VINTAGE
99 Philipponnat 2013 Clos des Goisses Extra Brut (Champagne). The new release of this Champagne is impressively stylish. It comes from a vertiginous vineyard facing north across the Marne river, the soil producing a wine with intense minerality and texture that demands time to soften. So, the blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay is set for further aging. Ideally, wait for this magnificent wine until 2025. Banville Wine Merchants. —R.V.
abv: 12.5% Price: $320
99 Salon 2012 Le Mesnil Blanc de Blancs Brut (Champagne). For full review see page 165. Vineyard Brands.
abv: 13% Price: $992
98 Pol Roger 2013 Cuvée Sir Winston Churchill Brut (Champagne). Although ready to drink, this very fine Champagne has plenty of aging to go. With its rich Pinot Noir and ripe fruits, it is generous while also fully textured. Complex and balanced, mature fruit and toast working together, this is a great wine. Frederick Wildman & Sons, Ltd. —R.V.
abv: 12.5% Price: $NA
97 Charles Heidsieck 2007 Blanc de Millénaires Brut (Champagne). One of the great Blanc de Blancs Champagnes, this wine only hints of its age and maturity. Up front, the wine has layers of white fruits and a steely texture. It is behind those features that the brioche and almond character begins to show. This is a wonderfully balanced wine, ready to drink now. Folio Fine Wine Partners. Cellar Selection. —R.V.
abv: 12% Price: $290
95 Charles Heidsieck 2008 Rosé Millésimé Brut (Champagne). At this age, the wine shows its maturity and richness. Dominated by a toasty, nutty character, the Champagne is underpinned by acidity and the merest hints of apple and red fruits. The wine is very ready to drink. Folio Fine Wine Partners. —R.V.
abv: 12% Price: $170
95 Gosset 2008 Célébris Brut (Champagne). The Champagne is showing signs of just turning towards maturity, giving it impressive longevity. The wine’s white fruits, green-plum and citrus flavors have now muted as a rich nutty character develops. This is a great moment to drink the wine. Wilson Daniels Ltd. Cellar Selection. —R.V.
abv: 12% Price: $195
95 Gosset 2008 Célébris Rosé Brut (Champagne). A Chardonnay-dominated rosé, this Champagne is fruity while also textured. It is a structured wine, full of minerals and still amazingly young. With its freshness almost entirely intact and few signs of maturity, the wine could obviously age further. Drink now, because it is a great wine, alternatively age at least until 2025. Wilson Daniels Ltd. Cellar Selection. —R.V.
abv: 12% Price: $215
95 Philipponnat 2015 (Champagne). Produced from fruit grown in Grand Cru vineyards, the Champagne is beautifully textured and dominated by Pinot Noir. It is certainly dry—the crisp apple fruits still pushed by acidity. However, the potential of this impressive wine is considerable. Drink from 2025. Banville Wine Merchants. —R.V.
abv: 12.5% Price: $NA
95 Pol Roger 2015 Vintage Brut (Champagne). Still young, this is a fine Champagne. Its crisp texture and fresh citrus and white fruits are still full of vivacity. The wine is textured, hinting at minerality and should be aged further. Drink from 2024. Frederick Wildman & Sons, Ltd. —R.V.
abv: 12.5% $NA
