Champagne Philipponnat Blanc de Noirs Extra-Brut 2018
(Champagne, France) - [JS 95] [WE 94] [WS 94] [JD 93+]

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:
This champagne is a light, bright gold with fine, lively bubbles. The nose is open and fruit-driven with notes of white currant, fresh quince and citrus. Partial vinification in wooden barrels (20% of the blend) brings aromas of honey and toast and a finish with touches of vanilla. The palate is fresh and fruity, with a fine mineral texture reminiscent of chalk. The finish is long and persistent with subtle hints of pepper and spices.

Food Pairing:
Poultry and game birds. Enhances terrines and foie gras. Serve chilled at 8 to 9°C as an aperitif or 10 to 12°C to accompany a meal.

Technical Information

The Blend:
First press juice from exclusively Premier and Grand Cru plots. 100% Pinot Noir from the Montagne de Reims and our vineyards in Mareuil-sur-Ay, Ay and Avenay-Val-d’Or.

Vinification:
Vinified using traditional methods to avoid premature oxidation. Partial malolactic fermentation for the wines in vats and vinification without malolactic fermentation for the wines in wooden barrels. Extra-brut dosage (4.25 g/litre) to maintain a balance between freshness and vinosity without masking the wine’s character and purity.

Ageing:
Aged for five to seven years to develop maximum complexity and to highlight the secondary and tertiary aromas which are the hallmark of extended aging on lees.

Ratings & Reviews

95 Points - James Suckling:
"Multilayered fruit profile here, with green apple, fresh strawberry and pure chalk minerality. Biscuity character in the background. The attack is intense, with full body, pinprick bubbles, savory character, vibrant and zesty, integrated acidity and a refined, long and powerful finish. Just a bit warmer and riper in the aftertaste. 100% pinot noir. Disgorged in 2024. Dosage 4.5g/L. Drink or hold." (Jul 2024)

94 Points & Cellar Selection - Wine Enthusiast:
"From Premier and Grand Cru vineyards, this Champagne has a rich character with Pinot Noir from the Montagne de Reims. With its aroma hinting at red fruits and its rich texture, this a ripe wine that could do with more aging. Drink this vintage from 2026." - Roger Voss (Dec 2024)

94 Points – Wine Spectator:
"A well-tailored Champagne, displaying a refined, satinlike mousse and deftly honed acidity. Offers a lovely range of black currant, salted Marcona almond, tangerine peel and candied ginger flavors underscored by chalky minerality that lingers on the finish. Disgorged January 2024. Drink now through 2035. 3,400 cases made, 100 cases imported." – Alison Napjus (Dec 2025)

93+ Points - Jeb Dunnuck:
"The 2018 Champagne Blanc De Noirs Extra Brut is where we start to see the house of Philipponnat shine with their command of Pinot Noir in Champagne. It was raised in roughly equal parts stainless steel and oak barrels, and is sourced from the Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, as well as the Premier Crus of Avernay, Mailly, Écueil, and Vertus. Pouring a copper/straw color, the nose is expressive, with black and red fruits leaping from the glass, along with notes of wet stone, spice, and almond pastry. The palate is medium to full-bodied, with elegant concentration and ripeness, some tropical fruit on the finish, and its spritely mousse accenting the wine’s underlying spice notes. This is a well-structured wine offering a lot of value to enjoy over the coming 10-12 years. It was disgorged in 2023 with 4.5 grams per liter dosage." - Audrey Frick (Dec 2024)

91 Points - Vinous Media:
"The 2018 Extra-Brut Blanc de Noirs is an understated wine, as so many Champagnes are in 2018. This is an especially brisk, floral style of Blanc de Noirs, the result of a choice of villages (Avenay-Val-d’Or, Mareuil, Mailly, Vertus, Écueil), the decision to partially block the malolactic fermentation and dosage that is on the low side. Grapefruit, white flowers, mint, chalk and dried herbs are all finely cut. Dosage is 4.25 grams per liter. Disgorged: June 2023. Drink 2024-2032." - Antonio Galloni (March 2024)