Billecart-Salmon Brut Champagne Réserve NV 1.5L

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)"

94-95 points Tyson Stelzer (The Champagne Guide)): "(Pinot from the Montagne de Reims and the Grande Vallée de la Marne, meunier from the Vallée de la Marne and the southern slopes of Épernay; 86% grand cru, with an aim to grow to 90%; vinified in stainless steel tanks; 50–60% reserves; full malolactic fermentation; aged 32 months on lees; 8g/L dosage; dosage liqueur of 2008 chardonnay; DIAM). Billecart’s enchanting Brut Réserve upholds its aspiration of lofty freshness and elegance, even in the presence of impressive levels of reserve wines, now generously more than 50% of the blend, and impressive lees age, now 32 months. This cuvée is a captivating contradiction, dressing one of Champagne’s higher representations of meunier in one of the most delicate and graceful of attires. The generous 2015 base vintage sets the stage for an especially rich Brut Réserve, leading out with the succulent strawberries, crunchy red gala apples and mixed spice of meunier and the lemon zest of chardonnay. For all of the flamboyance of the season, it upholds classic Billecart control, in a dazzling display of elegant, soft, salty, crystalline chalk minerality and understated, fragrant elegance. Lees age furnishes more impressive depth than ever of brioche, toasted almonds and gingernut biscuits, without for a moment dipping its gaze from purity and definition, concluding with fresh, bright acidity, well-integrated dosage, gentle phenolic balance, good persistence and fine chalk mineral drive. An outstanding 2015 base.The 2014 base is even more elegant and refined, magnificently backward and poised for such deep reserves and long maturation. With more fruit definition and personality than ever, it sings with wild strawberries and blood oranges, a complete champagne with every molecule of detail in the right place. (2020-2021)"

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).