Philipponnat Brut Champagne Royale Réserve NV

95 points Tyson Stelzer (The Champagne Guide): "(2013 base vintage; disgorged October 2017; 30% chardonnay, 65% pinot noir, 5% meunier; two-thirds premier and grand cru; 30% reserves from a solera aged in oak barrels; partial malolactic fermentation; aged 3 years on lees; 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. Never has it looked as dashingly gorgeous as it does today. Radiating through its pretty, pale-straw hue, this is a fresh and lively expression of the delightful, deep red and black cherry fruits of pinot noir from the south-facing slopes of the Montagne de Reims. It captures the essence of Philipponnat in contrasting rich, ripe fruit with tension and poise. Ripe malic acidity is delightfully fine, tangy and impeccably integrated, underlined by finely structured chalk minerality. It lingers very long and pure, dancing with pristine, enticing red cherry purity. (2020-2021)"

94 points Wine Enthusiast: "This is the nonvintage Champagne from this producer. With its richness and high percentage of Pinot Noir, it reflects the house style. Touches of spice and a light structure give shape to the white fruits. Drink now. Alcohol 12%. (Dec 2021)"

94 points Bettanne & Desseauve: "A high class brut, always tender and delicate, magnificent for its aromatic amplitude, its slender and tasty palate and its luminous finish which ends with a touch of iodine class. (2022).

93 points Wine Spectator: "[$85 list] A poised Champagne that shows impeccable balance, integrating a delicate frame of acidity with flavors of black cherry, crushed almond, pickled ginger and candied lemon peel. Reveals a chalky note that lingers on the satiny finish. Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier. Disgorged January 2023. Drink now through 2028. (2023)"

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/'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 Wine & Spirits: "Focused on pinot noir (65 percent, particularly fruit from Mareuil-sur-Aÿ), this blend includes up to 30 percent reserve wines aged in oak barrels. The red fruit comes through in the wine’s scent of currants and in its gentle grip, its savor combining a sense of transparent red-grape skins and the refreshing acidity of fruit grown in limestone. (Dec 2020)"

92 points Simon Field, MW (Decanter): "Always open in the exposition of the origins of its wines, Philipponnat has upped the stakes of late by not only adding foudres to its vinification armoury but also increasing volumes from two separate Réserves Perpétuelles. The result is impressive; Pinot power writ large in red fruit and biscuity complexity, with resonance on the back palate, the ensemble still harnessed by disarmingly energetic freshness. Drinking Window: 2021-2025. (Jun 2021)"

92 points James Suckling: "Walnuts, apricot stones, honey, sourdough and orange fruit here. Creamy and balanced, with a medium body and fine bubbles. Excellent persistency. 67% pinot noir, 31% chardonnay and 2% meunier. 2019 base with 34% reserve wines. Disgorged January 2023. 8g/L dosage. Drink now. (8/7/23)"