Armand de Brignac Ace of Spades Gold Brut, Champagne, France

Description

Armand de Brignac's Champagnes are marketed as flagship cuvées in selected markets. They are produced in a multi-vintage style (like Krug's Grande Cuvée) as opposed to the vintage prestige cuvées of some other Champagne houses. Like much Champagne, the Brut Gold cuvée is a blend of the grape varieties Pinot noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay, making use of only Premier Cru and Grand Cru-rated grapes. Two other cuvées, a Rosé and a Blanc de Blancs (100% Chardonnay) were released in 2008.

The first release from Champagne Armand de Brignac, the Brut Gold remains the most iconic cuvée in the range. Rich with the old-world tradition of champagne blending, it is a trio of vintages from some of the most lauded terroirs of the region, resulting in a cuvée expressing vibrant and fresh fruit character with a soft texture.

Tasting Panel 93
"Smooth and elegant with lovely balance; complex and fresh with round, rich flavors and great finesse; long and refined. 40 Pinot Noir, 40 Chardonnay and 20 Pinot Meunier."

Wine Enthusiast 91
"A blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier and Pinot Noir, this ripe, well-balanced wine has some toast that adds complexity and richness to the apple and lemon fruit, indicating a mature bottling. The wine in a gold-foil bottle is one of five made by the Cattier house for rapper and entrepreneur Jay Z's Armand de Brignac Empire brand with the Ace of Spades logo."

Wine Spectator 91
"This presents floral and ripe fruit notes on the nose, wafting through flavors of white cherry, toast, dried apricot and salted almond on the palate. Well-balanced and smoky, structured by firm acidity and a lively mousse."