Gardet `Cuvee Prestige Charles Gardet` Brut Premier Cru Vintage Champagne, France, 2004

Grapes: A blend of 70% Chardonnay (Grand & Premier Cru Cote des Blancs plots) & 30% Pinot Noir (Premier Cru Montagne de Reims plots), no malolactic fermentation, 8-10 years' ageing in bottle on its lees

Producer Tasting Note:

A blend of exceptional wines, the `Charles Gardet Cuvée Prestige` is an elegant and powerful champagne that impresses with a fine perlage and golden reflections. On the nose, notes of ripe citrus, pear and subtle vanilla aromas unfold, complemented by floral and spicy accents. On the palate, Bramley apple fruit, brioche, almond, and light vanilla. A creamy texture and a fine mousse with good persistence. Fresh acidity, despite its age, giving a balanced wine with a clean finish. 

Critics' Tasting Notes:

"Expansively rich, dulce de leche nose. A firm spread of fruit across the palate, passion fruit curd and honeydew melon, layered with just-baked pastry and an assertive brace of acidity giving fabulous length and elegance. Compact, fine-beaded mousse. Bold and broad, finishes with great conviction. "

17/20 points, Tamlyn Currin, JancisRobinson.com, March 2017

"Distinct Chardonnay notes of ripeness, yellow bell pepper, hazelnut, angelica; surprisingly fresh considering its age, lean, sinewy, with good length; we like the wine's personality, which plays with the grapes' short ripeness and the extended bottle aging. Pairs well with mackerel."

16/20 points, Vinum Wine Magazine, December 2017

Food Match: It goes wonderfully with lobster tails, grilled Saint-Pierre (John Dory), sea bass or simply as an aperitif for special occasions