A delicate and very elegant champagne by Philipponnat
The producer
Established for nearly five centuries in Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, the Philipponnat Champagne House is one of the historic names in the Champagne region. Singularity, excellence, generosity and simplicity are the values that guide this house, which has remained a family-owned business. Owned by the house since 1935, the mythical Clos des Goisses is one of the oldest and most prestigious plots in the Champagne region. This utter gem is the source of rare and exceptionally powerful champagnes.
The vineyard
The Philipponnat Champagne house reigns over an exceptional 20-hectare vineyard composed of Premiers and Grands Crus in Aÿ, Mareuil-sur-Aÿ and Avenay. The Clos des Goisses spreads across 5.83 hectares of vines and is situated on a 45° slope and planted with Pinot Noir and Chardonnay vines. The name stems from the old Champagne dialect "gois", which means a very steep hillside. Resting on pure chalk soils and facing south, the Clos des Goisses is one of the warmest terroirs in the Champagne region. The plot’s average temperatures are 1.5°C higher than in the rest of the region. Due to its steep slope, the Clos des Goisses vineyard is worked by hand and the plots are rigorously monitored, excluding the use of synthetic herbicides and insecticides. The soil is worked with ploughing and weeding.
Vinification and ageing
Partial vinification in oak. Malolactic fermentation is not carried out in order to preserve the natural acidity of the wine and to offset the powerful expression of the terroir. This champagne is aged for several years in the cellars of Maison Philipponnat.
The blend
Clos des Goisses 2002 by Philipponnat comprises a blend of 65% Pinot Noir and 35% Chardonnay.
The tasting
Colour
Brilliant, this champagne showcases a beautiful golden colour. The effervescence is fine and delicate.
Nose
On the nose, an excellent, elegant and precise aromatic intensity develops. Clos des Goisses 2002 presents notes of fresh butter, sustained by a beautiful minerality. It also offers notes of citrus and candied fruit.
Palate
The creamy attack gives way to a mouth that exudes a seductive structure, minerality, precise flavours as well as its persistence and velvety feel.
Service
In order to allow it to express the fullness of its personality, we recommend decanting Clos des Goisses 2002 by Philipponnat before tasting it.
Cellaring
Having reached perfect maturity after a lengthy ageing period in the house’s cellars, this refined champagne will continue to evolve over the decades to come, provided it is stored in the appropriate conditions.
The flagship 2002 Brut Clos des Goisses is simply stunning in this vintage. Seamless, ripe and beguiling, the 2002 is pure harmony in the glass. Dried pears, apricots, flowers, red berries and spices are some of the many notes that inform this towering, aristocratic wine. At once vertical yet endowed with serious length, the 2002 stands out for its breathtaking balance and overall sense of harmony. Layers of fruit built to the huge, creamy finish. This is a great showing from Philipponnat. The 2002 was disgorged in June 2011. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2032.