The Gimonnet family has been farming the Côte des Blancs since 1750, and this 2018 draws on Grand Cru fruit from Cramant, Chouilly, and Oger, rounded out with Cuis 1er Cru from the estate's home village. All stainless steel, full malo, 42-plus months on the lees, and zero dosage. Chalky, taut, with a mid-palate that's citrus and toasted brioche rather than sugar. Nothing to hide behind here; this is Chardonnay standing on its own structure.
Winemaker Notes
100% Chardonnay From 45% Cramant Grand Cru (Buissons, Bateau, Gros Mont), 30% Chouilly Grand Cru (Mont Aigu, Ronds Buissons), 3% Oger Grand Cru (Terres de Noël, Champs Nérons), 22% Cuis 1er Cru (Croix-Blanche) Yes malo Fermented and aged in stainless steel Aged 42+ months on the lees Dosage: 0g/L
Professional Ratings
96
James Suckling
94
Jeb Dunnuck
93
Wine Advocate
93
Vinous
About the Producer
Region: Côte des Blancs
Premier Cru Sites: Cuis, Mareuil-sur Aÿ, and Vertus
Grand Cru Sites: Cramant, Chouilly, Oger, and Aÿ
Total Vineyard Holdings: 29.4 hectares
Annual Production: 20,000 cases
Vines: 99% Chardonnay, 1% Pinot Noir
Didier Gimonnet directs this superb estate, located in the Premier Cru of Cuis. With 29.4 hectares of holdings in Grand and Premier Cru villages, predominantly in the Côte des Blancs, Didier’s family has been growing grapes in Champagne since 1750. It was Pierre Gimonnet, Didier’s grandfather, who started bottling estate Champagnes in 1935.
