Billecart-Salmon Brut Champagne Réserve NV

95 points Tyson Stelzer (The Champagne Guide): "(2016 base vintage; tasted in 2020 in Australia; 30-40% chardonnay; 20-30% pinot noir from the Montagne de Reims and the Grande Vallée de la Marne, ~40% meunier from the Vallée de la Marne and the southern slopes of Épernay; ~90% grand cru; vinified in stainless-steel tanks; 50-60% reserves; full malolactic fermentation; disgorged 24 September 2019; 8g/L dosage; DIAM). The brilliant crystalline radiance that defines Billecart shines bright and strong in the 2016 base, epitomising the purity and precision that we adore of this beloved house. Meunier and pinot noir unite in a core of delightfully fresh, crunchy red apples, spicy wild strawberries and ripe raspberries, streaming out long and true with a line of lemon acidity. The subtlety of long lees age is intricately played, lending only the most gentle brioche, almond meal, honey and toast. Dosage is perfectly played to lift its fruit and its structure. It coasts long and refined on a sea of fine chalk minerality. The consummate apéritif! (Edition VII; 2024)"

95 points James Halliday (Wine Companion): "An uncommon blend of 40% pinot meunier and 30% each of pinot noir and chardonnay, with 40% reserve wines, fermented in a mix of tank and use of aged oak barrels. Deliberate choice of meunier is the key to its drink any time soon style, which combining elegance, finesse and great length. (6/17/21)"

92 points Tom Hewson (Decanter): "Billecart-Salmon's 2019-based Brut Réserve continues the impressive rebirth of this cuvée, showing more focus, length and sapidity than previous versions. The dosage has dropped to 3g/L (from 9g/L in 2016), but the delicious nut oil and brown bread reserve wine depth props up roasted lime and apricot fruit. One to watch. 40% Meunier, 30% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay. Drinking Window: 2023-2026. (10/31/23)"

92 points Sarah Mayo (The Wine Independent): "Light burnished gold with a fine, evanescent bead and finished with a three gram per liter dosage, the Billecart-Salmon Brut Réserve NV is a 40% Pinot Meunier, 30% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay blend based on the 2019 vintage with a dominant 62% of reserve wines, the oldest of which is from 2006. From this deep bench of vinous blending emerge perfumed aromas of poached pear, persimmon, dried iris blooms, and a whiff of toast comingling with smoky and bready autolytic notes. Medium-bodied and round, the palate has a vinous texture with ample ripe fruit sweetness, vivacious acidity to balance and grace notes of fresh lemon to add brightness to the finish. Disgorged in the third quarter of 2022. Alcohol 12.5%. Drink: 2023-2033.(11/8/23)"

92 points James Suckling: "Excellent clarity of fruit here with lemon and orange zest, sliced pears, fresh figs and walnuts. Saline components. Medium-bodied, sleek and fresh, with tight bubbles and bright acidity. Focused and refreshing. 40% meunier, 30% chardonnay and 30% pinot noir. 2019 base with 62% reserve wine. Disgorged end of 2022. 3g/L dosage. Drink now. (8/7/23)"

92 points Bettane & Desseauve Guide (2024).