Philipponnat Brut Champagne Royale Réserve NV

94 points Tyson Stelzer (The Champagne Guide): "(tasted in 2023 in Australia; 70% pinot noir, 28% chardonnay, 2% meunier; 2016 base vintage; 27% perpetual reserve aged in oak barrels and foudres of 228 L, 500 L, 15 hL, 30 hL and 45 hL; of which two-thirds is the previous blend and one-third the perpetual reserve; partial malolactic fermentation; disgorged February 2021; 8g/L dosage). I have long loved Royale Réserve, revelling in the full depth of Mareuil pinot and all the theatrics of partial barrel fermentation, ever a reliable and affordable go-to, and recent warm seasons have done nothing to perturb its confidence and allure. I loved the loved the vibrancy of the 2016 base on release in 2021, and it has held its head high through 2.5 years on cork. The mood has evolved to decidedly secondary now, layered with brioche, toast, honey, roast hazelnuts and mixed spice, while upholding the spicy red berry and mirabelle plum accents of Mareuil pinot noir. The finish lingers long and confident, with a supple succulence that makes for appealing drinking right now. (Edition VII; 2024)"

94 points Decanter: "A distinctly red-berry nose – all red currants and small forest fruit. Red Delicious apple has such a telltale Pinot scent. The palate has pure, bright apple fruit, a lemony verve, and a very delicate mousse backed by gently salty autolysis. Vanilla oak comes through, like the custard on an apple crumble, carrying freshness and flavour until the lingering finish. Nominated by Tom Hewson. Drinking Window: 2024-2040. (11/2/23)"

93 points Wine Spectator: "[$85 list] Chiseled acidity is swathed in a fine, satiny mousse in this elegant Champagne, forming a vibrant springboard for flavors of ripe black currant, dried white cherry, lemon-infused pastry cream, Marcona almond and crystallized honey. Long and chalky on the refreshing finish. Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier. Disgorged January 2024. Drink now through 2029. (9/25/24)"

93 points Wine Enthusiast: "[$85 list] The non-vintage cuvée from this producer, based on the southern slopes of the Montagne de Reims, is beautifully judged. It is rich while also showing great freshness from citrus fruit flavors. With an aroma that brings out white fruits, the Champagne is ready to drink. Alcohol 13%. (Dec 2024)"

93 points/'Brut NV Champagne of the Year 2022 (Maison),' Tom Hewson (TimAtkin.com): "2018 base. 65% Pinot Noir, 35% Chardonnay, 5% Pinot Meunier. Phillipponnat have a way of softening the obviousness of base vintages, and it works; 2018 is ripe and sunny, yes, and you feel it in the juicy apricot pastry and red fruits. But there's savoury interest massaged in, the mousse settled and fine, the shape broad-shouldered but measured all the way to the close. This continues to be a benchmark NV. (2017 base also 93pts) (Dec 2022)"

93 points Sarah Mayo (The Wine Independent): "Based on the 2019 vintage with 34% of solera reserve wines that were aged in cask, the Philipponnat Royale Reserve Brut NV is a blend of 67% Pinot Noir, 31% Chardonnay and 2% Pinot Meunier aged for three years, was disgorged in January 2023 and finished with an eight gram per liter dosage. Incredibly fresh and fragrant aromas of lemon cream wafers, quince, raspberry coulis, orange marmalade and butter sable biscuits flow into an elegant, light to medium-bodied palate revealing fresh orchard fruits and chalk amid a shimmering acid brightness and a wonderfully fine, precise finish. Drink: 2023-2030. (11/8/23)"

93 points James Suckling: "Complex and smoky nose with orange blossom, green apple, licorice, chalky minerality and toasted bread. Refined palate with pinprick mousse, crisp acidity and a tight, tense and clean aftertaste. 65% pinot noir, 32% chardonnay and 3% pinot meunier. Disgorged in 2024. Dosage 8g/L. Drink now. (7/18/24)"