Clos des Goisses, Brut, 2011

Clos des Goisses 2011, precursor to the mouthwatering, yet limited, prospect of 2012. Some years on from the release this remains one of our favourite wines from the vintage. This is a complex, fascinating wine – not built on power, but with a beguiling aromatic profile that runs from the floral to savoury and a palate of citrus, elderflower, fresh bay leaf, orange zest, ginger and crushed rocks. Full of nerve, vibrancy and focused intensity, it is one of the smaller Clos des Goisses releases to date with just over 1000 9L cases produced. The praise for Clos des Goisses 2011 is now pretty much universal. More and more it is proving itself a truly top-drawer single vineyard expression that absolutely defies 2011’s rather middling reputationAwarded a rare 18.5 point score from Jancis Robinson MW and the comment of not only “the finest 2011 I’ve tasted”, but also an “outstanding Champagne for any vintage” from leading Champagne expert Peter Liem, the critics are in chorus when it comes to the quality of this ever-illustrious wine.