2012 Champagne Philipponnat, Les Cintres, Extra Brut

100% Pinot Noir from a very chalky, steep, relatively warm 0.6-ha plot within the Clos des Goisses from which only a third of the fruit goes into Les Cintres. In 2012 the grapes were sufficiently ripe to boost potential alcohol to 12% but the pH was less than 3. No malo. All oak-fermented, described by Charles Philipponnat as 'the essence of Clos des Goisses'. He regards this as the best vintage of Les Cintres so far.Super-rich wine that is unashamedly glorious. It is hugely rewarding so long as you're not looking for an appetite-stimulant.Drink 2023 - 2030jancis_robinson_mw, JancisRobinson.com (September 2023)

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 years, 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 of what is to come. Dosage is 4.5 grams per liter. Disgorged: June 2022. Drink 2023 - 2032antonio_galloni, Vinous.com (March 2023)

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.Drink 2023 - 2045Yohan Castaing, Wine Advocate (November 2023)

Beautiful and intense aromas of dried apples, spices, crushed stones, walnuts, brioche and hints of salted caramel. It’s so deep and full of flavor, evolving on the palate, layered and seamless. Tight, fine bubbles. Energy, intensity and structure combined to give a long and driven finish. 100% pinot noir. Disgorged June 2022. 2,176 bottles produced. Drink or hold.james_suckling, jamessuckling_com (January 2024)

A spectacular 100% Pinot Noir from inside the Clos de Goisses walled vineyard, only made in the best vintages, and new to the Place de Bordeaux this year.Raspberry and rose petal aromas on the nose with blackcurrants and strawberries too. Dense and concentrated on the palate but tons of energy and freshness too - rich, ripe fruit flavours and a muscular, firm frame but no fat. Juicy and succulent, intense, full and powerful initially then settles and expands making way for the tangy strawberry and lemon sherbet elements to shine.So lively, youthful and upfront with a chiselled backbone and generous interplay between a sweet and dry mouthfeel. Red berries mingle with peach, salty stones, floral accents and a soft undercurrent of orange zest and yet finishes with a menthol freshness that is so captivating. Cheek sucking and totally delicious - what a wine!Dosage 4.3gl. 100% fermented in oak barrels of one year old then ageing nine years on the lees. Disgorged June 2022. 2,176 bottles produced.Drink 2023 - 2036Georgina Hindle, Decanter (August 2023)