{"title":"Champagne Billecart-Salmon","description":"\u003cp\u003eBillecart-Salmon has been one of Champagne’s great family-owned houses since 1818, but its place among the legends was cemented in 1999, when the 1959 Cuvée Nicolas François was named “Champagne of the Millennium” in a blind tasting of 150 of the 20th century’s greatest Champagnes. Even more remarkable, Billecart-Salmon’s 1961 finished second, sweeping the top two spots ahead of legendary vintages from Dom Pérignon, Krug, Pol Roger, and others. Today, that legacy continues through some of Champagne’s most coveted prestige cuvées, including Nicolas François, Louis Salmon, and Elisabeth Salmon.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"2013-champagne-billecart-salmon-cuvee-louis-salmon-blanc-de-blancs-extra-brut","title":"2013 Champagne Billecart-Salmon, \"Cuvée Louis Salmon\" Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut","description":"\u003cp\u003eNamed in honor of Louis Salmon, brother of co-founder Elisabeth Salmon and the estate's very first chief winemaker, this prestige cuvée represents the pinnacle of Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs from Billecart-Salmon. Sourced exclusively from legendary Grand Cru villages in the Côte des Blancs (principally Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Chouilly, and Cramant), the 2013 harvest yielded an exceptional expression defined by crystalline chalk purity, long cellaring potential, and vibrant natural tension.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUniquely, Billecart-Salmon ages approximately 25-30% of the base wine in neutral oak barrels to build texture and complexity, while preserving the pristine minerality of the limestone terroir. Resting on its lees in the estate's 17th-century chalk cellars for nearly a decade prior to disgorgement with a low Extra Brut dosage, the 2013 \"Cuvée Louis Salmon\" is a study in finesse: lemon confit, toasted hazelnuts, white floral scents, fresh brioche, and a chalky, saline mineral drive.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCritical Acclaim:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e97 points, Vinous Media:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \" ... an exceptional follow-up to the 2012. Naturally, the 2013 offers a bit more tension, cut and drive, all signatures of this late-ripening vintage. Chalk, slate, crushed rocks, citrus confit and hazelnut all race across the palate as the 2013 sizzles with tension from start to finish. This is still a baby. Give it time. Dosage is 4 grams per liter. Disgorged: January 2024.\"\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e96+ points, Wine Advocate: \u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\" ... stands as the most characterful wine of the new lineup, expressing itself from the glass with aromas of early-blooming white flowers, lemon oil, nashi pear and almond paste mingled with cardamom, oyster shell and freshly baked bread. On the palate, it is medium- to full-bodied and elegantly muscular, with a tensile core of crystalline purity, racy acids and ample chalky extract. Harvested in October, it derives from the communes of Cramant, Chouilly, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger and Oiry and was vinified entirely in stainless steel with full malolactic fermentation in pursuit of greater harmony in a cool-profile vintage such as this.\"\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e96 points, JebDunnuck.com:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\" .. a stunning wine produced from the villages of Cramant, Chouilly, Mesnil-sur-Oger, and Oiry, and was raised in stainless steel. Displaying a golden yellow hue, it is incredibly expressive, offering elegance and depth, with notes of preserved lemon, poppy seed cake, custard, poached apple, pineapples, and salty earth. Long and full on the palate, it’s quite complete and has verticality that drives the wine.\"\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e96 points, JamesSuckling\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003e: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\" ... very pure and fresh, showing white flowers, light hazelnuts, peaches and grapefruit on the nose, with a hint of oyster shells. It's sleek and chalky on the palate, linear and racy, with very fine bubbles and a bright acidic backbone. 100% stainless steel vinification. Chardonnay from Cramant, Chouilly, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger and some Oiry. 4 g\/L dosage. Disgorged January 2024. \"\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy You'll Love It\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe ultimate Blanc de Blancs prestige cuvée from Billecart-Salmon, sourced from premier Grand Cru sites in the Côte des Blancs.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePartial oak cask aging endows the wine with a silky mid-palate texture and autolytic depth without masking chalk purity.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA decade of slow lees maturation produces a seamless balance of fresh citrus, brioche, and salty minerality.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBuilt with incredible structural precision and razor-sharp acidity that will allow it to age gracefully for decades.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow To Serve It\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eServe chilled between 48°F and 52°F to allow its complex, multi-layered bouquet to open up.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNo decanting necessary; pour directly and allow the fine mousse to unfold in the glass over 20 minutes.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUse all-purpose white wine stems to gather its high-toned floral and mineral aromatics.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAn ideal match for raw oysters, sea scallop carpaccio, turbot in champagne sauce, or aged Comté.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/3628\/8822\/files\/3d6448c1-e1ee-4d30-96dc-a7d661c82b8b.jpg?v=1790890836\" alt=\"Champagne Billecart-Salmon\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"SommSelect","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47919857139766,"sku":"SOMM2609-BSAL13LSBB-750","price":225.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/3628\/8822\/files\/2013ChampagneBillecart-Salmon_CuveeLouisSalmonBlancdeBlancsExtraBrut.png?v=1790723337"},{"product_id":"2015-champagne-billecart-salmon-cuvee-nicolas-francois-extra-brut","title":"2015 Champagne Billecart-Salmon, \"Cuvée Nicolas François\" Extra Brut","description":"\u003cp\u003eCreated in 1964 as a tribute to the founder of the House, \"Cuvée Nicolas François\" is Billecart-Salmon's flagship prestige vintage cuvée. It unites top Grand Cru Pinot Noir from the Montagne de Reims and the Grande Vallée de la Marne (such as Verzenay and Aÿ) with Grand Cru Chardonnay from the Côte des Blancs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 2015 release highlights a vintage of exceptional phenolic ripeness and power. Partial vinification in oak barrels (approx. 15-20%) lends subtle micro-oxygenated structure and complexity, while extended aging on fine lees under natural cork (bouchage liège) yields an expansive autolytic richness. Finished with a precise Extra Brut dosage, it balances rich red berry weight with bright, chalky linear drive.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCritical Acclaim:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/3628\/8822\/files\/jackes_suckling_240x240.png?v=1769834026\" alt=\"James Suckling Wine Logo\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e95 Points, James Suckling:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"An overt style of baked apples and stone fruit with vibrant lemons and chalk, as well as subtle brioche character. Medium-bodied, generous and large, showing fine mousse and crisp acidity. Tight yet focused with a toasty finish. Drink now.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/3628\/8822\/files\/vinous_240x240.png?v=1769834033\" alt=\"Vinous Wine Media Logo\" style=\"margin-bottom: 15.992646px; float: none;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e95 Points, Vinous Media:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 2015 Brut Cuvée Nicolas François Billecart is quite delicate and understated. Floral and savory notes meld into a core of lemon confit, sage, mint and dried flowers. Medium in body and vibrant, with terrific energy, the 2015 has a lot to offer. A trace of savory\/slightly vegetal notes lurks beneath, but those flavors are not terribly intrusive; they are more like a strand in a fabric rather than an overpowering characteristic. Dosage is 5 grams per liter. Disgorged: July 2025.- Antonio Galloni\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy You'll Love It\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe flagship prestige vintage release from Billecart-Salmon, celebrating nearly two centuries of winemaking heritage.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA luxurious blend of Grand Cru Pinot Noir and Chardonnay offering remarkable power, elegance, and ageability.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eComplex aromatics of mirabelle plum, roasted nuts, honeyed pastry, dried cherries, and subtle wood spice.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExceptional structural weight on the palate backed by fine, creamy effervescence and chalky persistence.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eIn 1999, Billecart-Salmon’s 1959 Cuvée Nicolas François was named “Champagne of the Millennium” in a blind tasting of 150 of the greatest Champagnes of the 20th century. Even crazier, Billecart-Salmon’s 1961 finished second. They swept #1 and #2, ahead of vintages from Dom Pérignon, Krug, Pol Roger, Ruinart, and others\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow To Serve It\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eServe slightly warmer than most Champagne, between 50°F and 54°F, to allow its vinous power to shine.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNo decanting needed; allow it to evolve in the glass over 30 minutes.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePour into all-purpose white wine stems to concentrate its broad, autolytic bouquet.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePair with roasted poultry with truffle, seared duck breast, lobster thermidor, or aged hard cheeses.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/3628\/8822\/files\/Billecart_Salmon_Champagne_layout.jpg?v=1779569549\" alt=\"Champagne Billecart-Salmon\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"SommSelect","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47919857172534,"sku":"SOMM2609-BSAL15CNF-750","price":245.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/3628\/8822\/files\/2015ChampagneBillecart-Salmon_CuveeNicolasFrancoisExtraBrut.png?v=1790722629"},{"product_id":"2013-champagne-billecart-salmon-cuvee-elisabeth-salmon-rose-extra-brut","title":"2013 Champagne Billecart-Salmon, \"Cuvée Elisabeth Salmon\" Rosé Extra Brut","description":"\u003cp\u003eFirst created in 1988 as a homage to co-founder Elisabeth Salmon, this prestige bottling is widely considered one of the single greatest vintage rosé Champagnes in the world. Blending Grand Cru Chardonnay from the Côte des Blancs with Grand Cru Pinot Noir from the Montagne de Reims, its signature pale salmon hue and delicate berry intensity come from the inclusion of a small percentage (~8-10%) of still red Pinot Noir wine sourced from old vines in Valofroy (Mareuil-sur-Aÿ).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 2013 vintage benefited from long, cool late-season ripening, giving the fruit exceptional aromatic clarity and high natural acidity. Aged for nearly a decade on fine lees in bottle, the 2013 \"Cuvée Elisabeth Salmon\" is ethereal and elegant, weaving together wild strawberries, blood orange, pink peppercorn, pastry dough, and crushed chalk minerality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCritical Acclaim:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e98 points, Falstaff Magazine\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\"Light salmon pink. On the nose, intense chalky notes stand out even before the subtle Pinot fruit, while subtle yeast aromas underscore the irresistibly fresh bouquet. Upon exposure to air, aromas of rosehip, Rainier cherry, and floral notes emerge. The palate is a dense blend of fine effervescence, chalky minerality, lively acidity, and sweet fruit. The body remains almost unobtrusive in the background—delicacy dominates. Long-lasting, yet remaining homogeneous with great finesse. Finally, delicate iodine-like, marine-mineral components linger.\"\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e97 Points, Vinous Media:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003e\" ... much more exuberant than the 2012, even though on the surface, that does not exactly align with the respective vintages. The decision to use a bit more new oak, more still red wine and a touch higher dosage to soften the natural austerity of the year paid off handsomely. Rose petal, blood orange, spice and kirsch confer a decidedly exotic flair. The ample, substantial finish is striking.\"\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e96 Points, Jeb Dunnuck:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003e\" ... pours a deeper copper\/salmon color, but not too dark, with more orange undertones. It offers notes of smoky wet stone, pithy grapefruit, and licorice. It has a long, fruity feel on the palate, with verticality and a fluffy mousse. The focus and backbone of Chardonnay really play into it in this vintage, which I prefer. Drink over the coming 20 years. Made from 53% Pinot Noir from Aÿ (sélection massale) and Bouzy, with red wine from parcels in Mesnil-sur-Aÿ, and 47% Chardonnay from Oger, Cramant, and Le Mesnil-sur-Oger. It was 5% barrel vinified and 95% stainless steel. Disgorged in January 2024, with 4 grams per liter dosage. Drink: 2025-2045. (12\/15\/25)\" \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e96 Points, James Suckling:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003e\"Very fragrant wildflower honey, citrus, sliced apple, nutmeg and pastry aromas. It's beautifully fresh and saline on the palate, with fantastic concentration, but in a delicate, silky way. Long, elegant and chalky finish.\"\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy You'll Love It\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOne of the most sought-after, highly rated prestige vintage rosé Champagnes produced.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFeatures still red Pinot Noir from historic old vines in Mareuil-sur-Aÿ for refined color and red-berry depth.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNearly a decade of lees aging delivers a silky, satiny mousse integrated with high-toned floral and citrus lift.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePristine, bone-dry Extra Brut finish that lingers with extraordinary saline chalk length.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow To Serve It\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eServe chilled between 48°F and 52°F.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNo decanting necessary; pour straight into the glass and let it breathe over 20 minutes.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUse all-purpose white wine stems to maximize its delicate red berry and floral perfume.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExcellent partner for wild salmon carpaccio, pan-seared squab, Peking duck, or fresh raspberry tartlets.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/3628\/8822\/files\/4be059e9-ea84-4e28-9358-cf6b70a84a2c.jpg?v=1790890836\" alt='2013 Champagne Billecart-Salmon, \"Cuvée Elisabeth Salmon\" Rosé Extra Brut' style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"SommSelect","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47919857238070,"sku":"SOMM2609-BSAL13ESR-750","price":245.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/3628\/8822\/files\/2013ChampagneBillecart-Salmon_CuveeElisabethSalmonRoseExtraBrut.png?v=1790723598"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/3628\/8822\/collections\/3d6448c1-e1ee-4d30-96dc-a7d661c82b8b.jpg?v=1790891271","url":"https:\/\/sommselect.com\/collections\/champagne-billecart-salmon.oembed","provider":"SommSelect","version":"1.0","type":"link"}