**Wine Summary: NV Billecart-Salmon Brut Sous Bois [Champagne Blend] 750**
The NV Billecart-Salmon Brut Sous Bois is a Champagne blend produced by Billecart-Salmon in the Champagne region of France. This white wine exhibits a balanced character with an alcohol content of 12.0%, and it is sealed with a traditional cork closure.
The wine is a blend of Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, and Chardonnay. Notably, the base wine is fermented and aged in old, neutral oak barrels, contributing to its unique profile. It includes reserve wines dating back to 2006, with the base vintage being 2015 (according to Robert Parker's Wine Advocate), or 2016 (as noted by James Suckling and Vinous).
Wine Enthusiast awarded this wine an excellent score of 95, describing it as "beautifully textured and structured," with the Chardonnay imparting a "steely edge" that suggests it could age well. Roger Voss, the reviewer, advises to wait until 2023 to drink this fine wine.
James Suckling, who scored it 94, praised its "lovely richness of flavor" and "salty freshness," highlighting its attractive nose of "brioche, walnuts, salted almonds, and baked apples."
Jeb Dunnuck also rated it 94, noting its "medium yellow to deeper straw hue" and "warming and more generous" nose with notes of "toast, red fruit of ripe raspberry, spice, and espresso." Audrey Frick described the palate as "rounded, with rich texture though dry," and anticipates it will drink well over the next 15 years.
Wine Spectator gave it a score of 93, mentioning its "fragrant" nature with hints of "graphite, cherry blossoms and spices," coupled with a "firm frame of vivid acidity." The mousse was described as having a "raw silk–textured" finish.
Vinous, also awarding it 93, remarked on its "layered, open-knit" character, stating that while it might not be the most complex wine from Billecart-Salmon, its "sheer appeal and allure can’t be denied." Antonio Galloni describes it as "absolutely delicious."
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate scored it 91, appreciating its "elegant, linear and fruit-driven" nature, with aromas of "orchard fruit, pear, peach, nuts, and spring flowers."
Overall, the NV Billecart-Salmon Brut Sous Bois is a well-regarded Champagne that features a combination of toasty richness, vivid acidity, and a harmonious blend of fruit and nutty flavors. It is suitable for immediate enjoyment or can be cellared for further development.