Gosset : Grand Blanc de Blancs

The NV Brut Grand Blanc de Blancs is a dry, piercing wine endowed with tons of energy and sheer class. Lemon, mint, slate, ash and apricots flow effortlessly from this pointed, beautifully articulated Champagne. This is a dazzling showing from Gosset. This is Lot # L1236121. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2018. 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. Importer: Palm Bay International, Boca Raton, FL; tel. (561) 362-9642

A vivid Champagne, with firm, mouthwatering acidity enmeshed with a lovely range of poached pear and nectarine, blanched almond, white blossoms and candied lemon peel. Fine and creamy in texture, with a streak of salinity chiming in on the minerally finish. Drink now through 2030. 188 cases imported.

This has a complex nose of sourdough, parmesan, oyster shells, dried pineapples and lemons. It’s medium-bodied, sharp and structured on the palate, with fantastic phenolic tension and underlying chalky minerality. Tight mousse. 100% Chardonnay from Côte des Blancs. Based on 2018 harvest. Disgorged September 2022. 5.5 g/L dosage. Drink or hold.

(made with a dosage of 7 g/l; L346 1116): Light yellow-gold. Smoky, lees-accented pear and honeydew on the pungent nose, with hints of iodine and anise adding complexity. Juicy orchard and citrus fruit flavors tighten up in the mid-palate, showing very good clarity and thrust. The smoky quality repeats on the smooth, mineral-tinged finish, which clings with excellent focus and tenacity.

A touch of flint, fresh lemon zest and exquisite creaminess characterise the nose. The palate is taut and sleek, utterly fresh and bright but bedded in softest, finest mousse. This most delicious contradiction delivers utter refreshment and harmonious balance in equal measure. Beautiful depth shimmers on the long, bone-dry and fresh finish.

Gosset’s Blanc de Blancs Brut NV is based on the 2018 vintage and assembled with Chardonnay from diverse Champagne terroirs. Very bright and lively, aromas of citrus, poached pear, brioche, chalk dust and faint hints of honey open onto a light- to medium-bodied palate that is well proportioned between juicy, crisp yellow apple with honeyed notes and vivacious acidity that frames a finish with refreshing salinity.

An appealing palette with this finely buttery Chardonnay and hints of sweet almond, a wine less locked-in than usual. The profile is limpid with a mineral backbone. The palate is round with a creamy mousse; the wine unfolds in the mouth with a caressing texture, and the dosage stays comfortable without bringing any softness.

The nose is fruity, offering delicate intensity and subtle freshness. It reveals notes of lemon, fleshy/juicy peach and, more lightly, lemon, joined by small touches of fresh apricot, a fine floral hint, and a subtle flinty note. The palate is fresh and balanced, delivering energy, a fine incisive edge, very delicate roundness, finesse, juiciness, and a fine tangy backbone. On the palate, this Champagne expresses notes of lemon, juicy/crisp peach and, more lightly, apple, combined with fine touches of juicy tangerine, as well as discreet hints of juicy/fresh lychee and white flowers, along with very discreet hints of zest and an imperceptible toasted note. A fine effervescence, very tightly knit, with a delicate airy character.

The NV Champagne Grand Blanc de Blancs Brut has a pale silver to yellow color and reveals notes of mint, white grapefruit, citrus blossoms, pastry dough, and fresh pear. Medium-bodied, it boasts an elegant and refined mousse, complemented by a refreshing spine of acidity and a mouthwatering, graceful finish. It's showing very well on release and should have another 8-10 years of prime drinking ahead of it.

This wine balances a soft texture with its dosage and the apple freshness of Chardonnay. The wine has youth and vigor while also hinting at mineral maturity. Drink now.