The jewel in the Champagne Philipponnat crown is a tiny 5.5-hectare single walled vineyard called Clos des Goisses. Acquired in 1935, Pierre Philipponnat was quick to realise the potential of this unique plot and immediately started producing a single vineyard blend. Originally named Vin des Goisses, it was changed to Clos de Goisses in 1959 and thus the category of Clos champagnes (produced from grapes within walled vineyards) was born. Clos des Goisses is truly iconic: situated by the Marne canal, it is a steep-sloping, south-facing vineyard with an inclination of 35-45 degrees that can only be fully appreciated by visiting. Gois, means a very steep slope. Due to its size, production is limited to a maximum of 55,000 bottles each year. 2014 yielded 19,984 bottles, 2,433 magnums & 200 jeroboams.

Vinification: The 5.83 hectare vineyard protected by walls is one of the region’s few “clos” and the oldest and steepest in Champagne. In a perfect position facing due south, it stands on the best hillside in Mareuil-sur-Ay. It really is an exceptional terroir where the chalky bedrock is very close to the surface. Partial vinification (64%) in wooden barrels leads to more complexity without premature oxidation. There is no malolactic fermentation, which enables the wine’s natural acidity to compensate the powerful character of the terroir.

Cultivation: Due to the steep slope wineyard, work in the Clos des Goisses is almost entirely done by hand, and the vines are trained with particular care. No insecticides nor synthetic herbicides are used. Weeds are controlled with traditional mechanical methods, tilling and hoeing by hand the steepest slopes.

Weather: 2014 was characterised by mild temperatures and frequent rainfall and a few weeks of high temperatures, a very solid vintage with good ripeness and acidity. Flowering began in June and summer was a combination of dry, wet and cold spells. Some regions saw some disease and Meunier in the Marne Valley didn’t have a great year and some of the Pinot Noir with its thinner skin made it more difficult for the red grapes. Harvest took place from 13th to 25th September. A year where it was necessary to select the red grapes carefully to maintain high quality. In general Chardonnay is the star of the vintage.

Technical Information:
Vineyards: 100% 1er Cru, Mareuil-sur-Ay - Single vineyard: Clos des Goisses
Grape Varieties: 71% Pinot Noir, 29% Chardonnay
Lees Ageing: 8 years
Fermentation: 64% in Oak, 36% in steel & 0% Malolactic
Disgorged: March 2023
Dosage: 4.5 g/l
Production: 19,984 bottles
Drink: Now to 2040

Tasting Note: Delicate scents of wet pebbles, lime blossom, and green apples plus emerging wafts of Marcona almonds, yuzu, and baking bread. Light-bodied and very dry, the palate is super-fine and delicately crafted, with a lively backbone supporting the intense flavors, finishing long and minerally. - Tasted by Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW