Champagne Philipponnat "Clos des Goisses" Extra Brut 2014
(Champagne, France) 750 ml - [WE 99] [TWI 97+] [DM 97] [WA 95]

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.

About this Champagne:
In 1935 'Clos des Goisses' was the first single vineyard Champagne produced and it would take over 50 years for other Houses to start producing serious Champagne just from a single Clos. It is produced using grapes grown on a unique, pure chalk hillside with a 45 degree slope facing due south, in Mareuil-sur-Ay. Its name certainly reveals its true nature; in the old Champagne dialect, Gois or Goisse means a very steep slope. This is always a vintage wine with a very low dosage. Vinified mainly in wooden casks with no malolactic fermentation, it is distinctively full-bodied with an exceptionally long finish.

Made from 71% Pinot Noir and 29% Chardonnay with 4.5g/l dosage. 

A very great wine as well as being a very great Champagne, Clos des Goisses is specifically intended as an accompaniment to haute cuisine. Mineral and intense, it makes an unforgettable match for dishes with strong flavours: game, truffles, caviar and cheese.

Ratings & Reviews

99 Points - Wine Enthusiast:
"This always-memorable single-vineyard Champagne is dominated by rich Pinot Noir. The vineyard, a steep slope facing the Marne river, has given an intense, concentrated wine that has aged so well. Touches of toast are equaled by the rich fruit and acidity. Drink this great wine now." - Roger Voss (December 2023)

97+ Points - The Wine Independent:
"The Philipponnat Clos des Goisses 14 is a classic, somewhat yesteryear style of Clos des Goisses that is a blend of 71% Pinot Noir and 29% Chardonnay coming from 14 different small parcels each vinified separately with only the best, ripest elements included in the final blend. None of the wines underwent malolactic to retain freshness and it was finished Extra Brut with a 4.5 gram per liter dosage. Ethereal, floral notes of white viburnum waft over layers of ripe red apple, lemon butter biscuits, almond nougat, clover honey and toast then flow into a medium to full-bodied palate infused with a high-gloss, vibrant acidity shining a Klieg light of freshness on pure red berry fruit and citrus intensity. There is an ease of elegance throughout, and incredible length on the creamy finish. 20,000 bottles. Disgorged in March 2023 and finished with a 4.5 grams per liter dosage." - Sarah Mayo (November 2023)

97 Points - Decanter Magazine:
"From the 5.83-hectare walled vineyard in a cooler, 'classic' vintage for Champagne, giving this a finessed and charming expression. Baked pastry and soft lemon curd notes on the nose, smells inviting and softly floral - honeysuckle, jasmine, lemon and lime rind with some peach. Juicy and so zesty straight away, bright, mouthwateing, scintillatingly fresh and lively, thrilling even, with tiny persistent bubbles that instantly froth and fill the mouth. Alive and energetic with lemon rind and juice, succulent green apples and strawberries, grapefruit and ginger bitterness with touches of salinity and graphite dotting the finish. This makes you instantly want another glass, but this has structure too and such a long finish. No malolactic fermentation. Dosage 4.5g/l. Made by Charles Philipponnat and Thierry Garnier." - Georgina Hindle (July 2023)

95 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate:
"The 2014 Extra-Brut Clos des Goisses, the latest rendition from this walled vineyard, reveals a fresh, energetic character with aromas of pear, peach, licorice, spices, white fruits, spring flowers and menthol. Medium to full-bodied, seamless and chiseled, this is a structured, tension-filled but ethereal Champagne with high acidity, sign of a cool-weather vintage. Although already thoroughly enjoyable, it should age well over the next 10 years." - Yohan Castaing (November, 2023)