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. — 2 months ago
Very nice balanced well aged complex blend. — 2 months ago
2003 vintage. Opened (not decanted) and tasted after 1 hour and 3 hours. Perfect cork and fill. Immediate, perfumed nose upon the open as it couldn't wait to escape. Light-medium/medium body. A quiet, simmering intensity throughout. First tastes invited the pretty, berry flavors. Last tastes emphasized delicate tea and earth influences. Feel like another 5-spot might just find it tickling the top of the bell curve. Still climbing currently. 1.23.26. — 14 days ago
The 2020 vintage of Michael David Freak Show is a blend for everyday drinking. A blend of Syrah (appx 54%), Petite Sirah (appx 42%) and Souzao (appx 4%), it is a balanced, fruit-forward red wine with notes of dark berries and plum. Although it does not provide the complexity and tannic structure of a Napa or Sonoma Cabernet, neither does it come with the same price tag.
I recommend this wine, but just find the circus-themed bottle label a little freaky. — a month ago
2/2026. Good fruit and finish. Medium boldness. Very good for the price point. — a day ago
This is what new world should be. Pepper fruit oak. — 2 hours ago
Love it so much — a month ago
Always reliable. — 2 months ago
Andrew Cullimore
Medium ruby , garnet rim. Quite open and fruit driven nose , cherry , strawberry , earthy porcini. On the palate this is still quite fruit driven red cherry , raspberry , velvety mouthfeel and rounded tannin , fresh acidity, good length. Quite intense with quite primary , fruit forward , cherry , raspberry . Well balanced and fresh . Though really enjoyable will probably improve over the next 5-8 years . At Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud , Dublin , 22nd January 2026 — 13 days ago