2007 Billecart-Salmon "Cuvée Louis" Brut Blanc de Blancs Champagne

Disgorged in October 2018 with seven grams per liter dosage, the 2007 Brut Blanc de Blancs Cuvée Louis Salmon derives from the villages of Cramant, Chouilly and Mesnil-sur-Oger, and half of the vins clairs that went into the blend were vinified in older barrels. It's still tightly wound, even after over a year on cork, unfurling in the glass with a delicate bouquet of crisp yellow apple, Meyer lemon, blanched almonds, elderflower and crushed chalk. Medium to full-bodied, deep and searingly intense, it's seamless and complete, with a bracing spine of acidity, a delicate pinpoint mousse, and a long, mouthwateringly mineral finish. This is a serious, built-to-age wine that will really reward patience. (WK) 95+

The 2007 "Cuvée Louis" is our best value in true tête de cuvée Champagne, and one of the best that we have at any price. It is made exclusively from Grand Cru Chardonnay from the hallowed ground of Mesnil, Cramant and Chouilly and 50% barrel fermented. This ultimately elegant wine has the creamy texture and tight miniscule bead that you would expect from a top of the line offering from a great house like Billecart, but has even more to offer than that. For me, it is not the subtle brioche on the nose or even the precise Meyer lemon fruit on the mid palate, but the ultra-long swelling finish that really floors me with this wine. The chalky, concentrated length of this bottling is astounding. I loved to recommend this Champagne at $170, at the current price it is just too good.