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. — 5 days ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.2

This is being served colder than I would like and that said, the nose is not all that expressive. There is green apple, stone fruits, Meyer lemon to notes of lemon pledge, lime pulp, ripe, juicy pineapple, limestone marl, notes of marmalade, honeysuckle, light butterscotch, yellow lilies/flowers, white flowers.

The palate has a clean, round smooth entry. It is good but it tastes restrained to me. Maybe, the cool temp. Green apple, stone fruits-apricots, yellow peach/nectarine, Meyer lemon to a touch of lemon pledge, lime pulp, ripe, juicy pineapple, kiwi, green melon, notes of marmalade, honeysuckle, more pronounced butterscotch, caramel as it warms up, vanillin, gentle chalky powder, limestone marl, grey volcanic minerals, white spice, herbaceous hues, yellow lilies/flowers, white flowers with greens, nice round acidity, the finish is well balanced, round & elegant, a bit viscous and lasts about a minute.

I’ve had a number of producers from CC. I have had multiple vintages of LL’s CC and it simply doesn’t deliver like some of the other producers I’ve had that make white from CC. For me, it’s a nice wine but has often underwhelmed given the terroir.

I have had good vintages of white Bourgogne’s that show this nicely and better.

@EK225 — 2 months ago

Peter Krug

9.3

rich and not as dry as it first seems. delicious with Saag Paneer. complex yet subtle at the same time. — a month ago

Tom Garland

9.4

Pop and pour. A majestic lite gold color. On the nose: crisp apples, lemon, almonds, floral, and honey. Taste: creamy, beautiful texture and nice acidity wine with apple, pear, lemon zest, saline, flint, and a minerally lime peel medium plus finish. YUM! Maturing gracefully and time to go. — a month ago

with Brenda

Paul J

9.7

Hobbs back to back. Medium gold color. Stone fruit, minerals, and subtle honey on the nose. Great texture with medium plus depth. Same elements on the palate with great complexity. Love it!! — 3 months ago

with Brooke

Andrew Cullimore

9.4

Medium yellow , touch of gold . Fine bubbles , though not a lot noticable in our wine glasses . Bit of development with brioche , orange rind , mocha , touch of honeysuckle and crushed stones . On the palate this is fine boned , elegant, lemon rind , baked pastry , fine chalky notes . Quite high grippy acidity , this is linear and quite direct in style , but enough volume on the palate to cover its bones . Good medium length mineral and crystallised lemon pith charged finish . This is drinking well now but will probably last well over the next 5-10 years. — 4 months ago

Michelle Beer

9.0

Light and floral with a nice sherry-like finish. Great with Thai food or anything gingery — 2 months ago

Ken Venezio

9.4

Once I visited Paul Lato I knew I'd be hooked for many years. His elegance in making the most beautiful Pinots is rewarded in every sip. Cherrys and red fruits dominate this wine. Long structured mid palate and softer tannins keep this going all night. — a month ago

Andrew Cullimore

9.5

Medium lemon , hints of gold , quite a healthy colour with fine pretty persistent bubbles still . This quite intense with candied lemon peel , brioche , oyster shells , touch of porcini . On the palate this is intense ,with good volume and vibrant acidity. Buttered brioche , oyster shell , candied orange and lemon peel . Really quite lovely and intense , long and toasted brioche , chalky finish . This is at peak now , but no rush from here over the next 5 perhaps 10 years . — 2 months ago

Conrad Green

9.4

Lifted and bright. Juicy acidity and tropical notes. Kiwi, pear, peach. Limestone and a pinch of salt. Dynamic — 4 months ago

with Chris, Matt and 1 other