Champagne Philipponnat Cuvee 1522 Grand Cru Extra Brut 2019
(Champagne, France) - [JD 95+] [VM 94] [WS 94]

About the Domaine:
Philipponnat's family history in Ay dates to 1522, when Apvril Le Philipponnat owned vines at Le Leon. Cuvee 1522 honors that heritage through a blend of Grand Cru vineyards built around this historic parcel.

About this Champagne:
The 2019 combines 77% Pinot Noir from Le Leon in Ay, Mailly and Verzy with 23% Chardonnay from Le Mesnil-sur-Oger. It brings together several chalk-soil terroirs in a full-bodied, dry Champagne.

The 2019 Vintage:
A cool, unsettled spring was followed by a hot summer. Cooler nights near harvest helped preserve balance. Philipponnat picked from September 11–21 in favorable conditions, bringing in healthy, concentrated grapes.

Blend & Winemaking:
20% of the wines were vinified in oak, and malolactic fermentation was prevented in 43% of the blend to retain freshness. The producer's 2019 technical sheet specifies six years on lees and an Extra-Brut dosage of 4.25 g/L.

Tasting Notes:
Pale gold, with sea-breeze nuances, blackcurrant, blackberry and a subtle smoky accent. A fresh opening leads into dark fruit, peppery spice and a mineral finish with lingering smoky notes.

Food Pairing:
Serve with shellfish, poached or grilled fish, roast poultry or caviar. Enjoy around 8–9°C as an aperitif or 10–12°C with food.

Ratings & Reviews

95+ Points - Jeb Dunnuck:
Composed of 70% Pinot Noir and the rest Chardonnay, the 2019 Champagne 1522 Extra Brut pours a bright pale yellow hue and has layered complexity and refinement, with fresh brioche, lemon curd, ripe peach, delicate spice, citrus oils, and salinity. Full-bodied, silky, and pure, it has a rounded, refined mousse and excellent aromatic potential, balance, and length. There is fleshiness from the vintage, but plenty of structure underneath, and it should only improve from here. One of the best values in the range and a wine that punches well above its weight. Drink 2026-2044." - Audrey Frick (Nov 2026)

94 Points - Vinous Media:
"The 2019 Extra Brut 1522 is superb. Soaring floral top notes lead into kirsch, lemon confit, mint and chalk. Tropical overtones follow, adding layers of dimension and complexity. All this needs is a bit more time in bottle to be at its most expressive. There's a lot of wine here. Dosage is 4.5 grams per liter. Disgorged: October 2025. (Drinking window: 2026–2036.)" - Antonio Galloni (May 2026)

94 Points - Wine Spectator:
"A well-tailored Champagne, integrating its bright acidity, plush mousse and chalky underpinning with finely meshed flavors of crème de cassis, tangerine sorbet, Marcona almond and ground ginger. This is structured yet harmonious overall. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Disgorged October 2025. Drink now through 2044. 1,500 cases made, 48 cases imported." - Alison Napjus (Dec 2026)