Freddy R. Troya

9.5

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

Vanessa

9.5

Prior notes continue to apply…

When we visited Billecart-Salmon in October of 2021, we received a tour of the stunning estate. Along the way, our guide, Jerome, paused near a traditional “Clos” (a single vineyard, enclosed by a wall) on the property. 

We could see a beautiful stone wall, surrounding a tiny 1 hectare parcel of “Clos Saint-Hilaire,” named after the Patron Saint & local church in Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, where Billecart-Salmon is located. 

Although we didn’t go into the Clos, we learned about how special this parcel is to the family; how it’s exclusively planted to Pinot Noir with vines dating back to 1964; how work in the vineyard is performed by hand and horse-drawn plows; how this parcel is farmed according to an age-old savoir-faire, adhering to principles of sustainable viticulture.

The wine is pale gold with a prominent bouquet of yellow apple, Anjou pear, raspberry, lemon curd, white peach, white blossom, desiccated white rose, wet stones, biscuit, brioche, almond paste, marzipan, crusty croissant, pie crust, toast, creamy texture and persistent, fine-beaded mousse and long elegant finish.

This is a 2005 “Blanc de Noirs” Champagne, comprised of 100% Pinot Noir, all coming from Le Clos Saint Hilaire, vinified entirely in oak casks to lend texture and body, and aged over 13 years sur lie prior to its recent release.  Due to the vineyard’s small size, production is very limited, and wine only produced in the best vintages.

Cheers to beautiful wines expressing a singularity of time and place!

Billecart-Salmon Le Clos Saint-Hilaire (2005).  — 2 months ago

with Deked1

Jeremy Shanker

Sommelier at RN74

9.2

On fire rn. Stellar bottle! — 6 days ago

Jeff Simpson

9.5

The platonic ideal of rose water and fruit. — 7 days ago

Jeffrey Woo

9.1

Light salmon hue. Aromas and flavors of apricot, bubblegum, cherry, grapefruit, lemon, saline, strawberry. Clean with a subtle, satisfyingly sweet finish on the palate. Balanced and drinking very well. 50% Hondarrabi Zuri, 50% Hondarrabi Beltza. — 21 days ago

Andrew McIntyre

9.4

Excellent! Not a big fan of their Rose but this I would immediately drink again! — 2 months ago

Lee Pitofsky

9.3

Not the biggest Billecart fan but this is drinking well. — 19 days ago

Andrew Cullimore

9.1

Quite light salmon pink , fine constant bubbles . Quite floral , rose , hibiscus , light strawberry , red currant and raspberry . On the palate this is balanced and elegant , strawberry , red currant , quite rounded with a touch of toasty brioche on the finish . Good slightly grippy acidity , medium length finish . Drink now and over the next couple of years. — 14 days ago

Neil Valenzuela

9.4

Deep gold, delicate bubbles. Aromas of bruised apples, hazelnut, brioche and lemon pith. Bright citrus, apple tart and lemon cream finish. Intense!


🏅94 Points - Wine Spectator
🏅93 Points - James Suckling — 2 months ago

Joe DAscoli

9.5

Paired perfectly with sockeye salmon and a summer dinner in the back deck.

Super smooth and some nice strawberry and floral flavors coming out. — 3 months ago