2012 Gosset Celebris Blanc de Blancs Brut, Champagne

The first vintage for the Blanc De Blancs vintage Celebris, the 2012 Champagne Celebris Blanc De Blancs pours a youthful yellow hue and is aromatic of fresh white peaches, bread dough, key lime, softer edges, and white flowers. The palate opens to a silky soft, stony texture, with a powdery floral finish. The mousse is elegant and refined, with fantastic balance and gracefulness throughout. This is a beautiful wine in the range to enjoy over the coming 20-25 years.

94 points Audrey Frick for Jeb Dunnuck November 2023

Founded in 1584, Gosset is the oldest wine house in Champagne and one of its most revered names. The house has built its reputation on wines of remarkable precision and longevity, favouring freshness and structure through the rare decision to avoid malolactic fermentation. Celebris sits at the very summit of the portfolio, produced only in exceptional vintages and only when the house believes the fruit has the pedigree to justify the name.

Celebris Blanc de Blancs is drawn from some of Champagne's finest Chardonnay villages, with the 2012 vintage regarded as one of the great modern years for the region. Extended ageing on lees has allowed the wine to develop extraordinary complexity while preserving the energy and vibrancy that define great Blanc de Blancs Champagne.

The colour is a brilliant pale gold with an endless stream of fine persistent bubbles. Aromas of lemon curd, white peach and grapefruit peel unfold alongside toasted brioche, roasted hazelnuts and delicate floral notes. The palate is powerful yet wonderfully refined, combining citrus and stone fruit with chalky minerality and remarkable tension. Layers of pastry, almond and oyster shell emerge with air, while the finish seems to linger almost indefinitely.

Magnificent with lobster, scallops with beurre blanc, freshly shucked oysters or simply enjoyed on its own when only great Champagne will do. Drinking beautifully now, yet with the structure and pedigree to evolve gracefully for another fifteen years or more.