Philipponnat Blanc de Noirs Brut Millesime 2008 Champagne (750ml)

This is Philipponnat’s debut release of vintage-dated Blanc de Noirs, made entirely from Grands Crus et Premiers Crus Pinot Noir (Montagne de Reims & Mareuil-sur-Ay). (Maybe it serves as a stepping stone towards the release of Coeur de Goisses 2006, Philipponnat’s much awaited trophy Blanc de Noirs selected from the very best Pinot Noir parcels within the Clos des Goisses vineyard.)

Tasted at least 3 bottles from Nov 2014 to Jan 2015. Frankly, some bottle variations. The best example is bright, taut & focused, needing more cellaring to show its best, while a more evolved bottle tasted in end Jan already yields generosity & complexity: 

Shades of pale amber-gold, thus young but ripe Blanc de Noirs. Hints of roasted coffee bean give way to soft, heady aromas of preserved Chinese plum, honey and reddish apple. The palate is honestly fleshy, and the mousse silky smooth. The flavors of preserved Chinese plum, reddish apple, honey & brioche are lush and long. With more aeration, a lovely coffee tone emerges.

This is a Champagne of heart. A real wintertime bubbly to warm you up against the chill and grey. (And quite a treat @ the promotional price of HKD500)