NV Billecart-Salmon Le Reserve

This is the new face of Billecart-Salmon's non-vintage offering, and it is a significant step up from the 'Brut Réserve' of old.

The house has revolutionised their entry-level cuvée, extending the lees aging to a massive 50 months and dropping the dosage to just under 4g/L. This moves it firmly into 'Extra Brut' territory, stripping away any excess sugar to reveal the crystal-clear purity that Billecart is famous for.

The blend is built on a backbone of Meunier (around 43%) from the Vallée de la Marne, which provides that fleshy, radiant fruit core. This is framed by Chardonnay (29%) for finesse and Pinot Noir (28%) for structure. Crucially, the blend now includes a huge proportion of reserve wines - often upwards of 60% - which adds layers of brioche and spice to the fresh fruit.

In the glass, it is precise and ethereal.

95 points
"A fine straw-gold color with great finesse of bubble flow and mousse. Joyful aromas of apple blossom and ripe pear. A full, defined palate demonstrates richness that will help to give this a long life in the cellar."
- Decanter