2009 Billecart Salmon Cuvee Louis Blanc de Blancs
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Tasting notes
In pursuit of freshness, the 2009 Brut Blanc de Blancs Louis Salmon was vinified entirely in stainless steel, with malolactic fermentation largely blocked. Disgorged in June 2022 with a dosage of 3.8 grams per liter, it rises from the glass with aromas of orange, dried flowers and pastry, mingled with hints of licorice. On the palate, it is medium- to full-bodied, fleshy and textural, with a rich core of fruit structured around racy acidity, culminating in a long, lemon-inflected finish. Heavily based on Cramant and complemented by fruit from Le Mesnil-sur-Oger and Chouilly, it derives from an early September harvest.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2009 Brut Blancs de Blancs Louis Salmon is a rich, heady wine. In 2009, Billecart-Salmon opted not to use lots aged in oak, which, along with partially blocked malolactic fermentation, helps explain the wine's freshness and verve. Lemon peel, white flowers, white pepper and chalk are all beautifully delineated. There's gorgeous density and power here, along with a good bit of vintage 2009 radiance. What a gorgeous Champagne this is. The Louis Salmon is a blend from Mesnil-sur-Oger, Chouilly and Cramant. Dosage is 3.75 grams per liter. Disgorged: second trimester 2022.
100% Chardonnay from grands crus of the Côtes des Blancs: 21% Chouilly, 58% Cramant, 21% Mesnil-sur-Oger. Dosage 3.75 g/l. Partial malo. 100% vinification in tank before 144 months' ageing on lees. This is certainly not austere but there's not much sign of the richness of the vintage either. This is still extraordinarily taut for a 14-year-old wine. Dense and set for the long term. Very tightly wound – so don't serve this too cold. It deserves to unwind a bit and show its nuance and lacy delicacy – it should to be left to open out in the glass. Admirably persistent. (JR)
Disgorged during the second quarter of 2022 with a dosage of 3.75 grams per liter, the 2009 Brut Blanc de Blancs Cuvée Louis Salmon reveals aromas of pear, lemon oil, mandarin oil, white pepper, pastry and almonds. Medium to full-bodied, chiseled and long, it has a crystalline yet vinous texture with a fresh, salty finish. It is a quintessential representation of Billecart's style, characterized by racy acids and a lively palate. It derives from Chardonnay grapes sourced from the villages of Mesnil-sur-Oger, Chouilly and Cramant and was aged exclusively in steel tanks.
About the producer
Founded in 1818, Billecart-Salmon is one of the region's oldest continuously family-owned Champagne houses and has a fine reputation for crafting exceptionally elegant and pure Champagne wines.
Product details
12.5%
Blanc de Blancs