ARMAND DE BRIGNAC GOLD NV

Style: Champagne

Since November 2014, Armand de Brignac has been the Champagne brand of rapper and music producer JAY-Z. The five non-vintage cuvées, which are sold in opaque metallic bottles and at absolutely crazy prices, are produced by father and son Jean-Jacques and Alexandre Cattier from Champagne Cattier who started releasing de Brignac in 2006. The fruit¿Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay¿comes from vineyards owned by the Cattier family and from growers in selected villages across the region. For Armand de Brignac, colloquially known as "Ace of Spades," only the tête de cuvée of the press is used, so the very finest part. Each cuvée assembles three vintages and is dosed with matured wines aged in oak barrels. Aged for several years on the second lees, the wines are intense, powerful, well-structured and of excellent quality. The brand's first bottling, Armand de Brignac Brut Gold, is still the finest cuvée due to its richness and ripeness. 

Tasted from magnum the NV Brut (Gold) opens with lovely matured brioche, toast and ripe fruit flavours. Fresh, pure and elegant on the palate, with beautifully matured flavours 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. Stephan Reinhardt, ROBERT PARKER

Region: Champagne, FRANCE

Variety: Pinot Noir blend

ABV: 12.5%

Liquor Act 2007. It is against the law to sell or supply alcohol to, or to obtain alcohol on behalf of a person under the age of 18 years. Lic No. LIQP770016424

*We endeavour to ensure the correct vintage is displayed, however some variations may occur in store and for delivered bottles.