Billecart-Salmon Brut Rosé Champagne (1.5L)

92 points Wine Enthusiast: "A bone-dry but delicious wine, with red fruits and a beautiful onion-skin color that just hints at rosé. Lovely acidity completes the serious and highly enjoyable wine." (12/05) 91 points Stephen Tanzer. 90 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "The NV Brut Rose is beautifully balanced in its layers of perfumed red fruit, berries and flowers. Clean mineral notes frame a silky, sensual finish. Billecart-Salmon’s NV Brut Rose is one of the most consistently delicious roses readers are likely to find. This is Lot: L779914 30209M. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2014." (12/09) K&L's notes - If you've liked previous cuvées, you'll love this one. It is elegant and focused with a fine bead, light salmon color, creamy texture and lingering finish. Founded in 1818, the house is now headed by Francois Billecart, the seventh generation. Francois maintains scrupulous standards for his Champagnes, a follower of his forebears' motto: "Tradition is meaningless without great quality." The house style is light and elegant, with emphasis on finesse rather than power. Clean, crisp acidity is a hallmark of Billecart-Salmon. The secret for this year's blend is that about 8% still red Pinot Noir from their own vineyard in Mareuil sur Ay is added to the blend, making for a very elegant and subtle wine.