Armand de Brignac (Cattier) Brut Champagne Ace of Spades Gold NV

95 points Christelle Guibert (Decanter): "The flagship wine is equal parts of Chardonnay and Pinot noir with 20% of Pinot Meunier--and a blend of three vintages: 2009, 2010 and 2012. The nose is full of rich aromas, with notes of white flowers and crème patissière. However, the palate is crisp, fresh and delicate with a lovely creamy texture. It's elegant, refined and very stylish. A pleasant combination of power and concentration contrasting wtih finesse and elegance. While the dosage is 9g/l, it feels much drier, and this is probably due to its firm spine of acidity. Alcohol 12.5%."

94 points Wine & Spirits: "The refinement of the bubbles and impeccable pale color brought James Bond to mind for one taster, 'the new Bond, the blond Bond.' The comment generated a flurry of critical reviews from the panelists: 'This is more Timothy Dalton: polished, looks good, but doesn't have a lot to say.' 'This is more like Gregory Peck: It has nothing to prove.' 'Burt Lancaster in A Wild Thing.' 'Clooney on ER before he got polished...' This is a bold and powerful wine that holds its balance. Driven by scents of brioche and chalk, along with intense acidity, it should develop well with several years of bottle age."

93 points Stephan Reinhardt (Wine Advocate): "Tasted from magnum, the NV Brut (Gold) opens with lovely matured brioche, toast and ripe fruit flavors. Fresh, pure and elegant on the palate, with beautifully matured flavors and an elegant creaminess I don't find in the other cuvées, the 'Gold' is a blend of 40% Pinot Noir, 40% Chardonnay and 20% Pinot Meunier as well as the vintages of 2009, 2010 and 2012. The wine reveals good grip and mineral tension and drinks well as an aperitif or with seafood and fish. Drink: 2018-2030."

Producer notes: "40% Pinot Noir, 40% Chardonnay, 20% Pinot Meunier. The first release from Armand de Brignac, the Brut Gold remains the most iconic cuvée in the range. Rich with the old world traditions of champagne blending, it is a trio of vintages from some of the most lauded terroirs in the region, resulting in a prestige cuvée that expresses vibrant fresh fruit character, and layers of complexity. Peach, apricot and red berry aromas are followed by crystalized citrus, orange blossom and hints of brioche. The palate is rich with cherries, exotic fruits and a touch of lemon, vanilla and honey. The mouth feel is soft and creamy, with a hint of toastiness, from the unique Armand de Brignac dosage which is aged for one year in French oak barrels. Drinking beautifully now or can be rested under ideal cellaring conditions, until 2025. Ideal as an aperitif or pairs perfectly with seared scallops, roasted quail and fresh water fish.