Gaston Chiquet Special Club Brut Champagne 2014

Eight generations have passed since Nicolas Chiquet planted his first vine in 1746. In 1919, brothers Fernand and Gaston Chiquet, winemakers born and bred, came together to create their house, Chiquet Brothers. They were pioneers in Champagne, among the very first winemakers to take the initiative, bold at the time, to keep their grapes, turn them into Champagne and sell their own product. In 1935, Gaston Chiquet separated from his brother to create his own brand. At the beginning of the 1950s, Gaston Chiquet and his son Claude extended the family domain into the areas of Aÿ and Hautvillers, bringing new blending possibilities. In turn, Claude Chiquet and his sons, Antoine and Nicolas, ensured continuity taking over in 2003 by complying with the family rule: "Our primary goal is to maintain the quality standards of our heritage." While the techniques have been improved, the tradition remains the same. 

Today, for over 80 years, the brand Champagne Gaston Chiquet is still led by the family. The two brothers and the next generation, Marion Chiquet (Antoine's daughter), work 23 hectares of vineyards situated primarily in the precious perimeter of Dizy, Aÿ, Mareuil-sur-Aÿ and Hautvillers of the larger Vallée de la Marne region of Champagne. This 2014 vintage is one that we love from a cooler vintage and a touch leaner in style. The wine is full of energy and tension, and Nicolas knocked it out of the park with this 2014 Special Club. It is an outstanding edition of this wine and reminds us of the 2008s in some ways, though a bit lighter in texture. It’s finely structured, elegant but still fully ripe and with a slightly more pronounced mineral character. Wow, we are in love! A harmonious blend of 70% Chardonnay and 30% Pinot Noir from a rigorous selection of Nicolas Chiquet’s finest parcels. Fresh, elegant, and a bit floral. The palate is balanced with aromas of hazelnut, lemon, wet rock, quince, pear and white peach!