Philipponnat Grand Blanc Extra Brut 2008

James Suckling
Very fragrant chardonnay here, offering white flowers, sweet smelling honey, almond nougat, lemons and peaches. The palate is very crisp, very focused and long with brioche flavor and a finely layered texture. Some chalky lemons and peaches to close. Drink now or hold.

Wine Spectator
Rich minerality, accompanied by lots of saline and chalk notes, heralds this tightly knit Champagne. The powerful backbone of acidity is finely meshed with a range of delicate yellow plum, toast point, pickled ginger and preserved lemon notes. Offers a long, racy finish. Disgorged August 2017. Drink now through 2033. 3,000 cases made.

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Disgorged in March 2017 the 2008 Grand Blanc Extra Brut is 100% Chardonnay from premier and grand cru sites (Cote des Blancs, Trapaille and Clos des Goisses) that was dosed with 4.25 grams per liter. It is clear and intense on the concentrated nose that displays ripe white fruit aromas with delicate brioche and just a hint of mocha. Round, intense, creamy yet pure and expressive on the palate, this is a complex and very persistent 2008 that is provided with very fine tannins and delicate but lingering minerality, with an impressive finish. Part of the wine (30% to 50%) fermented and aged in used barrels, and malolactic fermentation was blocked by bringing down the temperature.