The NV Billecart-Salmon Brut Champagne Reserve is a well-regarded offering from the esteemed Champagne house of Billecart-Salmon. This non-vintage Brut Champagne is crafted from a blend of 40% Pinot Meunier, 30% Pinot Noir, and 30% Chardonnay, with a significant portion of reserve wines, some dating back to 2006. It was based on the 2019 vintage and has a dosage of 3 grams per liter, a notable reduction from previous versions.
Decanter's review highlights the wine's evolution, noting its "focus, length and sapidity" with a dosage drop from 9g/L to 3g/L. The review by Decanter states, “The delicious nut oil and brown bread reserve wine depth props up roasted lime and apricot fruit.” They awarded it a score of 92.
Halliday Wine Companion gives an impressive score of 95, praising the blend’s uncommon composition and its immediate appeal. The review mentions the deliberate choice of Meunier, which “combines elegance, finesse, and great length.”
Wine Enthusiast describes it as "dry, fruity with a fine line of minerality," and balances “apple and crisp citrus-fruit flavors,” giving it a score of 90.
James Suckling also scores it 92, appreciating its "excellent clarity of fruit," including "lemon and orange zest, sliced pears, fresh figs, and walnuts." He notes the wine's "sleek and fresh" nature with "tight bubbles and bright acidity."
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate provided a score of 91, describing a bouquet of "spring flowers, menthol, pastry, brioche, orchard fruits and pear," and highlights its "delicate mousse and perfectly balanced texture."
Wine Spectator concurs with a score of 91, pointing out the Champagne's "firm and minerally" character and its "well-knit" structure, which layers flavors of "grainy pear, preserved lemon, toast point, and crystallized honey."
The Wine Independent scores it 92, noting its "light burnished gold" color and “evanescent bead,” with a profile of "poached pear, persimmon, dried iris blooms, and a whiff of toast."
Jeb Dunnuck, looking ahead at future releases, scores it 93, describing it as "very expressive in its aromas of fresh peach, saline, and a light touch of toast," with "good length and a clean finish."
Vinous' Antonio Galloni offers a score of 90 and praises the NV Brut Réserve as a "fine introduction to this range," highlighting its "hints of dried pear, spice, dried flowers, kirsch, and chamomile."
Overall, the NV Billecart-Salmon Brut Champagne Reserve is highly regarded across multiple reviews for its blend of elegance, finesse, and complexity, making it a noteworthy choice for Champagne enthusiasts.