2012 Philipponnat Champagne Les Cintres

From an outstanding vintage, the 2012 Les Cintres extra brut derives from vines planted on two parcels inside the Clos des Goisses walled vineyard planted with Pinot Noir. It possesses a multifaceted, intense bouquet with aromas of pear, spring flowers, cherries, ripe orchard fruits, crushed stones, honey and rose petals, followed by a full-bodied, fleshy and racy palate that’s simultaneously crystalline and pure with a splendid core of fruit, racy acids and a long, endless finish. Presently, it stands as the most exceptional Les Cintres rendition. Dosage was 4.5 grams per liter. 

Wine Advocate 97

The 2012 Extra-Brut Les Cintres is a small pure Pinot bottling from one of the core parcels in Clos des Goisses. Medium in body and polished, the 2012 is wonderfully sophisticated wine. Crushed flowers, mint, chalk, dried herbs, orchard fruit and chamomile all grace this exquisite Champagne. Most importantly, the balance of wine and oak today is far better than it was in the first ve even if the 2012 is not showing the richness of the vintage just yet. I suspect this will have a lot more to say later on, as it opens beautifully on the mid-palate and finish, offering a glimpse what is to come. Dosage is 4.5 grams per liter. Disgorged: June 2022.  Vinous Media 95