Billecart-Salmon Extra Brut Champagne NV

93 points Tyson Stelzer (The Champagne Guide): "(2012 base vintage; disgorged December 2015; 40% meunier from Vallée de la Marne; 30% pinot from Ay, Mareuil-sur-Ay, Ambonnay, Rilly-ola-Montagne, Verzenay and Verzy; 30% chardonnay from Vitry, Sézannais and Côte des Blancs; 50% reserves from 2010, 2009 and 2008, and chardonnay from 2011; full malolactic fermentation; zero dosage; DIAM closure). The precision of Billecart lends itself well to this style, making for one of the most refined zero-dosage champagnes, built on the same base as Brut Réserve--but crucially, not simple a zero-dosage version of the same. It's older, with an extra year on lees--'not so it has more fat', explains Antoine, 'but so it is more rounded, with less angles'. The liqueur in the dosage is different, too, with 5mL of reserve wines contributing volume, structure and persistence. Age has built considerable depth of complexity in almond meal, toast, nougat and brioche, preserved in a brittle shell of bone-shaking purity and citrus minerality, with excellent focus and drive of vibrant lemon, apple, grapefruit and crunchy pear. Zero dosage makes for a firm finish which would benefit from even the slightest touch of sweetness. (2018-2019)"

92 points James Suckling: "This extra brut has a super crisp aperitif-style with great fruit purity and savory persistence. Aromas and flavors of little wild red fruits, as well as an array of cool, crisp reed and green apples on the palate. Super fresh. Drink now. (9/5/18)"

91 points Stephan Reinhardt (Wine Advocate): "The pale golden colored NV Extra Brut displays a beautifully clear, complex and elegant bouquet of ripe seed fruits such as apples and pears intermixed with the complex, mature expressions from the reserve wines, which account for up to 55% of this 2014-based blend. It is composed of 40% Pinot Meunier, with 30% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay. Fresh and structured on the perfectly round and elegant palate, this is a medium to full-bodied Champagne with great purity and finesse as well as persistent complexity. This is a serious and exciting Champagne with a long, persistent finish and stimulating salinity. No dosage. Tasted from lot L 144A892 47283 in November 2018. Disgorgement date: February 2018. Drink: 2018-2024. (Dec 2018)"

91 points Josh Raynolds (Vinous): "(45% Pinot Meunier, 40% Pinot Noir and 15% Chardonnay; zero dosage; L348232 16155): Pale gold. Aromas of dried pear, quince and white flowers, with a hint of exotic fruits emerging with air. In the mouth, sappy mango, pineapple and honeysuckle flavors are braced by a refreshing jolt of bitter quinine that lends a refreshingly dry edge. Closes steely and taut, with lingering mineral and citrus qualities. I like the blend of richness and nerviness here."

* Peter Liem (ChampagneGuide.net): "This is the same wine as Billecart's Brut Réserve, made of 40 percent meunier, 30 percent pinot noir and 30 percent chardonnay, but it's aged for an extra year and released without dosage. In this edition, it benefits from the richness of its base year, giving it a broad build and ample depth of flavor. It's dry without being overly austere, and while it doesn't have a great deal of length or complexity, it feels fragrant and harmonious, and well-balanced as a non-dosé."