2012 Philipponnat Extra Brut Les Cintres

A natural beauty, Les Cintres 2012 Blanc de Noir is from a single, very chalky, mid-terrace parcel at the center of the Clos des Goisses vineyard planted with an old massal selection of unknown origins. It is the oldest, and steepest parcel known for yielding exceptionally concentrated fruit. Fully barrel fermented and with no malolactic fermentation, it was disgorged after ten years on lees and finished with a 4.5 grams per liter dosage. Incredibly fragrant with enveloping aromas of ripe red berries, warm croissant and Acacia honey along with a whiff of wet stones and bruised Chantecler apple, the medium-bodied palate is vinous, vibrant and honeyed with an incredible depth of red fruit and acid intensity mixed in with toasty, creamy autolytic notes. It is at once ample, fresh and surprisingly lithe for such a concentrated year as 2012. Disgorged June 2022. 2176 bottles produced

Beautiful and intense aromas of dried apples, spices, crushed stones, walnuts, brioche and hints of salted caramel. It’s so deep and full of flavor, evolving on the palate, layered and seamless. Tight, fine bubbles. Energy, intensity and structure combined to give a long and driven finish. 100% pinot noir. Disgorged June 2022. 2,176 bottles produced. Drink or hold.

From an outstanding vintage, the 2012 Les Cintres extra brut derives from vines planted on two parcels inside the Clos des Goisses walled vineyard planted with Pinot Noir. It possesses a multifaceted, intense bouquet with aromas of pear, spring flowers, cherries, ripe orchard fruits, crushed stones, honey and rose petals, followed by a full-bodied, fleshy and racy palate that’s simultaneously crystalline and pure with a splendid core of fruit, racy acids and a long, endless finish. Presently, it stands as the most exceptional Les Cintres rendition. Dosage was 4.5 grams per liter.