Champagne Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru NV 150cl

The NV Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru is from Chardonnay grapes sourced in Avize, Chouilly, Cramant and Mesnil-sur-Oger. Based on the 2013 harvest plus 30% reserve wines and fermented in stainless steel, this blend opens with an amazingly pure but intense and deep bouquet with yellow-fleshed fruit aromas intermixed with chalky and lemony notes as well as hints of orange blossoms and iodine. Full-bodied and intense yet pure and finessed on the palate this is a rich yet very precise and elegant Blanc de Blancs with a persistent structure and a long, dense, almost lush finish. This is lot L 196F889 45576 (disgorged in April 2018), tasted in November 2018.<br/>This is an impressive range of new releases from Billecart-Salmon, and the finesse and purity is outstanding. The 2002 Clos Saint-Hilaire Blanc de Noirs is stellar, as is the 2006 Cuvée Nicolas François and the 2007 Cuvée Elisabeth, one of the finest rosés in the Champagne region.<br/>

Chalky aromas and dried white flowers with hints of lemon blossom and fresh pastry. The palate has a super fine feel to it. Dosage is nicely judged to coax out some depth in the citrusy, fresh-cut apple fruit. Finishes fresh, long and lively. Drink now.

A firm and refined blanc de blancs, with a streak of minerality running through finely layered flavors of Gala apple, lemon zest, biscuit and fresh finger. A tangy saline note echoes on the lasting finish. Drink now through 2020. –AN