Steve S.

9.1

Enjoyed this bottle on NYE. did not disappoint. Interesting subtle tangerine tastes lingered on the tongue that I’d forgotten about. This one n/v was bottled in early 2022. Been in my possession about 2 years. — 8 months ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.5

1990 vintage. Last tasted 11.19.25 (9.6)…yes…two days ago! Someone’s gotta do the dirty work. Comparable experiences with the cork, fill and flavors from the 11.19.25 visit. Not decanted. Tasted one and two hours after opening. After one hour open (not decanted)...a 9.4. two hours...a 9.5. Perhaps decanted, surmise it could have touched 9.6 but we'll never know. This specimen slightly more advanced but still ridiculously phenomenal. 11.21.25. — 9 months ago

Julian Gross

9.2

Unbelievable cab, perfect pairing with an excellent steak at one of the best chop houses in the country — 8 years ago

Kate Whitney

9.2

Drinking with some serious wine lovers in Westchester. This one rocks as hard as the crust across the top. — 9 years ago

Kyla Guyette

9.0

Celebrating 4 years with my hunny! — 10 years ago

with Luke

Robin

9.6

I like this one. Not too sweet — 10 years ago

Julie Freeman

10

One word.... Fabulous! — 11 years ago

Kristin wenderlich

9.1

Not my first bottle from this case... This one is not the best, but is still good. Herbal menthol nose subtle berries, nice acid. — 11 years ago

Glenn D

9.1

Spicy, soily like the aroma of fresh dirt & chocolate sprinkles. I just enjoy this wine. — 12 years ago

Eric Carlson

9.6

Good one. — 14 years ago

Anthony De Blasi

9.5

Our (not so) little (anymore) princess her birthday so time for our yearly 2011. After having rated two previous bottles not as high as you would expect this one actually delivered. Very elegant, in balance and clearly at peak. Quite some years ahead — 8 months ago

Benny

9.2

One of my favorites. — 6 years ago

Amit Kumar

9.5

like a neighbor with a seductive surprise...
like strawberry on a summer evening...
its like wow, where did you come from...
is that juniper is smell...oh who cares?
great wine... — 6 years ago

Ryan Richter

9.2

One of my fav pinots — 8 years ago

with Shannon

Bryandon R. Johnston

8.9

Great hints of spice, mocha and chocolate. Enjoyed it so much I finished it and needed a second bottle! Haha — 10 years ago

Robert Cunningham

Wine Educator DeVinimus, Wine Workshop

9.3

Leather and sous bois and one brambles. Lovely and balanced. Still solid. Buy. — 10 years ago

Morgan

9.0

One of my favorites. Big bold red. — 11 years ago

Jeffrey Boscamp

9.8

4/28/15 grand finale at j and j. The 90 is what you thought it was and what I remember. And what you can never forget. The ultimate reminder of why one loves wine. — 11 years ago

Lia Zavisho

9.0

Delicious! Very fruity and a mouthful! Yum — 11 years ago

Mike Trupiano

9.5

One of the single best California Cabs I have ever had — 13 years ago

Athena Caroline

9.4

I was a strict pinot grigio drinker and never used to enjoy red wines until I tried this one. — 14 years ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.8

Armand de Brignac “Gold” Brut – NV
Champagne, France 🇫🇷

Overview
A prestige multi-vintage Champagne, composed of three distinct vintages sourced exclusively from estate-owned Grand Cru and Premier Cru parcels in Rilly-la-Montagne, Chigny-les-Roses, and Ludes. Blend composition; 40% Chardonnay, 40% Pinot Noir, 20% Pinot Meunier.

Handcrafted in small batches, this cuvée exemplifies depth, polish, and harmony, a benchmark luxury Champagne that delivers substance beyond the spectacle. Dosage is kept discreet, allowing purity, texture, and natural vinosity to shine.

Aromas & Flavors
Golden apple, ripe pear, and baked quince lead the nose, followed by brioche, toasted hazelnut, almond cream, and hints of citrus oil. Subtle honeyed notes and chalky minerality add impressive aromatic layering.

Mouthfeel
Silky yet energetic. The mousse is fine and persistent, framing a palate that is both rich and precise. Chardonnay provides lift and elegance, Pinot Noir adds structure and depth, while Pinot Meunier rounds the mid-palate. Long, polished finish, lingering but never heavy or fatiguing.

Food Pairings
Caviar, lobster with beurre blanc, sashimi, truffled poultry, aged Comté, or simply on its own as a statement aperitif.

Verdict
A spectacular Champagne that justifies its prestige. Complex, impeccably balanced, and deeply satisfying, the Gold Brut delivers true luxury through craftsmanship and terroir, not excess.

Did You Know?
Armand de Brignac is produced by the Cattier family, whose Champagne lineage dates back to 1763. Unlike many prestige cuvées, the Gold Brut is crafted from 100% estate fruit, with each bottle riddled, disgorged, and finished by hand , a rarity at this scale.

🍷 Personal Pick Highlight
One of the most delicious Champagnes tasted recently, memorable and worth the investment. — 9 months ago

Sipping Fine Wine

10

To me Shafer is among the worlds best wineries. Aged 32 months in 100% new French oak. Vivid deep purple color, and outstanding aromas of red/black fruits, cherries and blackberries, with hints of cedar, floral oak & spice. Tasting this wine was absolutely magnificent, concentrated dark berry fruit flavors, spices, leather and oak, exploding on my palate. Soft velvety subtle tannins provide a nice deep lingering finish. Truly an outstanding Cab, one of the best. If you can find yourself a bottle, do not hesitate. Should last at least 10 more yrs. — 7 years ago

Patrick Kelly

9.6

One of the greats — 9 years ago

Charles von Breitenbach

9.2

All those intense tannins one associates with Silver Oak have softened into what would pass for a very nice second growth — 10 years ago

Dan Hess

9.7

For centuries now, the luscious, bright, all-encompassing delight of Champagne has been used to toast happy occasions. Often times a decent bubbly does the trick, but other times, something grander deserves to be poured.

Dom Pérignon (named after the monk who put Champagne on the map), a 2000 vintage. It's the kind of Champs one drinks upon making the decision that wine is not just a hobby, not just a passion, but a career. — 10 years ago

with Sarah

JS Howard

9.2

One of the best US Sauvignon Blancs that I've had. — 11 years ago

Kendall Mix

8.9

Has lost a little fruit. Very smoky oak has moved to the forefront. Probably better a couple of years ago. — 11 years ago

Richard Etter

9.5

My reading speech for itself. I enjoy it very much — 12 years ago

Phil Magown

9.8

Only one word: phenomenal! — 14 years ago