Billecart Salmon Extra Brut 2008 (1.5L)

97 DE / 96 JS / 95 WE / 18 JR

A blend of 65% Pinot Noir consisting of Premier and Grand Crus from the Montagne de Reims and the Vallee de la Marne and 35% Chardonnay from the Cote des Blancs. Significantly, this has nine years ageing on its lees (longer than some Prestige Cuvees), the 2008 was first released onto the global market back in March 2019. With an Extra Brut dosage of 4g/l, this is a highly expressive, confident and convincing interpretation of the vintage. Right now, it is youthfully sharp and focused with fine salinity, depth, acidity and balance, and as such is already extremely approachable. The flavour spectrum encompasses toast, oyster shell, citrus, cream and a flinty, mineral depth. There’s supreme balance and elegance here, combined with a hidden underlying power that will continue to emerge and broaden with time. The finish is dry and long. - Decanter

A stunningly pure nose with aromas of apples, pears, grapefruit, dried flowers and fresh bread dough, all intermingled. The palate has a super fresh, sleek and vibrant feel with elegance, length and precision. The finish is so long and so precise. A stunning Champagne. Drink or hold. James Suckling

Building on the structured Pinot Noir, often a hallmark of this producer's Champagnes, this wine is densely textured and full of white fruits from the Chardonnay. Still young, it remains on the fruit spectrum so wait until 2021 for the full glory of the maturity to come through. - Wine Enthusiast

65% Pinot Noir (Montagne de Reims and Grande Vallée de la Marne), 35% Chardonnay (Côte des Blancs – Chouilly, Mesnil, Avize and Cramant). Nine years ageing on lees. Tasted six months after disgorgement. Extra Brut, dosage 4 g/l (liqueur de tirage is Pinot Noir dominant).
Not as broad as the 2006. Very good for shellfish, and sauced dishes. Dense, serious, concentrated nose. Very tight. Only just approachable. Very satisfying. Great concentration. Piercing. Long. Still chewy. Very directed. Notably dry but not painful. Approach from the end of 2019… Opens out on the end. Jancis Robinson