2014 Philipponnat Champagne Le L?on Extra Brut
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Tasting notes
A tightly closed fist, the 2014 Champagne Grand Cru Le Lyon Ay Extra Brut is packed with tension and intensity that commands time to ease its grip. From a south-facing slope, but not as steep as the Clos de Goisses, it‘s entirely composed of Pinot Noir without undergoing malolactic fermentation. In the glass, it sports a bright yellow hue and offers up aromas notes of stone fruit with Mirabelle plum and white peach, star anise, and orange peel. The palate is angular and zesty, with nervous energy, and its lively mousse accents its spice and stony mineral texture. With time in the glass, it gains in intensity, revealing a more powerful side that will continue to expand with time. Drink 2025-2045.
Critic scores
Jeb Dunnuck
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2014 Extra Brut Le Léon is an undeniably attractive Champagne. Dried pear, spice, ginger and dried flowers lend notable complexity. This is a very pretty wine in what was a very challenging year in this part of Champagne. The warm, south-facing site was well positioned considering the cold, rainy weather that was prevalent throughout portions of the summer.
From grapes picked in the Le Leon area, a single-plot vineyard covering 2.5 hectares, the 2014 Le Léon extra brut from Philipponnat has a gorgeous, fresh bouquet with aromas of white pepper, spring flowers, red berries, pear, white fruits and menthol intertwined with vanilla and spice notes. Medium to full-bodied, incisive and pure, it’s crystalline with a delicate, beautifully fine-boned and intensely mineral palate that concludes with a penetrating, mouthwatering, very long finish. This 100% Pinot Noir could see its 20th anniversary in fine form.
About the producer
Champagne Philipponnat, an historic family estate that has been cultivating the region for an extraordinary 500 years, has been producing Champagne on the Clos des Goisses site since 1935. Charles Philipponnat is currently at the helm of the Champagne House.