Billecart-Salmon Extra Brut Champagne 2008 1.5L

Vintage Sparkling Wine from Champagne, France
DE 97
TCG 97
WE 95
WA 93
WS 93
12.0% ABV
Item # 337737

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$158.95
Reg $188.95

Out of stock

1.5L
Out of Stock
 
97 points Decanter: "A blend of 65% Pinot Noir consisting of Premier and Grand Crus from the Montagne de Reims and the Vallee de la Marne and 35% Chardonnay from the Cote des Blancs. Significantly, this has nine years ageing on its lees (longer than some Prestige Cuvees), the 2008 was first released onto the global market back in March 2019. With an Extra Brut dosage of 4g/l, this is a highly expressive, confident and convincing interpretation of the vintage. Right now, it is youthfully sharp and focused with fine salinity, depth, acidity and balance, and as such is already extremely approachable. The flavour spectrum encompasses toast, oyster shell, citrus, cream and a flinty, mineral depth. There’s supreme balance and elegance here, combined with a hidden underlying power that will continue to emerge and broaden with time. The finish is dry and long. Drinking Window: 2019-2040. (May 2019)"

97 points Tyson Stelzer (The Champagne Guide): "(12% chardonnay, 88% pinot from Verzy, Verzenay, Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, Aÿ (for structure) and Ambonnay (for delicacy); 20% of the pinot fermented in barrels; 3.2g/L dosage; less than 100,000 bottles). Categorically the finest Extra Brut ever conceived, this is a cuvée of laser line and immortal structure that rejoices in the lightning energy of 2008 and the exacting precision engineering that is Billecart. A glowing, medium straw hue is a dazzling prelude to its scintillating purity and drive, cut with magnificent acid line and high-tensile chalk structure. The distinguished, north-east facing slopes of Verzy and Verzenay take a delightfully fragrant and pure lead, presenting white cherry and strawberry hull that ring out in clear peals like church bells. Age has done nothing to evolve its pitch-perfect high notes, lending just the most subtle nuance of fresh almond. A cuvée to age for another 20 years at least – and it will live effortlessly for 50. In sheer, breathtaking purity, monumental chalk minerality, endless longevity – not to mention ludicrous affordability – Extra Brut 2008 is one of the champagne buys of the decade. (2020-2021)"

95 points and 'Cellar Selection,' Wine Enthusiast: "Building on the structured Pinot Noir, often a hallmark of this producer's Champagnes, this wine is densely textured and full of white fruits from the Chardonnay. Still young, it remains on the fruit spectrum so wait until 2021 for the full glory of the maturity to come through. (Dec 2019)"

93+ points William Kelley (Wine Advocate): "The newly released 2008 Extra Brut Vintage from Billecart-Salmon is still—predictably—quite youthfully reticent, opening in the glass with a lively bouquet of citrus oil, crisp white peach, white flowers, cardamon and nutmeg. On the palate, it's medium to full-bodied, chiseled and precise, with a tight-knit core, lovely underlying chalky extract and a tensile finish. This is a vintage Billecart with more-than-usual upside, and it will be worth following for two decades in a cold cellar. Drink: 2020-2038. (Aug 2019)"

93 points Wine Spectator: "A graceful Champagne that swathes the palate in a fine and creamy mousse, carrying flavors of baked blackberry, lemon meringue pie and chopped almond. Vibrant acidity creates a mouthwatering impression on the minerally finish. Drink now through 2026. (12/15/19)"
97 points Decanter: "A blend of 65% Pinot Noir consisting of Premier and Grand Crus from the Montagne de Reims and the Vallee de la Marne and 35% Chardonnay from the Cote des Blancs. Significantly, this has nine years ageing on its lees (longer than some Prestige Cuvees), the 2008 was first released onto the global market back in March 2019. With an Extra Brut dosage of 4g/l, this is a highly expressive, confident and convincing interpretation of the vintage. Right now, it is youthfully sharp and focused with fine salinity, depth, acidity and balance, and as such is already extremely approachable. The flavour spectrum encompasses toast, oyster shell, citrus, cream and a flinty, mineral depth. There’s supreme balance and elegance here, combined with a hidden underlying power that will continue to emerge and broaden with time. The finish is dry and long. Drinking Window: 2019-2040. (May 2019)"

97 points Tyson Stelzer (The Champagne Guide): "(12% chardonnay, 88% pinot from Verzy, Verzenay, Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, Aÿ (for structure) and Ambonnay (for delicacy); 20% of the pinot fermented in barrels; 3.2g/L dosage; less than 100,000 bottles). Categorically the finest Extra Brut ever conceived, this is a cuvée of laser line and immortal structure that rejoices in the lightning energy of 2008 and the exacting precision engineering that is Billecart. A glowing, medium straw hue is a dazzling prelude to its scintillating purity and drive, cut with magnificent acid line and high-tensile chalk structure. The distinguished, north-east facing slopes of Verzy and Verzenay take a delightfully fragrant and pure lead, presenting white cherry and strawberry hull that ring out in clear peals like church bells. Age has done nothing to evolve its pitch-perfect high notes, lending just the most subtle nuance of fresh almond. A cuvée to age for another 20 years at least – and it will live effortlessly for 50. In sheer, breathtaking purity, monumental chalk minerality, endless longevity – not to mention ludicrous affordability – Extra Brut 2008 is one of the champagne buys of the decade. (2020-2021)"

95 points and 'Cellar Selection,' Wine Enthusiast: "Building on the structured Pinot Noir, often a hallmark of this producer's Champagnes, this wine is densely textured and full of white fruits from the Chardonnay. Still young, it remains on the fruit spectrum so wait until 2021 for the full glory of the maturity to come through. (Dec 2019)"

93+ points William Kelley (Wine Advocate): "The newly released 2008 Extra Brut Vintage from Billecart-Salmon is still—predictably—quite youthfully reticent, opening in the glass with a lively bouquet of citrus oil, crisp white peach, white flowers, cardamon and nutmeg. On the palate, it's medium to full-bodied, chiseled and precise, with a tight-knit core, lovely underlying chalky extract and a tensile finish. This is a vintage Billecart with more-than-usual upside, and it will be worth following for two decades in a cold cellar. Drink: 2020-2038. (Aug 2019)"

93 points Wine Spectator: "A graceful Champagne that swathes the palate in a fine and creamy mousse, carrying flavors of baked blackberry, lemon meringue pie and chopped almond. Vibrant acidity creates a mouthwatering impression on the minerally finish. Drink now through 2026. (12/15/19)"
Product SKU 337737
Producer Billecart-Salmon
Country France
Region Champagne
Varietal Champagne / Sparkling Blend
Designation Extra Brut|Grand Cru
Vintage 2008
Size 1.5L
Color White
Blend 88% Pinot Noir, 12% Chardonnay
ABV 12.0%
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