Philipponnat Clos des Goisses 1999

The 1999 Clos des Goisses flows from the glass with the essence of minerals, chalk, smoke, ash, white peaches, pears, flowers and sweet oak. This is a muscular, powerful wine that needs serious bottle age to come around, yet it possesses striking clarity and detail in its aromatics and flavors. Clos des Goisses is one of the most rewarding wines to drink when mature, and I have no doubt this will be another splendid version. This refined, sumptuous wine is not to be missed. Clos des Goisses is 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay, and 30% of the wine was fermented in oak. This bottle was disgorged in March 2007. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2024.

Quite a rich nose and then, initially at least, a surprisingly tight palate. Not desperately long - lighter than most vintages. Introvert at present although it became silkier in the glass. Charles Philipponnat said he now regrets having released the 1999 before the 1998 because although it is lighter, it seems to be developing much more slowly than he expected