2008 Billecart Salmon Elisabeth Salmon Brut Rose Champagne (Rose)

2008 Billecart Salmon Elisabeth Salmon Brut Rose

98 JS

Featured Review

This is very vinous with aromas of iron, strawberries, old roses and geraniums. So aromatic. Full-bodied, really intense and layered with super dryness and depth. Lots of saline and spicy character at the end, such as clove and pepper, as well as hints of flowers and melted butter. Strawberry tart at the end. 17% in aged oak casks. Blend of 55% pinot noir from six villages (Mareuil sur Ay, Ay, Bouzy, Ambonnay, Verzenay and Verzy) and 45% chardonnay from three Grand Crus (Mesnil sur Oger, Cramant and Chouilly). 9% of the blend is red wine from a parcel in the village of Mareuil sur Ay. Bottled June 2009 and disgorged July 2019. Drink or hold. James Suckling

James Suckling | 98 JS

The 2008 Brut Rosé Cuvée Elisabeth Salmon explodes from the glass with a mesmerizing array of aromas, flavors and textures. Blood orange, cinnamon, mint and dried flowers. The 2008 is incredibly young, but it is also incredibly tempting. Patience will be rewarded. In the meantime, readers might enjoy adding a few bottles of the stellar 2007 to their cellars, as the nervy, taut 2008 needs time. The 2008 is 55% Pinot Noir (from Aÿ, Verzy, Verzenay and Mareuil) and 45% Chardonnay (from Chouilly, Avize and Cramant), with 9% still wine from Mareuil. It is the first vintage that includes a portion of wines (17%) done in barrel and the first vintage in which the magnums were aged on the cork rather than on crown seal. Dosage is 7 grams per liter.

Antonio Galloni | 97+ AG

Disgorged with seven grams per liter dosage, the 2008 Brut Rosé Cuvée Elisabeth Salmon is one of the finest wines I've tasted from Billecart in recent years. Unwinding in the glass with aromas of peach, mandarin oil, warm bread, red berries and petals, it's full-bodied, deep and vinous, with lovely mid-palate amplitude, terrific concentration and bright girdling acids. In what is quite a tightly wound vintage and from a house whose style is rather understated, this is a dramatic, fleshy wine that concludes with a long, flavorful finish.

Robert Parker Wine Advocate | 97+ RP

<p>Ripe berries on the nose with red apple, peach and tangerine notes over hazelnut and pastry nuances. Fresh and compact on the palate with zesty acidity, showing finesse. Nominated by Charlotte Hale.</p> (Drink between 2022-2045)

Decanter | 97 DEC

Although a small part of this Champagne was vinified in wood, it is the rich fruit that shows the wine's quality. Touches of toast indicate the approach of maturity, and the wine is now perfectly poised and ready to drink.

Wine Enthusiast | 96 WE

This crackles with acidity, a fine china-like frame for the ripe and aromatic nectarine and raspberry fruit flavors on display in this expressive sparkling rosé. Hints of red licorice, tar-tinged smoke, star anise and orange peel accent the rich fruit profile, riding the chalky mousse and lingering on the mouthwatering finish. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Disgorged July 2019. Drink now through 2030.

Wine Spectator | 94 WS

Type of Wine	Champagne (Rose) : After the surge of popularity in the '90s, wine lovers around the world just can't get enough of Champagne Rose. Infused with the vibrant essence of Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, and Chardonnay, these wines will take you to the stars. They're confident, delicious, and intellectually stimulating - everything one could wish for.
Varietal	Proprietary Blend : Proprietary Blend is a general term used to indicate that a wine is comprised of multiple grape varietals which are either “proprietary” to the winery or is blended and does not meet the required maximum or minimum percentage of a particular varietal. This also is the case for the grape’s place of origin, especially for region, appellation or vineyard designated wines. There are endless examples of blended wines which are labeled as “Proprietary Blend” and in conjunction with each region’s stipulated wine laws and regulations makes for a vast blanket for wines to fall into. Perhaps the simplest example is California; if a wine is to be labeled as Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, it is required to have at least 75% of the varietal (Cabernet Sauvignon) and 85% of the fruit must be cultivated from the Napa Valley wine district. If the wine does not meet the requirements, it is then labeled as Proprietary Blend.
Country	France : Wine is the lifeblood that courses through the country of France, pulsing with vigorous pride and determination. Viticulture is not just a hobby or an occupation in France; it is a passion, a cherished tradition that has been passed down through generations of wine stained hands. Winemaking is a beloved art that has been ingrained in the culture, an aptitude instilled in sons by fathers and the hallmark for which France’s reputation was built, allowing it to be renowned as, arguably, the most important wine producing country in the world. For centuries, France has been producing wines of superior quality and in much greater quantity than any other country in the world. It boasts some of the most impressive wine regions, coveted vineyards and prestigious wines on earth. The regions of Bordeaux, Burgundy, Rhone, Sauternes and Champagne have become the benchmark, for which others aspire to become. Legendary producers such as Chateaux Margaux, Domaine De La Romanee Conti, Chapoutier, d’Yquem and Dom Perignon are idolized world-wide. France has stamped its name on nearly every style of wine, from the nectar-like sweet Sauternes to hedonistic Chateauneuf Du Papes classic Bordeaux and Burgundy, to its sparkling dominance in Champagne. Many of the most infamous grape varietals in the world, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay originated in France and are not only beloved, but utilized in the creation of some of the greatest wines on earth. French wine production commands the attention of the wine market year after year. With over 860,000 hectares under vine, and numbers close to 50 million hectoliters of wine produced annually, France dominates the market and sets the standard for not only product quality, but also quantity. France’s many contributions to the world of wine have been absolutely indispensable. The country is the originator of the term “Premier Cru,” coined the term Terroir (a French term so complex there is no literal translation) and has laid the blueprint for a structured appellation system, which others have implemented in their own countries. French vineyard techniques and winemaking practices are mimicked world-wide. California vintners have been replicating Rhone style wines for decades, South America has adopted the French varietal of Malbec and countries around the world are imitating Burgundian styled Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. With vast diversity in terroir, France is home to some of the most hospitable winegrowing locations on earth. The combination of topography, geology, climate, rainfall and even the amount of sunlight combined with the long historical tradition of winegrowing and making, has allowed the vintners of France to not only hone their skills, but learn from nature to create a product that like the world in which it resides… is very much alive.
Region	Champagne : The sharp, biting acidity, cutting through the richness; the explosive force that shatters the bubbles as they rise to the surface; the intense flavor and compelling, lively mouthfeel; these are all hallmarks of a good Champagne. Most wines are made from a combination of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier, but there are pure-Chardonnay variants and ones that blend only Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. As a result, most wines come with a feeling of familiarity, if not nostalgia. Each Champagne house has its own unique style, so different bottles of Champagne may not resemble each other outside of the core varietal strengths. The soil composition of the subregion is characterized by belemnite and chalk, which lets it absorb heat during the daytime and release it at night. This terroir helps create the feeling of airy, playful lightness of fine sparkling wine. These wines were originally marketed towards royalty, and you can feel a hint of that elusive blue-blood elegance and confidence while drinking one. A good Champagne carries you away like a hurricane carries small debris, and you can feel the powerful life force in each bubble even. The characteristic Champagne "pop" has become a staple at parties and celebrations around the globe - when you hear it, good times are right around the corner.

Producer	Billecart-Salmon : For over two centuries, the luxury Champagne house of Billecart-Salmon has passionately followed its family motto, “Give priority to quality, and strive for excellence.” This was the axiom set forth by Nicolas Francois Billecart and Elisabeth Salmon, who founded the house in 1818. As it appears, the successful family business has continued to perpetuate its legacy, achieving high international acclaim; their wines enjoyed in homes and top restaurants around the world, their flag-ship Brut Rose considered the benchmark and a bottle from the past, given the distinct honor of being named “Champagne of the Millennium.” Today, Billecart-Salmon is one of the most admired Champagne brands in the world; its label a symbol of excellence. The house remains a family love affair as the seventh generation now contributes to the success and legacy of the family name. In a region where tradition is followed unfailingly, Billecart-Salmon has been daringly innovative, embracing modern technology when it serves to further improve the quality and efficient production of their wines. The house has successfully developed a reputation for its unusual, yet inventive vinification practice called “double cold settling.” A method that has both set the house apart and increased quality. The gentle and timely process ensures purity of fruit prior to fermentation, bringing forth finesse, balance and elegance – the hallmark qualities of Billecart-Salmon. Since its inception over 200 years ago, Billecart-Salmon has striven for excellence, overcoming adversities (phylloxera and World Wars) improvising vinification methods to increase quality and helping to alter the face of rose Champagne. Upon the union of Nicolas Francois Billecart and Elisabeth Salmon (both members of families who owned vineyards around Mareuil-sur-AY) the couple founded the house and began producing and selling their own wines (a practice that was uncommon at the time, as most growers sold their grapes in bulk to negociants). Louis Salmon, Elisabeth’s brother and passionate oenologist, joined the estate and dedicated himself to winemaking. Nicolas Francois oversaw all operations and commercial activity. After several generations of familial inheritance, Billecart-Salmon would land in the hands of Charles Roland-Billecart, who assumed control of an estate ravaged by phylloxera and World War I. He found an empty house, scarce stocks and a looming financial crisis. With the reputation of the house at stake, he implemented the restructuring of the vineyards and the improvement of cellar conditions. After years of reconstruction, his efforts had returned the house to fine standing, increased product quality and returned the house to sales of more than 200,000 bottles per year in the mid-1930s. His eldest son, Jean, introduced to Champagne the technique of “cold settling” (as aforementioned) in the late 1950s, which revitalized the brand, introducing to the world a Champagne that possessed extraordinary finesse and elegance, thus becoming the hallmark of Billecart-Salmon Champagnes. The brilliance and ingenuity of the Billecart-Salmon family once again introduced another “innovation” in Champagne by giving new dignity to rose Champagne, which until then was considered of second class. Jean Roland-Billecart created Brut Rose, a Champagne very elegant in color and taste (due to its unusually high percentage of Chardonnay – 50%) that has since become the house’s flagship cuvee. This trailblazing effort not only brought the house high prestige, but also helped the world reimagine rose Champagne. In 1993, Jean’s eldest son, Francois, embarked up a radical change; buying back the Champagne stocks from supermarkets to reposition the brand and concentrate the distribution toward independent retailers and fine dining establishments. In 1999, a monumental achievement befell the house of Billecart-Salmon when a bottle of 1959 Cuvee Nicolas Francois Billecart was elected “Champagne of the Millennium”. The event took place in Stockholm over a three-day tasting, conducted by a jury of international experts who met to judge which Champagne would win the supreme title. It was attended by the most prestigious houses in Champagne, including Louis Roederer, Dom Perignon, Krug, and Salon. The house’s second entry, 1961 Cuvee Nicolas Francois Billecart was subsequently awarded second place. Since 2000, the house has invested heavily in prestigious parcels throughout Champagne in order to obtain the finest grapes, constructed a new oak winery (with the reintroduction of vinification in barrels) and has had continuous and flawless transition between family members who have participated in the long-term success of Billecart-Salmon, and share the same maxim, “Give priority to quality, strive for excellence.” Based in Mareuil-sur-AY (Vallee de la Marne Sub-Region) the stunning and idyllic family home of Billecart-Salmon rests in the heart of the majestic vineyards of Champagne. Traditional Champenois varietals are cultivated from 100 hectares of estate lands (within a 20km radius of Epernay) and also supplement these yields with purchased grapes from top vineyard sites, totaling 300 hectares cultivated across 40 Crus of the Champagne region. The Grand Crus of Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay are carefully tended in the ethereal vineyards of the Montagne de Reims, the Vallee de la Marne and the Cote des Blancs winegrowing districts. The estate also owns a single hectare in one of the few enclosed parcels of Champagne, planted to Pinot Noir at the foot of the Mareuil-sur-AY hill, used to produce a special cuvee named after it. Billecart-Salmon’s tremendous collection of Champagnes is highlighted by Brut Rose, the wine that changed the landscape of rose in the region, sparking a trend that has become overwhelmingly popular. The portfolio also includes, Brut Reserve, Brut Nature, Brut Sous Bois, Demi-Sec, No1 Meunier Extra Brut, No2 Pinot Noir Extra Brut, No3 Meunier Extra Brut, Cuvee Louis Salmon, (tribute to Louis Salmon) the highly esteemed, rare and complex Le Clos Saint-Hilaire, and numerous vintage Champagnes including Nicolas Francois Billecart 2002, Elisabeth Salmon 2006, and Vintage 2006 Extra Brut. Each cuvee speaks of the exceptional individuality of the region’s terroir. Collectively, the Champagnes of Billecart-Salmon account for 1.75 million bottles on the world market each year. The house enjoys a major presence at the top of the market in each category, particularly their flagship.

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2008 Billecart Salmon Elisabeth Salmon Brut Rose

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