Champagne Philipponnat Blanc de Blanc Extra-Brut 2018 (Champagne, France) - [WS 94] [JS 94] [VM 93] [WA 92+] [JD 92+]

Champagne Philipponnat Blanc de Blanc Extra-Brut 2018
(Champagne, France) - [WS 94] [JS 94] [VM 93] [WA 92+] [JD 92+]


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WS94 JS94 VM93 WA92+ JD92+
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About the Domaine:
For almost five hundred years, the Philipponnat family has left its mark on the soil of the Champagne region. Generations have cultivated the land at Ay, the family's home since the time of Apvril le Philipponnat who owned vines at Le Léon, between Ay and Dizy, in 1522. In the 16th century, the family’s ancestors were winegrowers and merchants, suppliers to the court of Louis XIV, magistrates and Royal Mayors of Ay - a town which was directly dependent on the Crown since the era of the Counts of Champagne.

Philipponnat was the first Champagne House to indicate the main year used in its non-vintage blends, the dosage and the date of disgorgement on back labels, informing consumers and wine experts of the characteristics of each cuvée.

Tasting Notes:
The summer of 2018 was the driest on record, with virtually no rain from midJune until the harvest, and then again until the end of October. The harvest begins on 27 August, three days after the official departure date from Mareuilsur-Ay, and ends on 8 September. The quality of the harvest was generally satisfactory, with yields sometimes exceeding 12,000 kg/ha, which is not surprising given the very favourable weather conditions throughout the year.

CRAFTING VINIFICATION Traditional vinification to avoid premature oxidation. Partial malolactic fermentation for wines in vats, vinification without malolactic fermentation for wines produced in wooden barrels (38%). Extra-Brut dosage (4.25 g/l) to maintain the balance between freshness and richness, without masking the wine's character or purity. 
AGEING Aged for six years to achieve the greatest complexity in the wine and to bring out the secondary and tertiary aromas, evidence of the prolonged ageing on the lees.
Tasting Notes: 
TO THE EYE Very pale gold color with a string of very fine bubbles.
TO THE NOSE Delicate, fine nose combining notes of citrus peel and elderflower. Notes of pastry and fresh almonds appear on aeration.
TO THE MOUTH Fresh and creamy with citrus and citron aromas, it then reveals light notes of liquorice. The finish is persistent, with a pleasant hint of iodine and good length. 
Food Pairing: Perfect as an aperitif or to accompany fish and shellfish like prawns and lobster, whether poached or served with white butter sauce. Serve at 6 to 8°C as an aperitif or at 9 to 11°C to accompany a meal. STORING The Blanc de Blancs can be stored for at least five years. It will gain in roundness if kept in the right conditions in a cool dark cellar.

Ratings & Reviews

94 Points – Wine Spectator:
"A graceful blanc de blancs, offering precision and harmony. Flavors of lemon curd, patisserie apricot and pear, and brioche, plus accents of chamomile and orchard blossoms, are enmeshed with well-honed acidity and a rich vein of minerally chalk, brine and smoke notes. Long and lightly spiced on the finely detailed finish. Disgorged November 2024. Drink now through 2043. 2,000 cases made, 72 cases imported." – Alison Napjus (Dec 2025)

94 Points -James Suckling:
"Jasmine, blanched almonds, apricot pits and grapefruit on the nose of this creamy and elegant Champagne. It’s silky and creamy, very lightly chalky and nutty, with a medium body and soft bubbles. Hints of vanilla bean at the end. Very drinkable. 4.5 g/L dosage. Drink or hold." (Jul 2025)

93 Points – Vinous Media:
"The 2018 Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs is a very serious wine in a vintage where so many wines are on the lighter side. A rush of apricot, baked apple tart, spice, chamomile and dried lemon peel makes a strong opening statement. About 38% of the lots were fermented in wood, which certainly helps amplify the wine's textural presence. This rich, heady Blanc de Blancs is another wine in this range for the dinner table. Dosage is 4.5 grams per liter. Disgorged: November 2024.” – Antonio Galloni (Apr 2025)

92+ Points – Wine Advocate:
"Disgorged in November 2024 with a dosage of 4.5 grams per liter, the 2018 Extra-Brut Blanc de Blancs—previously labeled Grand Blanc—introduces itself with an aromatic profile of nashi pear, white peach, orange zest and brioche mingling with nuances of macadamia nut. On the palate, it is full-bodied, ample and textural, with a generous core of fruit underpinned by succulent yet vibrant acidity, concluding with a long, enveloping, delicately saline finish. Even as a Blanc de Blancs, it is a somewhat more powerful expression than the more elegant and harmonious cuvée 1522 Grand Cru from the same year.” – Kirstaps Karklins (Jul 2025)

92+ Points – Jeb Dunnuck:
"The 2018 Champagne Blanc De Blancs Extra Brut also has a new label, featuring a subtle range of textures with a rippling effect. Since 2016, it has been presented in dark glass, and this is the second release in this style. In the glass, the wine boasts a bright pale yellow color and is very attractive, with a fruity aroma and an elegant perfume that includes notes of custard, lemon pastry, and meringue. The vintage aimed for freshness, which proved to be a challenge this year. Medium-bodied, with supple, silky roundness, finesse, and a flowery tone throughout the finish, this wine will mature beautifully, developing notes of frangipani or fresh almond. Drink 2025-2040." – Audrey Frick (Dec 2025)