2008 Champagne Philipponnat, Les Cintres

Fermented and aged in 100% new oak (with no malolactic fermentation), Philipponnat's 2008 Les Cintres Extra Brut is one of three younger single-plot cuvées. The 2008 is just the second vintage, after 2006. Sourced from the central plots Les Grands Cintres and Les Petits Cintres inside the steep, south-facing part of the Clos des Goisses, Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, the 2008 opens with pure, iodine, earthy (turf) and tobacco flavors along with smoky notes. On the palate, this is a pure, round, highly elegant and refined but complex and powerful Pinot Noir with a long, tensioned, very mineral, endless salty finish. Aged for more than nine years in the House’s cellars at a constant temperature of 12 degrees Celsius, this is a fascinating wine with great aging potential! Just 2,198 bottles made. Disgorged in September 2017. Tasted April 2018.Drink 2018 - 2050Stephan Reinhardt, Wine Advocate (June 2018)