Billecart Salmon Brut Sous Bois NV

Billecart Salmon Brut Sous Bois NV

Entirely vinified in oak this Champagne pours well with a white frothy mousse followed by a deep straw pale gold base wine colour with a very fine bead that has excellent persistence. The nose is quite rich and full exhibiting aromas of toasty yeast lees, almond, baked bread and hazelnut. Reflective of the nose the palate possesses big rich flavours of toast, yeast lees, almonds and baked bread finishing with some nutty hazelnut like characters on the back palate. Clean dry finish with a nice creamy mouthfeel. Long aftertaste of toasty yeast lees, almond and hazelnut.

The complex bouquet reflects the primary fermentation in oak casks; the palate no less so thanks to the quality of the premier and grand cru reserves, also matured in oak. But it’s all a question of degree; there’s a core of citrussy acidity underwriting the freshness and length of the wine. 7 years on lees; disgorged December ’20, 7g/l dosage. 95 points James Hallidays Top 100 2021

Composed of 48% Pinot Noir, 32% Chardonnay, and the rest Meunier, the NV Champagne Sous Bois is always aged on lees for five years. Made with 26% reserve wine and two grams per liter dosage, it pours a touch deeper golden straw color and is aromatic of fresh baked bread, marzipan, peaches, and marmalade. It’s not as oaky as I’d remembered it from previous tastings, with the blend feeling more harmonious and integrated. Full-bodied but not overly opulent, it fills the palate with a supple richness although it’s fully dry, and its nuttiness is still present but doesn’t dominate the wine. It would be paired exceptionally well with Comte cheese. 2 grams per liter of dosage, disgorged the second quarter of 2023. Drink 2024-2040. 94 points Audrey Frick - jebdunnuck.com

Fragrant, with hints of graphite, cherry blossoms and spices, revealing a firm frame of vivid acidity that's tightly meshed with flavors of blackberry tart, lemon granita and salted Marcona almond. Shows a raw silk–textured mousse that carries a chalky note on the finish. Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay. Disgorged spring 2022. Drink now through 2026. 93 points Wine Spectator