Philipponnat : Blanc de Noirs 2019

The 2019 Extra-Brut Blanc de Noirs, disgorged in December 2024 with a dosage of 4.5 grams per liter, offers up an aromatic profile of crisp red apple, cranberry, cherry and pink grapefruit, with subtle hints of quince. On the palate, it is medium- to full-bodied, generous and textural, animated by tangy acidity. Delicately bitter phenolics lend grip, culminating in a long, chalky finish.

A fresh, minerally Champagne, with a fine, lacy mousse supporting a delicate mesh of crunchy green apple, ripe black currant, preserved lemon and toast point notes. Mouthwatering on the finish, with lingering hints of chalk and salt. Disgorged December 2024. Drink now through 2039. 2,492 cases made, 96 cases imported.

The 2019 Extra Brut Blanc de Noirs is another gorgeous wine in this range from Philipponnat. Power and energy meld together in a wine of striking presence. Most of the malolactic fermentation (70%) was blocked, which contributed palpable tension throughout. Kirsch, white flowers, mint, white pepper and chalk build into the vibrant, saline-drenched finish. This is a stellar showing. Dosage is 4.5 grams per liter. Disgorged: December 2024.

The 2019 Champagne Blanc de Noirs Extra Brut comes largely from Philipponnat’s own vineyards, including Avernay, Maureiul, and some components that go into the Clos des Goisses, Hautviller, and Aÿ, along with always a small amount of Chardonnay from the Montagne de Reims. Bottled in a new, delicate, textured, and rippled label, the wine is a pale straw color with just a hint of copper hue and has an expressive nose. The first 2019 release from the range, it showcases ripeness, intensity, strength, elegance, and freshness. Medium-bodied yet compact, it offers mouthwatering notes of orange zest, quince, salty earth, and delicate smokiness.