Philipponnat Le Leon Grand Cru Extra Brut 2014 (750ML)

97 WA / 97 JS / 95 JD

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. - YC, Wine Advocate

Here’s a very concentrated and sophisticated Champagne that has terrific dried pear fruit and a lot of spiced bread character. Breathtaking intensity and balance at the very long and dramatic finish. So much positive energy! A pure pinot noir that was vinified entirely in oak casks. Limited production. Disgorged June 2022 and marketed with 4.5 g/l dosage. Drink or hold. - James Suckling

Fermented in used Burgundy barrels, this is a serious, vinous and utterly moreish Pinot Noir from the Vallé de la Marne that defies the difficult reputation of the 2014 vintage. There is a touch of savoury wildness, but the blackberry, raspberry and dried apple fruit is fulsome and saturated, lifted with some allspice and shaped with a surprising chalky, mineral tension. Compelling. - Jeb Dunnuck