Clos des Goisses 2009 casket

The Clos des Goisses is Philipponnat's top cuvée and grows on a steep, south-facing chalk site in Mareuil-sur-Aÿ. The 2009 vintage was ripe and full of contrasts, with plenty of fruit and little acidity. The cuvée is 61% Pinot Noir and 39% Chardonnay. Against the generosity of the year, the house sets structure: 37% of the wine is fermented in oak, malolactic fermentation is blocked, and the dosage is just 4.25 g/l. Eight years of ageing precede its release.

The nose shows spicy and toasty notes. On the palate the champagne is fresh and mineral, with sour cherry and spice, along with power and a long finish. Serve it at 10 to 12 °C in a wide white wine glass, ideally decanted beforehand. It goes with game, truffle, caviar and soft cheese, and can be cellared for decades. It is supplied in a gift box.