1995 Gosset Celebrissimes

Les Célébrissimes is a re-release of the 1995 Celebris, with extended ageing both on the lees and in bottle. Only 1000 bottles of this rare aged Champagne are being released from Gosset's cellars in Épernay, where the wines have been lying disgorged since 2006. This is therefore not a late disgorged release of the type we are familiar with from the likes of Dom Perignon's P2 or Bollinger RD, but a double aged release with development on the lees for 10 years and a further 13 years in bottle. Gosset, the oldest wine house in Champagne, is celebrated for its trademark style that centres on natural richness and acidity, fruit purity and chiseled minerality, without the softening effects of malolactic or oak fermentation. In the words of Antonio Galloni, they are "finely-sculpted wines that possess striking clarity and precision". The 1995 Célébrissimes is a perfect example of how Gosset's style lends itself to the double ageing approach. The result is a wonderful aged Champagne that has retained almost unbelievable freshness and developed amazing aromatic complexity and vinous elegance. This is a wonderfully vinous Champagne that resembles some of the finest aged Grand Cru Burgundies. Despite being nearly 25 years old, the Champagne retains a remarkably primary fruity aroma on opening – full of orchard fruits, mandarin, pink grapefruit alongside more developed lemon marmalade and sultana fruit. In the glass more tertiary notes eventually develop too – bergamot, gingerbread, truffle notes, new leather, fresh earth and even nectar and malted barley notes. In the glass the aromas constantly change. The palate is exceptionally clean and very Gosset in style, with a very focused line of acidity bringing tremendous depth and persistence. The flavours linger on the palate for over a minute. The texture is equally impressive with viscosity brought about by age, whilst never being heavy. There is power but also finesse. It is an exceptional Champagne on par with some of the finest examples of aged Vintage Champagne you are ever likely to taste.