Gimonnet Brut Champagne Spécial Club Grands Terroirs Chardonnay 2016

96 points Tyson Stelzer (The Champagne Guide): "(tasted in 2023 in France; 100% chardonnay; 58% Cramant, 27% Chouilly, 15% Cuis; aged more than 5 years on lees; 5g/L dosage; 26,320 bottles). The core of Cramant here is profound, with the strong support of Chouilly and the freshening of a touch of Cuis, making for a sensational Special Club and a benchmark of its vintage. A core of white stone fruits and citrus is carried by surging, frothing chalk minerality that carries a finish of brilliant persistence. (Edition VII; 2024)"

96 points James Suckling: "This is showing fantastic aromatic complexity, exuding notes of walnut, quince, dried apricot, white cocoa and pastry. It’s creamy, sleek and layered. Very soft and fine bubbles. Long, caressing and fresh finish. Disgorged in 2023. Dosage 4,5g/L. Chardonnay from the Grand Cru villages of Cramant (58%) and Chouilly (27%) with wine from the 1er Cru village of Cuis (15%). Drink or hold. (7/18/24)"

95 points Audrey Frick (JebDunnuck.com): "Entirely Chardonnay and coming from the villages of Cramant, Chouilly, and Cuis, the shimmering yellow-golden 2016 Champagne Special Club Extra Brut is rounded and attractive with aromas of fresh baked croissant, honeyed green apple, and lemon bars. Approachable and medium-bodied, it fills the palate with an elegant mousse, a soft texture of citrus oil, and a clean, chalky finish. It’s already showing balanced layers and classic charm with a promising ability to enjoy over the coming 12 or more years. Disgorged April 2023, it has the addition of 4 grams per liter dosage. Drink: 2023-2035. (11/17/23)"

93.8 points CellarTracker.com community score.

93 points Tom Hewson (Decanter): "Didier Gimonnet's main Special Club bottling is a blend of Cramant, Chouilly and Cuis Chardonnay, playing on some of the compressed sunny intensity of 2016 with juicy apricot, yellow apple and lemon syrup flavours tethered by chalky presence and a forward, voluminous palate. It shows a little more heat and punchiness than the 2014, for example, yet the gentle brightness of Cuis is still lending approachability and crispness; a vintage for medium-term ageing. Drinking Window: 2024-2030. (3/2/24)"

93 points Wine Spectator: "[$124 list] Compact and well-integrated, this minerally Champagne shows racy acidity and intensity, with focus to the notes of crunchy green pear, preserved lemon, apple blossoms and blanched almond. Fine and creamy on the palate, but with a zesty energy as this expands through the finish. Disgorged April 2023. Drink now through 2036. 250 cases imported. (12/15/24)"