2008 Philipponnat Grand Blanc

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. Jun 2018, www.robertparker.com