Champagne Philbert & Fils Grand Repertoire Premier Cru Champagne 2018《ZTF276》

Grand Répertoire Millésime 2018 is the estate's flagship vintage series (Millésimé), named “Grand Répertoire” (Grand Score) to symbolise each vintage as a unique musical movement. This 2018 vintage, born of a sun-drenched harvest, captures the warmth and abundance of that autumn and has now reached harmonious maturity. It is an Extra Brut style, with an alcohol content of approximately 12%, best served at 10-12°C.Composition (blend): Precisely blended with 40% Pinot Meunier (contributing rounded fruitiness and floral notes), 36% Chardonnay (infusing elegant acidity and minerality), and 24% Pinot Noir (adding structure and depth). All grapes originate from the single terroir of Rilly-la-Montagne Premier Cru, sourced from HVE-certified vineyards. The soil comprises clay-limestone over deep chalk layers, with 100% of the harvest from the 2018 vintage.Vinification: A masterpiece of traditional Champagne craftsmanship! Initial fermentation occurs in stainless steel tanks, with malolactic fermentation deliberately avoided (No Malolactic) to preserve the grapes' inherent freshness and acidity. The wine then ages on its lees for up to 60 months (5 years), developing intricate complexity and a creamy texture. Finally, dosage is meticulously controlled at just 1.6 g/L, emphasising purity and balance over sweetness. Produced in small batches and not every vintage, each bottle is assuredly exceptional. Recommended cellaring period: 3 years or more, improving with age.Appearance: Luminous golden hue, clear and bright, with fine, lively bubbles and a generous bead, showcasing mature dynamism. Nose: Highly expressive and complex, opening with the crisp freshness of white fruit (like pear), accompanied by nutty notes of dried fruit (hazelnut, chestnut) and the warm sweetness of gingerbread. After aeration, autumnal nuances emerge, such as the earthy fragrance of chanterelle mushrooms, evolving into a balanced and vibrant minerality. Further layers of toasted bread, orange peel and eucalyptus evoke sun-drenched orchards. Palate: Broad and powerful on entry, with bubbles perfectly integrated. The wine's character dominates, precise malic acid delivering fresh vitality, balanced by a moderate dosage that avoids excessive sweetness. The mid-palate evolves into a rich warmth, creamy and velvety like cashmere, with a lingering finish of nearly 10 seconds. This is accompanied by saliva-inducing acidity and a subtle saltiness, emphasising organic naturalness rather than pronounced minerality. Overall, it is lively and robust, beautifully balanced, with depth from bread and toasted notes, perfect for savouring slowly.