Quite a nice #englishsparklingwine featuring the classic #chardonnay #pinotnoir and #pinotmeunier blend. Evolved balance between a racy lemony-style and a richer yeasty and brioche cuvée. Lovely 🍾 but for the same price seems like there are so many equally good if not better choices across the English Channel in Champagne.
— 2 months ago
There is a vibrancy you noticed right away with a fine bead of bubbles. It is quite youthful and a few years of aging will help the wine meld together a bit better. Drink it now if you need to as it won’t disappoint. — 9 days ago
The platonic ideal of rose water and fruit. — 11 days ago
Beautiful #andersonvalley #sparkling wine that punches a good deal higher than its price class. Apple, lemon, touch of toast towards the finish - the $60 bottle price at a casually upscale restaurant in Frisco / Plano represents great QPR. — 4 months ago
Champagne Billecart-Salmon Brut Sous Bois NV
Champagne, France 🇫🇷
Overview
This distinguished cuvée from the esteemed family-run house (est. 1818) earns its name “Sous Bois” (“under wood”) by being fully vinified and aged in oak barrels. The blend features ~34% Chardonnay, 33% Pinot Noir, and 33% Pinot Meunier—a balanced trio that brings both richness and finesse. The oak elevates its texture, resulting in a strikingly layered and structured Champagne that’s a step above the usual non-vintage Brut. 
Aromas & Flavors
Lively orchard fruit like pear, green apple, and citrus mingle with decadent notes of brioche, roasted nuts, vanilla, and a tertiary spice layer from the oak. A mineral undertone provides brightness underneath the creamy, toasty character.  
Mouthfeel
Full-bodied yet refined, with a fine and lingering mousse. The palate feels velvety and textured, balanced by bright acidity and a satisfying, mineral-driven finish.  
Winemaking Notes
Fermentation and aging are conducted entirely in oak barrels at cool temperatures. A portion of the wine includes reserve wines, which contribute depth and consistency. Lees aging ranges from 6 to 7 years. No malolactic fermentation in most lots, preserving freshness and clarity.   
Food Pairing
A versatile and luxurious Champagne—ideal with roasted poultry, creamy shellfish dishes (think lobster or scallops), and earthy mushroom preparations. Works elegantly as both an aperitif and a gastronomic accompaniment.
Verdict
Champagne Billecart-Salmon Brut Sous Bois NV is a masterclass in barrel-fermented Champagne. It blends textural richness with precision and finesse—bold yet balanced, complex yet harmonious. A standout choice when you want something unforgettable and elegant. — a month ago
Adam Baker
Surprisingly good. Very drinkable. — 12 days ago