The NV Philipponnat Brut Champagne Royale Reserve is a non-vintage blend primarily composed of 67% Pinot Noir, 31% Chardonnay, and 2% Pinot Meunier. This Champagne is produced by Philipponnat, a respected house in France's Champagne region, and it is known for its Pinot Noir-dominant style. The base for this particular bottling is the 2019 vintage, with 34% reserve wines included, and it was disgorged in January 2023. It has an alcohol content of 12% and a dosage of 8 grams per liter.
James Suckling highlights its "creamy and balanced" nature, noting flavors of "walnuts, apricot stones, honey, sourdough, and orange fruit," with "excellent persistency" and fine bubbles. He awarded it a score of 92. Wine Spectator, however, rated it slightly higher at 93, praising its "chiseled acidity" and "fine, satiny mousse," describing the palate as a "vibrant springboard" for flavors like "ripe black currant, dried white cherry, and lemon-infused pastry cream."
John Gilman, from View From The Cellar, appreciates its "bright, full-bodied and nicely balanced" character, giving it a score of 91. He notes its "elegant mousse" and "lovely focus on the long and complex finish." Similarly, Vinous' Antonio Galloni rates it 91, describing it as "rich and effusive" with "soaring aromatics" and "ripe orchard fruit."
Wine Enthusiast's Roger Voss provides an excellent review, scoring it 94 and highlighting its "richness" and "high percentage of Pinot Noir" that reflects the house style with "touches of spice and a light structure."
This Champagne is ideal for immediate enjoyment, as suggested by the consistent recommendation to "drink now" from various reviewers. Its finely balanced structure, combined with the expressive fruit and subtle complexity, makes it a noteworthy choice among non-vintage Champagnes.