Champagne Billecart-Salmon is an independent and family-owned champagne house situated in the charming village of Mareuil-sur-Ay in the heart of Champagne. It was founded in 1818 after the marriage of Nicolas Francois Billecart and Elisabeth Salmon.

Since then, for almost 200 years, every member of the Billecart family has continued to stand by their oath of giving priority to quality and striving for excellence. Today, the 6th generation is represented by Francois and Antoine Roland-Billecart, who lead this independent house with the support of their father, Jean Roland-Billecart. The firm owns 74 acres of its own vines and purchases grapes from growers comprising another 346 acres. Ninety percent of the fruit for Billecart comes from 40 crus within a 20-mile radius of Epernay.

The Billecart portfolio includes the Brut Reserve, Brut Rose, Extra Brut, Demi-Sec, Brut Sous Bois, Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru, Cuvée Nicolas François Billecart, and the ultimate expression for the House, the vintage Le Clos Saint Hilaire, a blanc de noirs Champagne sourced from a tiny plot planted in 1964.

The winery employs sustainable viticulture practices, without the use of pesticides and herbicides, and the wines are aged in oak in Billecart's limestone cellars.

This magnificent wine is none other than the 9998 Billecart-Salmon Le Rendez-Vous Meunier Extra Brut N°3. Hailing from the prestigious Champagne region of France, this white wine is crafted exclusively from the Pinot Meunier varietal, showcasing the unique characteristics of this grape.

In appearance, this wine captivates with its radiant white color, inviting you to explore its depths. The cork closure ensures a sense of tradition and elegance, further enhancing the overall experience.

On the nose, the 9998 Billecart-Salmon Le Rendez-Vous Meunier Extra Brut N°3 reveals a delicate yet complex bouquet. A symphony of aromas unfolds, featuring notes of chopped apples, apricots, raspberries, grapefruit, salted almonds, and praline. This captivating ensemble is further enhanced by undertones of five spice, adding a touch of intrigue to the olfactory journey.

Upon tasting, this wine showcases its true character. The palate is greeted with a lovely freshness, accompanied by salty and zesty undertones that invigorate the senses. Its medium-bodied nature is complemented by vibrant acidity, harmoniously balanced with a gentle mousse. The overall experience is one of understated elegance, as a soft yet tangy energy dances on the tongue.

The 9998 Billecart-Salmon Le Rendez-Vous Meunier Extra Brut N°3 has received high praise from renowned critics. Vinous awarded it an impressive score of 92 points, noting its bold and savory nature. The reviewer describes it as being done in a richer, more vinous style than most of the house's other Champagnes, showcasing flavors of apricot, dried herbs, chamomile, sage, mint, tangerine peel, and floral-infused honey.

James Suckling also gave this wine a score of 92 points, praising its delicate nose and vibrant acidity. The reviewer highlights the medium-bodied structure and the soft yet tangy energy that captivates the palate. With 70% base wine from 2015 and 30% reserve wine from 2013, this wine has spent an impressive 64 months on lees, resulting in a truly remarkable drinking experience.

With its exquisite craftsmanship and exceptional flavor profile, the 9998 Billecart-Salmon Le Rendez-Vous Meunier Extra Brut N°3 is a wine that demands attention. It is a testament to the expertise and dedication of Billecart-Salmon, a producer renowned for their commitment to excellence. Whether enjoyed now or in the years to come, this wine promises to deliver an unforgettable tasting experience.