This Philipponnat flagship is comprised of 65% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay, and 5% Pinot Meunier and a reflection of the terroir of Mareui-sur-Aÿ where the house is based. It is aged 3 years on lees, twice as long as the legal requirement. The extended time of spent yeast and wine in the cellar allows the blend to meld together and for the cuvée to round up the edges which can otherwise be acidic. Ripe lemony/minerally fruit of intensity, persistence, and zesty freshness. Medium-plus bodied and very balanced. Founded in 1522, Champagne Philipponnat is part of the Lanson-BCC Group which acquired the house in 1998. It is, however, managed independently by Charles Philipponnat.