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The January 2019 Internet-Only Auction Part 2

Auction # 535 | View Auction Schedule and Details
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Auction Ends: 1/10/2019 6:00:00 PM PDT

Lot #182. Philipponnat Grand Blanc Extra Brut 2008

Description: Consists of 1 Bottle, 0.75L
Region: France, Champagne.
Score: 93 WA.
"Disgorged in September 2018 with 4.5 grams per liter dosage, the 2008 Extra Brut Grand Blanc is composed of vins clairs matured in barrel with blocked malolactic and vins clairs matured in tank that were allowed to complete malolactic. Exhibiting aromas of lemon oil, warm bread, hazelnut cream, wet stones and smoke, it's medium to full-bodied, ample and nicely concentrated, with a racy spine of acidity, a fine mousse and delicately chalky structure, concluding with a long and pure finish. Charles Philipponnat took the reins at this historic house in Mareuil-sur-Ay in 1999, initiating a remarkable renaissance that continues to this day. The flagship wine remains the Clos des Goisses, first produced in 1935: this steep, south-facing site is one of Champagne's ripest terroirs and produces what is arguably the region's longest-lived wine; it's the source of many of the greatest old Champagnes that I've ever tasted. And I suspect his experience with the Clos des Goisses informs Charles Philipponnat's pursuit of elevated maturity, his decision to generally block malolactic fermentation and his minimalist approach to dosage. Recent years have seen a new series of lieu-dit bottlings from within the Clos des Goisses, taking the idea of terroir Champagne that this house pioneered back in 1935 even further. And my visit this spring was the occasion to become acquainted with the new "L.V."—or "Long Vieillissement"—range, which formalizes Philipponnat's already extant late-disgorgement program. Every year from now on we will witness a new, 25-year-old L.V. release. I intend to make this important house the subject of a more extensive essay in the near future, but for now, all these recent releases come warmly recommended." William Kelley, Wine Advocate #244, Aug 2019
Lot Location: Orange County
Estimate: $50

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