2004 Pierre Gimonnet & Fils Fleuron Premier Cru Blanc de Blancs Brut

Posted on February 2, 2011 by Jeremy Pringle

France, Champagne 12.5% Cork $65

I indulged in a bit of Pierre Gimmonet drinking research during the festive season last year. Every wine I’ve tried thus far, including the NVs, has been impressive but a 2002 PG & Fils Fleuron really captured my imagination – a beautiful vintage Champagne in every way. This is the current release. It spent 4 years on lees.

An ultra fine bead in the glass is indicative of a seductive, pillowy mouth feel. There are green apples, lemons, balanced autolysis characters with hazelnuts and a hint of scotch finger biscuit. Lovely shape in the mouth, striking a linear pose but with some latent creamy layers. If the 2002 is anything to go by, these will develop with further time in the bottle. Some oyster shells and grilled nuts as well, with driving minerality extending the experience on the back palate.

Elegant, sophisticated and a bargain at the price. Another win for Grower Producer Champagne. Imported exclusively by Coles, so look for it at 1st Choice and Vintage Cellars (a chill ran through me as I typed that…)

Winery website- http://www.champagne-gimonnet.com/

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4 Responses to 2004 Pierre Gimonnet & Fils Fleuron Premier Cru Blanc de Blancs Brut

  1. Anonymous says:
    February 7, 2011 at 10:16 pm

    "so look for it at 1st Choice and Vintage Cellars (a chill ran through me as I typed that…)"

    Funny!

    I like these wines. I've been putting some away with the 2002 onwards. The '99, the first I tried, were too green. If you ever see the Spécial Club, make sure you buy.

    I prefer the '04 Gastronome to the Fleuron, but not by much.

    Had two corked bottles of the NV late last year … unfortunately. But it can also be very good, as you say.

    MichaelC

  2. Jeremy Pringle says:
    February 7, 2011 at 11:17 pm

    I pretty much agree Michael. The 04 Gastronome is certainly in the same league as the Fleuron.

    I've not tried the new release 05 Gastronome as yet but will be taking an 04 Paradoxe to a friends place this Saturday. No notes will be taken mind you. That would be antisocial of me :)

  3. Anonymous says:
    February 10, 2011 at 11:37 pm

    Rubbish. Bring your pen and paper along. Socializing indeed …

    I've not tried, or indeed heard of, a Paradoxe! Enjoy.

    MichaelC

  4. Jeremy Pringle says:
    February 10, 2011 at 11:48 pm

    There's a bit of Pinot in the Paradoxe (the only PG wine that isn't just Chardonnay I believe).

    Oh, and I'm eyeing off the 2002 PG Special Club for my birthday next month. I'm worth it!

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