Lively, crisp, and full of character, this Pinot Noir–led Champagne delivers layers of green apple, orange blossom, chalky minerality, and a hint of toasted brioche. With fine bubbles and a fresh, clean finish, it's both elegant and easy to enjoy. A splash of reserve wine adds depth, making this a go-to bottle for anything from casual dinners to special toasts.

Jamessuckling.com | JS 93
Published: Jul 18, 2024

Complex and smoky nose with orange blossom, green apple, licorice, chalky minerality and toasted bread. Refined palate with pinprick mousse, crisp acidity and a tight, tense and clean aftertaste. 65% pinot noir, 32% chardonnay and 3% pinot meunier. Disgorged in 2024. Dosage 8g/L. Drink now.

Decanter | D 93
Published: Oct 31, 2023
Drink: 2023-2030

Few producers do Pinot Noir-dominated NV as well as Philipponnat, the latest edition showcasing ripe apricot, orange citrus and pale raspberry fruit backed by precise lemon peel energy and subtle resonance from a 34% oak-aged perpetual reserve. Hugely expressive, yet without an inch of fat, this is another irresistible NV: 67% Pinot Noir, 31% Chardonnay, 2% Meunier, largely from the Grande Vallée de la Marne and Vertus, based on 2019.
Closure: Cork
Alcohol: 12.50%
Body: Medium
Grapes: 34% Chardonnay 66% Pinot Noir / Pinot Nero

The Wine Advocate | RP 91
Published: Oct 24, 2024
Drink: 2024-2030

Based on the 2020 vintage and disgorged in January 2024 with a dosage of eight grams per liter, the NV Brut Royale Réserve exudes aromas of pear, spring flowers, exotic fruits and spices. Medium to full-bodied, round and elegant, it's perfectly balanced with bright acids and a mouthwatering, long finish. This classic blend, which includes 65% Pinot Noir, 32% Chardonnay and 3% Pinot Meunier, also incorporates 34% vins de réserve, showcasing the house’s signature style.

Champagne Philipponnat has undoubtedly made significant strides since Charles Philipponnat took the helm of the eponymous house, which is part of Lanson-BCC. With mastery over grape sourcing, optimization of the winemaking process and a strong focus on expressing the uniqueness of different terroirs—whether from Clos des Goisses or other vineyards—the Champagnes are pure, crystalline and vinous, showcasing remarkable aging potential. During my recent visit, in the company of Charles and his son François, I witnessed this qualitative evolution firsthand, and I must say that the 2015 Clos des Goisses stands out as one of the most precise and impressive of the “modern era,” while their rosé Champagnes are equally splendid. I strongly urge readers who appreciate saline, gastronomic wines to explore the entire range from this outstanding house.

Jancisrobinson.com | JR 16
Published: Jun 19, 2019
Drink: 2019-2023

Based on 2014. Disgorged September 2018. 70% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay. No longer includes any Pinot Meunier. 29% reserve (30% is the average but it was 48% in 2012). Dosage 8.5 g/l.
Rather rich nose. Lots of direct attack and crunch. Good acidity and well blended not to be too aggressively tart. Though the dosage is a little obvious on the end. Not that long.

Philipponnat.com

A blend that balances structure, fresh persistence in the mouth and vinosity, Réserve Brut bears the hallmark of the great Pinot Noir terroirs around Mareuil-sur-Ay. Aged for three to four years on lees in bottles, this cuvée subtly combines freshness and roundness.