Philipponnat "Clos des Goisses Juste Rosé" Extra Brut 2012
(Champagne, France) - [JD 98] [JS 97] [WA 95] [VM 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.

Clos des Goisses Juste Rosé 2012 is the ninth rosé cuvée from Clos des Goisses since 1999. Already legendary for collectors and connoisseurs, only 2 to 3 thousand bottles of each vintage are produced (2255 bottles in 2012). Made from 68% Pinot Noir and 32% Chardonnay with 4.25g/l dosage, this is elegant and floral with notes of elderflower leading into intense aromas of redcurrant and red fruit, and ending with pleasant, toasted notes. The palate is at once rich and mineral, presenting notes of blackberry and small red fruit. The long, fresh, and elegant finish is typical of the vintage.