Philipponnat Royale Réserve Brut

Disgorged in June 2020 with eight grams per liter dosage, the latest release of Philipponnat's NV Brut Royale Réserve is based on the 2016 vintage, with 27% reserve wines. Offering up aromas of peach, pear and plum mingled with apple blossom and sweet pastry, it's medium to full-bodied, fleshy and expressive, with a pillowy mousse and a generous core of fruit, underpinned by bright acids.

Based on 2014. Disgorged September 2018. Rather rich nose. Lots of direct attack and crunch. Good acidity and well blended not to be too aggressively tart. Though the dosage is a little obvious on the end. Not that long.

Plenty of flavor and depth in this assertive NV offering. Dark toasted biscuits and lemon peel aromas lead to a powerful and savory palate that draws out more berry-focused fruits. Punchy through the finish. Based on the 2012 vintage with 48% of reserve wine that is stored in oak. A blend of 65% pinot noir, 30% chardonnay and 5% pinot meunier. Drink now.