Clos des Goisses 2004

This is one of the oldest houses in Champagne which started on its current journey in 1910. Located in Mareuil-sur-Ay, it has always positioned itself as a traditional Champagne house for connoisseurs rather than a big, international Champagne house.  As a consequence, it is not even recognized by the general public who do however know its other higher volume, but not necessarily higher quality, brands.  They only have a little over 17 hectares of owned vineyards, mostly growing Pinot Noir, but spread out in the region’s best vineyards.  What truly sets them apart, however, is the fact that they are the sole proprietors of the prestigious Clos des Goisses vineyard, which was acquired in its entirety in 1935.  The company is still family owned today.

Appearance

Beautiful golden hue. Very clean. Abundance of small beads.

Nose

Very complex with mesmerizing aromas of fresh fruit, roasted hazelnuts, orange peel, fine pastries and toast.

Palate

Tremendously elegant and well structured, with a tasty mineral character from the limestone that serves as support to the Champagne’s fruit and intensity. Very well delineated with extraordinary vigour.

Comment

When we cite Clos des Goisses we are talking about a unique, exceptional vineyard of 5.5 hectares, located on a very steep slope, virtually at a 45% gradient, and very shallow, pure craie soil, exposed fully south.  We are also referring to what is surely the best Premier Cru Champagne of all because unfortunately, due to its geographical location, the village of Mareuil-sur-Ay, it can never be considered a Grand Cru,  although it is in essence.  Clos des Goisses defines and possesses all the attributes of a single vineyard Champagne: robustness, elegance, complexity, minerality and great ageing potential. In other words, it is one of a kind!  It is absolutely sublime when paired with roast wild sea bass with confit mushrooms and an oyster sauce.

Glass by RIEDEL, SOMMELIERS collection, VINTAGE CHAMPAGNE model