The Marc Chauvet Special Club 2005 is a provocative blend of 70% Chardonnay and 30% Pinot Noir from family-owned estate vineyards in Reims. Pale lemon yellow, the attack is decidedly creamy, but this aspect quickly dissolves through a layer lees-infused wet dough notes accompanied by lemon pith and white grapefruit rind. Perhaps what is most surprising is the mineral-verve that follows, intense wet shell and saline notes makes for a brisk, albeit very prolonged finish. This is a handsome Champagne that deserves to be revisited in another 5 years.
9.2 Points