Billecart-Salmon Brut Champagne Sous Bois NV

94 points Tyson Stelzer (The Champagne Guide): "(tasted in 2022 in France; One-third each of pinot noir, meunier and chardonnay; 30-35% reserves; fermented and matured in barrels of average age 15 years; aged at least 60 months on lees in bottle; 7g/L dosage; disgorged July 2021; 2014 base vintage; DIAM). There’s a lot of wine packed into this bottle. A full straw hue announces its presence from the outset. Old barrel fermentation and maturation unite with long bottle age to build immense layers of butter, roast almonds, ginger nut biscuits, even crème caramel. For all its theatrics, dynamic fruit energy and presence more than hold their own, charged with a spine of vibrant grapefruit acidity thanks to the energetic 2014 base, layered with confident morello cherries, beurre bosc pear and golden delicious apple. Everything holds its form and line on a long and full finish, yet at every moment tense and assured. Main-course-ready champagne that will only improve over the next five years in the cellar. (Edition VII; 2024)"

94 points Audrey Frick (JebDunnuck.com): "The NV Champagne Sous Bois Brut pours a medium yellow to deeper straw hue, and the nose is warming and more generous with notes of toast, red fruit of ripe raspberry, spice, and espresso. The palate is rounded, with rich texture though dry, offering notes of orange peel and currant. It has a silky texture and a fairly long finish, with ripe concentration. It is drinking well now and should drink well over the next 15 years. Drink: 2022-2037. (11/7/22)"

93 points James Suckling: "A crunchy and rich Champagne with flavors of cooked apple, light caramel, nuts and cedar, as well as orange zest. The bubbles are creamy and round with a long, energetic finish. Tangy. Base wine fermented in barrels. 48% pinot noir, 32% chardonnay and 20% pinot meunier. 74% 2016 and 26% reserve wine, including the oldest wine from 2006. Disgorged in 2022. Dosage 2g/L. Drink or hold. (7/19/24)"

93 points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "Rich, radiant and resonant, the Brut NV Sous Bois is wonderfully expressive. Dried orchard fruit, spice and chamomile build nicely with aeration. This release is based on 2015 with 40% reserve wines, a blend that works so well. Delicate floral and dried herb notes linger. Dosage is 5 grams per liter. Disgorged: 2nd quarter 2022. Drink: 2023-2030. (May 2023)"

93 points Wine Spectator: "[$99 list] Fragrant, with hints of graphite, cherry blossoms and spices, revealing a firm frame of vivid acidity that's tightly meshed with flavors of blackberry tart, lemon granita and salted Marcona almond. Shows a raw silk–textured mousse that carries a chalky note on the finish. Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay. Disgorged spring 2022. Drink now through 2026. (11/30/23)"

93 points Wine Enthusiast: "Fermented in wood, as its name suggests, this Champagne does have a toasty character that has transmuted into maturity with spice. It is now ready to drink. (Dec 2024)"

93 points Wine & Spirits: "This is equal parts chardonnay from the Côte des Blancs, pinot noir from Aÿ and Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, and pinot meunier from the Marne Valley, all fermented and aged in oak casks, without undergoing malolactic conversion. One-third of the blend is reserve wines, married over the course of six years on the lees in bottle. The latest release buzzes with limestone freshness and the pale herbal richness of chamomile flowers. A stylish blend with earthiness that powers through it. (2022)"

92 points Essi Avellan, MW: "34% Chardonnay, 33% Pinot Noir, 33% Pinot Meunier. On the nose, there is a soft, vanilla-laden depth of notable oakiness as a result of all the base wines being vinified and aged in oak. It is unapologetically pronounced and graciously free of any oxidative tones. The bold richness continues on the palate, which comes with an accentuated acidity that beautifully cuts the power of the wine and brings liveliness. Full of fruit and flavour, this is a beautiful assemblage of equal parts Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Meunier. This will take age, too. Dosage 7g/l. (Aug 2022)"