Billecart Salmon 2012 Cuvee Louis Blanc de Blancs Champagne

Tasted from Jeroboam and Regular sized bottle, April 2024 in San Francisco. This is a blend of Chardonnay from Le Mesil Sur Oger, Chouilly, Oiry, and Cramant. It was raised mostly in Stainless Steel with 25% being raised in oak. After its very long elevage it was disgorged a year ago with a dosage of precisely 3.9 grams per liter. The nose of the Jeroboam opens with a cut and delineated style with aromas of lemon zest, chalk, white flowers, nectarine and a light almondine. On the palate there is a tremendous sense of tightly wound flavors with mixed spices, lemon and white fleshed stone fruits, floral and chalk notes. More generous from a standard sized bottle, this is a Champagne that, while excellent right now, will be extraordinary in a handful of years for those willing to wait. D&M Tasting Notes

"The 2012 Brut Blancs de Blancs Louis Salmon is a gorgeous Champagne. Lemon confit, spice, baked apple tart, chamomile and dried flowers are all nicely amplified. The 2012 was done 75% in tank and 25% in oak, with most of the lots undergoing malolactic fermentation. There's a feeling of reserve in the 2012 that is quite appealing. This edition is terrific, but it also needs time to be at its best. I would be in no rush to open this. Low yields and a year beset by frost, hail, heavy rain, mildew and sunburn at various times produced a rich champagne. The blend of sites in Mesnil-sur-Oger, Chouilly, Cramant and Oiry works so well. Dosage is 3.9 grams per liter. 97 PointsVinous, March 2024