Champagne Gaston Chiquet Tradition Brut Premier Cru NV | 750 ml.

WS90 Wine & Spirits December 1, 2008

"Chiquet’s Tradition emphasizes pinot meunier (45 percent), blended with chardonnay (35) and pinot noir. This release is mostly from the 2004 vintage, with small amounts of older wines blended in. It has an intriguing scent of toasted sesame seeds and rising bread dough. There’s a fresh almond flavor to the wine, both rich and clean. Delicious with rustic country pâté." (90 pts.)

WS90 Wine & Spirits December 1, 2007

"This has the clarity and quiet spice of a beautiful chardonnay, while pinot meunier makes it supple. It’s clean, mildly leesy and built for pan-roasted river fish in a cream sauce." (90 pts.)

WS90 Wine & Spirits December 1, 2006

"Rustic and bold with a wild umami richness all its own, this tastes like an oyster roasted in its shell with fresh morels. The flavors are broad and substantial, ready to chill for those oysters." (90 pts.)

WS90 Wine & Spirits December 1, 2005

"A distinctive and vinous style of Champagne, this tastes like a Chablis with its intense stoniness and gingery fruit. Broad, creamy vanilla and brioche flavors place it with food, whether roast fish or roast chicken." (90 pts.)

ST90 Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar Nov/Dec 2005

"Medium straw color, with an intensely bubbly mousse. Aromas of lemon, lime, and pink grapefruit. Taut and minerally on the palate, with vibrant, concentrated citrus flavors complicated by white pepper and earthier lemongrass notes. This gained flesh and weight with air. Tangy and nervy on the crisp finish, which is fresh and precise." (90 pts.)