BILLECART-SALMON Brut 'Le Reserve' NV HALF

Description

IN BRIEF
Billecart-Salmon NV Brut Le Réserve is an exceptional Champagne that beautifully embodies the house’s commitment to quality, passed down through generations since its founding in 1818. This wine primarily consists of Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier, resulting in a lively, elegantly textured profile with a long finish. Rated 95 points by Decanter, it showcases a fine straw-gold hue and enticing aromas of apple blossom and ripe pear, promising excellent aging potential. James Suckling praises it with 93 points for its lovely notes of raspberries, gingerbread, and honey, complemented by soft, creamy bubbles. Vinous rates it 92 points, highlighting its pliant, creamy texture and complex flavours of dried pear and hazelnut, making it a delightful choice for any occasion.

ABOUT THE WINE

DECANTER 95 points
Tasted by: Michael Edwards
(at London, 07 Feb 2017)
A fine straw-gold colour with great finesse of bubble flow and mousse. Joyful aromas of apple blossom and ripe pear. A full, defined palate demonstrates richness that will help to give this a long life in the cellar.

JAMES SUCKLING 93 points
Lovely aromas of raspberries, gingerbread, toast and honey on the nose. I like the generosity and concentration of flavor on the palate, with a medium body and soft, creamy bubbles. Long finish. 43% meunier, 29% chardonnay and 28% pinot noir, with over 50% reserve wines. Blend of 15 vintages, with percentages based on the 2020 vintage, back to 2006. Delicious now.
Claire Nesbitt

VINOUS 92 points
Drinking Window 2025 - 2032
From: 2025 Champagne: New Releases (Updated Nov 2025) (Apr 2025)
The NV Brut Le Réserve (base 2020) is the first edition of the former Brut Réserve in its new incarnation, with the greater focus that is such a central part of the Billecart approach these days. Pliant, creamy and seductive, Le Réserve is terrific. Dried pear, hazelnut, spice, orange peel and dried flowers all meld together in an effortless, gracious Champagne that is all class. Dosage is 3 grams per liter. Disgorged: First Quarter 2024. - By Antonio Galloni on April 2025

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ABOUT THE PRODUCER
Billecart-Salmon is a prestigious Champagne house established in 1818, located in Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, France. Founded by Nicolas-François Billecart and his wife Elisabeth Salmon, the estate has remained family-owned for generations, preserving its heritage and commitment to quality over the centuries.

Renowned for producing exceptional Champagnes, Billecart-Salmon focuses on crafting elegant, expressive wines that highlight the unique characteristics of the Champagne terroir. The house is famous for its meticulously crafted cuvées, which include the iconic **Brut Réserve**, the exquisite **Cuvée Nicolas François Billecart**, and the delicate **Brut Rosé**. Each bottle is a testament to the artistry of the winemaking process, emphasizing precision and balance.

Billecart-Salmon employs traditional methods, such as using only the first pressing of grapes, a high proportion of Chardonnay in their blends, and aging their wines in the estate's ancient cellars. The result is Champagnes characterized by fine bubbles, bright acidity, and a complex array of flavors, from ripe fruits to floral and toasty notes.

The winery’s dedication to quality and innovation has garnered numerous accolades and high ratings from critics, making Billecart-Salmon a sought-after choice among Champagne enthusiasts and collectors. Known for its elegance and refinement, Billecart-Salmon continues to stand as a pillar of excellence in the world of fine Champagne.