Grapelive Daily Pick

By Kerry Winslow

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gaston.gif1999 Gaston Chiquet Champagne “Special Club” Brut, Dizy, France.
Nicolas Chiquet’s 22 hectare estate on chalky soils with 20% Pinot Noir, 40% Pinot Meunier and 40% Chardonnay is one of secrets of the region and produces many fine Champagnes that are rare, but not impossible to find. This “Special Club” is a wonderful vintage style bubbly that has the class and structure of Dom Perignon while having more of a pure terroir character. This fine and deep Champagne has intense yeast and toast on the nose with lots of nutty layers on the palate with bread dough, lemon tart and spiced apple and pear fruit. Being disgorged fresh in 2008 this “Special Club” has all ready developed into a rich and focused sparkler and gives amazing flavors and beautiful texture. The lingering hazelnut and chalky fruit stays with you and leaves you begging for more. This is a Champagne that not only makes special moments magic, it makes moments special and magic by itself! ($77-85 Est.) 94 Points, grapelive

*Still in stock at Rancho Cellars, where I bought this bottle. call  831-625-5646

RANCHO CELLARS

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