We are delighted to announce the latest release from Philipponnat’s iconic Clos des Goisses, the remarkable, but diminutive 2010. A draconian selection process resulted in one of the smallest yields in memory. The five hectares that make up Clos des Goisses have produced a mere 5000 bottles of this bold and luxurious cuvee. To put that in context, this is just a quarter of a normal crop. Faced with the possibility of over ripeness the Philipponnat team intentionally selected their leanest, most vibrant plots for the 2010, and in doing so have succeeded in maintaining beautiful freshness in a vintage that might otherwise have leant too far towards texture, richness and opulence. It was a brave decision that carries with it a dash of regret. “Having now seen the quality of our 2010 I realise we could have produced more!” Charles Philipponnat lamented.
Read MoreStylistically it speaks more of the Cote d’Or than Chablis, with ripe fruit alongside notes of buttered toast, smoke and vanilla. It is a Pinot Noir dominated cuvee, at 71%, which paradoxically enhances the richly golden Cote d’Or analogy. Charles’ suggestion of pairing it alongside a Grand Cru from the Puligny/Chassagne appellations has all the makings of a highly enjoyable experiment. Those lucky enough to buy a case or two will be able to approach it relatively early, though of course those holding on will eventually be in possession of one of the rarer Clos des Goisses on the market.
Alongside the 2010, we see the first release of Clos des Goisses Juste Rosé 2008. A vintage that needs no fanfare, Philipponnat’s Juste Rosé is everything you’d hope it might be. The addition of a small proportion of still red wine from the higher Goisses plots brings with it exotic notes of Damask rose, fine spice and wild red currants, wonderful flavours that surround an intense steely core that drives and maintains a remarkably long precise finish. It’s a beautiful wine that is only going to get better.
The final release in this series is the second iteration of the new L.V. A linear series of releases of late disgorged, “Long Vielliessement” Clos des Goisses. For a Champagne so famous for its herculean capacity for ageing, this was an obvious development. Disgorged after 25 years on the lees, the 1994 we can offer today displays remarkable freshness married to shapeshifting complexity and the umami rich savouriness that only comes from long ageing sur latte. Notes of smoke, cep and sourdough open up to reveal aromatic herbs, wild pollen, meadowsweet, lemongrass, ginger and tarragon. There’s remarkable line and vigour for a wine of such age, with swirling, hard to pin down aromatics picked out in great detail. Owing to the scarcity of the release, these LV releases are packed as single bottles in wooden cases.
All of these wines will be shipped in January of 2020. If you would like to secure an allocation, please contact your account manager or follow the link below.