From: Champagne, France
Varietal: Chardonnay
Since before 1750, the Gimonnet family have been vine growers in the village of Cuis, supplying the great Champagne houses with grapes up until the 1930s recession. As the sales of grapes fell during this prolonged recession, Monsieur Pierre Gimonnet finally decided to take up the challenge of vinifying and commercializing his own harvest. It was a great struggle at first, establishing a clientele who were not, at that time, accustomed to "blanc de Blancs" Champagnes, not least from a new small independent producer. The effort finally paid off and today the name of Champagne Pierre Gimonnet et Fils is one of great renown, and highly respected. Pierre Gimonnet built this reputation on the basis of his unique and exceptional vineyard, half a century of experience, and the uncompromising standards that he imposed upon himself. The estate is now run by Pierre's sons, Michel and Didier, who share the fanaticism of their father for the Gimonnet Champagnes. In 1987 the Gimonnet family acquired the house of Larmandier Père et Fils based in Cramant. This brought some exceptional vineyards to the Gimonnet enterprise. Although the Larmandier wines are vinified at the Gimonnet cellars in Cuis the cuvées are vinified and aged separately. Consequently, some remarkable Champagnes are produced from the Cramant Grand Cru vineyards, especially the outstanding Larmandier Cramant Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs and the exquisite Cramant Grand Cru Special Club. The policy of the estate, from the very beginning, in the true traditions of all great winemakers was to limit the production of grapes in the search of quality, with the ambition to become one of the great specialists of "blanc de blancs" Champagnes.
Tasting Notes: "The NV Brut Blanc de Blancs Cuis 1er Cru (2020 base) sizzles with energy. White flowers, chalk, mint, white pepper, green pear and lime all race across the palate. Medium in body and finely cut, the 1er Cru is a jewel of a wine. It will appeal most to readers who enjoy taut, airy Blancs de Blancs. Dosage is 6 grams per liter. Disgorged: April 7, 2023. Drink: 2023-2030. (Nov 2023)” 91 points Antonio Galloni, Vinous
"There's a subtle succulence to this graceful Champagne, framing flavors of peach skin, ripe pear, Marcona almond and orchard blossoms. The fine, detailed mousse is raw silk–like in texture. Finishes with minerally fleur de sel and oyster shell notes. Disgorged December 2023. Drink now through 2029. (9/25/24)” 93 points & '#63 Top 100 Wines of 2024' Wine Spectator
91 Points -Wine Spectator
91 Points -Decanter
90 Points -Wine Enthusiast
90 Points -Robert Parker
