The NV Billecart-Salmon Blanc de Blancs Champagne Blend is a notable offering from the esteemed French producer Billecart-Salmon, based in the Champagne region. This non-vintage (NV) champagne is crafted from Chardonnay grapes sourced from the prestigious Côte des Blancs, and it promises a refined and structured tasting experience.
The wine has garnered commendable reviews from a range of professional critics. Robert Parker's Wine Advocate awarded it a score of 93, highlighting its "aromas of citrus oil, tart stone fruit, freshly baked bread and white flowers." The reviewer, William Kelley, also noted its "medium to full-bodied, pillowy and layered" texture with a "sweet core of fruit framed by racy acids and chalky structure."
Wine Spectator gave the wine a score of 91, describing it as "a lively blanc de blancs, with lemon peel acidity defining the fine, creamy swath of poached quince, pastry cream, and crushed almond." This review emphasizes the champagne's vibrant and fresh characteristics, ideal for immediate consumption.
Wine Enthusiast rated it slightly higher with a score of 94. Roger Voss praised the wine's texture and structure, noting that it "has a steely edge that suggests this bottling is young but that also has beautiful fruit and minerality." He recommended that the wine would be even better from 2023 onwards.
James Suckling also awarded it a 93, appreciating its "very clean and creamy" profile with "notes of sliced apples, pie crust, lemons, oyster shells, and thyme." His review pointed out the champagne's "lovely freshness and balance, with fine, creamy bubbles and a rounded yet dry finish."
Jeb Dunnuck echoed similar sentiments, giving it another 93 points. The review highlighted the wine's "clean and pure" nose, with "aromatics of candied green apple, lime, and bread dough" and described it as "straightforward, approachable, and classic."
The Wine Independent scored it 92, noting its "very pale, yellow gold" color and "fine, pearly mousse." The reviewer, Sarah Mayo, described its "light-bodied, citrusy palate" with "delicate crisp apple, razor-sharp mineral intensity, and bright, finely knit acidity."
Vinous gave the wine a score of 91, with Antonio Galloni noting its "vibrant, steely" character and "citrus, white flowers, slate, crushed rocks, and white pepper" flavors.
In summary, the NV Billecart-Salmon Blanc de Blancs Champagne Blend is a highly praised wine with a consistent profile of freshness, elegance, and minerality, making it a standout choice for champagne enthusiasts.