a lovely burgundy with some rotisserie chicken on the first snowy day of the season in New York. Red fruit, light earth, and minerality all in balance and expressing very nicely. Finishes with good acid and a real lift. Delicious. — 6 days ago

Danny O'Brien

9.2

Raspberry, roses & tar on the nose, grippy tannins and a slight meatiness on the palate. Fruit is present but ever so slightly lacking for me, I wish it translated from the nose to the palate just a touch more. Overall very nice and enjoyable! — 6 days ago

David Koenen

9.5

Glue in the smell. Big, complex and delicately sweet. Long, and very rich in botrytis. Beautifully dramatic. Almond flavour, canned peaches. Honey all over. Great. — 8 days ago

Louis Martin

9.5

Measured aroma, silky smooth texture, blackberry and cedar notes, grew more complex as the night wore on, probably still on the young side but still a special treat to have with a short rib and polenta dish. — 9 days ago