Champagne Philipponnat Blanc de Noirs Extra-Brut 2020
(Champagne, France) - [JS 95] [WS 95] [JD 94]

About the Domaine:
The Philipponnat family's roots in Champagne date to 1522, when Apvril le Philipponnat owned vines at Le Leon, between Ay and Dizy. The family acquired Clos des Goisses in 1935. The house is known for Pinot Noir-led Champagnes and for providing detailed information about its wines, including dosage and disgorgement dates.

About the Wine:
Blanc de Noirs is Philipponnat's signature tribute to Pinot Noir, combining the depth of the Grande Vallee de la Marne with the freshness of the Montagne de Reims.

The 2020 Vintage:
A mild, wet winter replenished soil moisture before a hot, dry spring accelerated growth. Severe summer drought made careful picking essential. Philipponnat harvested from August 24 to September 9, pausing twice to allow unevenly ripening parcels to mature.

Blend & Winemaking:
100% Pinot Noir, exclusively first-press juice from Premier and Grand Cru vineyards in the Montagne de Reims, Mailly, Ambonnay, Verzenay and Mareuil-sur-Ay. Vinification uses wood and vats, with malolactic fermentation blocked for 39.7% of the wines. The producer's 2020 technical sheet specifies five years of lees ageing and Extra-Brut dosage of 4.25 g/L.

Tasting Notes:
The producer describes pale gold color and fine bubbles, with blackcurrant, pepper, sandalwood and vanilla aromas. Mango and lime bring freshness to a long finish with aniseed-like bitters.

Food Pairing & Serving:
Pair with chicken tagine with apricots and almonds, terrines or foie gras. Serve at 8-9 C as an aperitif or 10-12 C with a meal.

Ratings & Reviews

95 Points - James Suckling:
"A generous style with fruity complexity and richness, showing pears, apricots, vibrant citrus and subtle croissant notes. Medium-bodied with stunning fine bubbles, oranges and zesty acidity. Substantial yet controlled, with a polished, mineral finish. Drink or hold." - Aldo Fiordelli (Jul 2026)

95 Points - Wine Spectator:
"Like fine cashmere, this shows richness and focus while maintaining a featherweight feel on the palate. Vibrant and graceful, with a sense of tension and energy to the integration of its fine china–like spine of acidity and tiers of black cherry, white raspberry, preserved lemon, slivered almond and toasted brioche. White blossom, honey and chalky mineral hints ride the finely detailed mousse through the lasting finish. Disgorged January 2026. Drink now through 2040. 1,100 cases made, 72 cases imported." - Alison Napjus (Dec 2026)

94 Points - Jeb Dunnuck:
"Pouring a pale straw hue with a light peach tinge, the 2020 Champagne Blanc De Noirs Extra Brut is entirely Pinot Noir and is immediately appealing, with fresh strawberry, darker fruit, fresh toast, cracked pepper, citrus pith, and a savory edge. Medium to full-bodied, it has a more noble and structured personality, with angularity balanced by a rounded mousse and peachy fruit. Delicate bitter citrus adds focus and length to the finish. Drink 2026-2040." - Audrey Frick (Nov 2026)