2008 Billecart-Salmon "Cuvée Elisabeth" Brut Rosé Champagne (1.5L)

This is very vinous with aromas of iron, strawberries, old roses and geraniums. So aromatic. Full-bodied, really intense and layered with super dryness and depth. Lots of saline and spicy character at the end, such as clove and pepper, as well as hints of flowers and melted butter. Strawberry tart at the end. 17% in aged oak casks. Blend of 55% pinot noir from six villages (Mareuil sur Ay, Ay, Bouzy, Ambonnay, Verzenay and Verzy) and 45% chardonnay from three Grand Crus (Mesnil sur Oger, Cramant and Chouilly). 9% of the blend is red wine from a parcel in the village of Mareuil sur Ay. Bottled June 2009 and disgorged July 2019. Drink or hold.

Cinnamon and I enjoyed this wine on its own at first, but later I made a little wasabi and ponzu tuna mousse to go with it and the spicy, savory food worked very well with the Champagne. It has a very intriguing color with both pink and copper hue, and a gorgeous, miniscule streamer of bubbles. The bouquet has not only dark maraschino cherry and pastry toast, but also a chalk note that foreshadows the finish. In the mouth, the wine has Vosne-Romanée like dark fruit and savor that is seamlessly integrated with a line of refreshing acidity and pure minerality that put most 2008 brut tête de cuvée’s to shame. This wine has a finish that not only goes on, but seems to expand in the mouth. After 13 years, this wine can be enjoyed easily now, but I am convinced that its very best days are still ahead. This wine is for the ages.