The 2016 Philipponnat Champagne Blanc de Noirs is a notable example of the skill and heritage behind this prestigious Champagne house. This sparkling wine is composed entirely of Pinot Noir grapes sourced from Premier Cru and Grand Cru vineyards, showcasing the careful selection and dedication to quality that Philipponnat is known for.
James Suckling awarded this wine a score of 92, describing it as having "bread dough, pastries, apricots, sesame, grapefruit and cherry stones on the nose," leading to a "round, creamy palate" with "soft bubbles" and a "flavorful and lengthy finish." He noted its 100% Pinot Noir composition and suggested it can be enjoyed now or held for future drinking.
Vinous' Antonio Galloni provided a slightly higher score of 93, stating that the wine is "a powerful, resonant Champagne full of Pinot character" with "red cherry fruit, spice, leather, incense and dried flowers." He highlighted its "terrific energy and verve," noting that the wine opens beautifully with time.
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate also gave the wine a 93, with William Kelley calling it a "very classy wine" with aromas of "red apples, pear, honeycomb and nectarine," followed by a "medium to full-bodied, fleshy and layered palate." He emphasized its suitability as a "serious, gastronomic Champagne."
Wine Spectator's review by AN matched this score, praising its "firm and minerally" character with a "lacy texture" that integrates "baked plum, smoked almond, preserved lemon, anise and chalk." The review noted its creamy finish and suggested it can be enjoyed now through 2029.
Jeb Dunnuck's Audrey Frick gave the highest score of 95, noting the wine's "very pure perfume of raspberry, red plum, and crushed roses" with a "fine mousse" and flavors of "wild strawberry, blood orange, and almond." She highlighted the house's excellence in this style and recommended drinking it between 2024 and 2044.
Wine Enthusiast's Roger Voss scored it 94, pointing out its "textured edge" from the fruit tannins and "really fine white fruits" with the "crispest acidity," indicating a promising long-term future. He suggested starting to drink it from 2026.
Lastly, Sarah Mayo from The Wine Independent also scored it 94, noting the "beautiful, complex aromas" with "bready, autolytic notes" and flavors of "poached red cherry, blood orange, butter pastry and an alluring smokiness." She praised its "finely textured and fresh" palate with a "lovely, supple creaminess on the lengthy finish."
Overall, the 2016 Philipponnat Champagne Blanc de Noirs is a distinguished and well-crafted Champagne, highly regarded by various reviewers for its complexity, depth, and potential for aging.
