Billecart-Salmon Extra Brut Champagne Grand Cru 2007

95 points Tyson Stelzer (The Champagne Guide)?: "(25% chardonnay from Avize, Cramant, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Oger, Chouilly and Vertus, 75% pinot from the Montagne de Reims and the Grande Vallée de la Marne, especially Mareuil-sur-Aÿ and Aÿ; vinified in stainless steel tanks and 5% in oak barrels; partial malolactic; aged 8–9 years on lees; 3g/L dosage; DIAM). The juxtaposition of the understated yet expansive mood of 2007 lends itself eloquently to the restrained style of Billecart in its pinot-led vintage cuvée, providing a compelling counterpoint to the generosity of the 2006 and the tension of 2008. A core of red cherry and red apple fruit is accented with the lemon and grapefruit tang of the Côte des Blancs and the vivacious energy of malic acidity. The rising complexity of roast almond, toast and mixed spice are more reflective of bottle age than of a 5% component vinified in oak, now displaying more development than in the early phase of its release cycle. It’s still charged with plenty of malic energy to propel it along, sustained by the omnipresent support of salty chalk minerality. (2020-2021)"

95 points and 'Top 100 Cellar Selections 2017 (#51),' Wine Enthusiast: "Definitely dry, this impressively crisp wine is tightly textured, mineral in character and with great fruit. Its acidity and taut tangy character are part of a sophisticated wine that is still maturing. The hints of toast are there, but this beautiful wine will take a while to show its full potential. Drink from 2019. Alcohol 12%. (Dec 2017)"

93 points Wine Spectator: "Sleek acidity firms this tightly meshed 2007, a racy frame for flavors of crème de cassis, toast, ground ginger and candied lemon zest. Long and minerally on the finish. Drink now through 2027. (12/15/17)"