#18 VinePair's Top 50 of 2018

95pts Decanter

A fine straw-gold colour 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.

93pts James Suckling

Plenty of pinot character with strawberry and dried apple and some flint and matchstick, as well as stone. It’s medium- to full-bodied with freshness, a creamy texture and a long, delicious finish. 

92pts Jeb Dunnuck

At the start of last year, Billecart-Salmon began listing ID numbers on their bottles and including info on the wines. The NV Champagne Brut Reserve is the current release of this cuvée and is based around the 2019 vintage. A straw hue, it is well-detailed and on the savory side, with expressive notes of orange pith, crushed stones, fresh nectarine, and a hint of jasmine green tea. It’s medium-bodied, with a lovely rounded feel through the mid-palate and a silky, stony texture, and Its mousse is elegant and pillowy. As mentioned last year, readers should not sleep on this cuvée, which is coming together very nicely. Drink now or over the coming 6-8 years.

92pts Wine Enthusiast

This Champagne is a classic. The non-vintage wine shows real richness and depth. It is structured, open with a honeyed aroma and ripe, rounded white fruits. Drink now. 

91pts Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

Based on the 2020 vintage, this blend of 43% Pinot Meunier, 29% Chardonnay and 28% Pinot Noir, with 71% vins de réserve and 10% perpetual reserve, the NV Brut Réserve offers up aromas of spring flowers, herbs, blossoms, lime and brioche. Medium to full-bodied, tense and precise, with a crystalline texture enhanced by bright acids, this is a long, delicate and ethereal Champagne. It matured 8% in barrels and 36 months on the lees in bottle, followed by six months after disgorgement with three grams per liter dosage.

91pts Wilfred Wong

A most satisfying brut, the non-vintage Billecart-Salmon Brut Reserve does a great job in coating the palate with the sense of refreshment; plenty rich on the palate, with apple and other core fruits; dry in the finish. This looks like a superior main entree wine.

Tasting Notes

With hints of straw yellow, this cuvée is distinguished by the finesse of its slowly rising bubbles and its persistent, plentiful mousse. Overall, it conveys a luminous radiance and a sparkling youthfulness. A clean and precise intensity with an ethereal character, followed by a pure expression of bright, natural fruit. With aromatic precision (white stone fruits and fresh fruits), this wine evolves into a delightful floral charm with subtle biscuity aromas. The subtle pleasure of its delicate texture is complemented by a fine vinosity and concentrated aromatics. This wine captivates with its harmonious blend of enticing flavors (apple, crisp pear, and citrus) and roasted notes. A long, persistent finish marked by freshness and minerality.

The ideal partner for every occasion. It is perfect as an aperitif and can be enjoyed with a wide variety of dishes.

Winemaker Notes

Le Réserve is a light, fine and harmonious champagne. It is made up of a blend of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Meunier from three different years and sourced from the best sites in the Champagne region.

Blend: 43% Meunier, Vallée de la Marne and the southern slopes of Epernay,
29% Chardonnay, the best Crus in Champagne, 28% Pinot Noir, Montagne de Reims and the Grande Vallée de la Marne