
The 2014 Philipponnat Le Leon Grand Cru Extra Brut is a distinguished Champagne blend from the renowned Philipponnat estate in the Champagne region of France. This red Champagne, produced entirely from Pinot Noir grapes, carries an alcohol content of 12.5% and is sealed with a traditional cork closure.
James Suckling awarded this wine an exceptional score of 97, noting its "breathtaking intensity and balance" and describing it as a "very concentrated and sophisticated Champagne" with "terrific dried pear fruit and a lot of spiced bread character." He emphasized its "dramatic finish" and "positive energy," highlighting its vinification in oak casks and limited production.
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate also rated this Champagne a 97, with Yohan Castaing praising its "gorgeous, fresh bouquet" featuring "white pepper, spring flowers, red berries, pear, white fruits, and menthol intertwined with vanilla and spice notes." Described as "medium to full-bodied, incisive, and pure," this wine boasts a "crystalline" and "intensely mineral palate" with a "penetrating, mouthwatering, very long finish." Castaing suggests that this 100% Pinot Noir could age beautifully for up to 20 years.
Decanter gave this wine a score of 95, highlighting its "serious, vinous and utterly moreish" nature. The reviewer noted the "fulsome and saturated" fruit flavors of blackberry, raspberry, and dried apple, complemented by "allspice and surprising chalky, mineral tension." This wine defies the challenging reputation of the 2014 vintage with its compelling profile.
John Gilman from "View From The Cellar" awarded the wine a 96, detailing its origins from the Le Léon single vineyard in Aÿ, a historic site dating back to 1522. He praised the wine's "pure and refined" bouquet, "superb core of fruit," "excellent soil undertow and grip," and "sophisticated mousse." Gilman emphasized the wine's elegance and complex finish, describing it as "great, great juice."
Jeb Dunnuck, scoring the wine at 95, described it as a "tightly closed fist" packed with "tension and intensity." He noted its "angular and zesty" palate, with "nervous energy" and a "lively mousse." The wine's aromas include "stone fruit with Mirabelle plum and white peach, star anise, and orange peel," which intensify over time, revealing its powerful potential.
Antonio Galloni from Vinous rated the wine 92, acknowledging it as an "undeniably attractive Champagne" with "dried pear, spice, ginger, and dried flowers" adding complexity. Despite the challenging year, Galloni noted the wine's prettiness, attributing it to the advantageous warm, south-facing site.
Overall, the 2014 Philipponnat Le Leon Grand Cru Extra Brut is highly acclaimed for its complexity, intensity, and aging potential, making it a noteworthy choice for Champagne enthusiasts and collectors alike.