New Release. Price £1,450.00 + FREE Mainland UK Delivery. Introduction: This unique wine celebrates 200 years of independence and family savoir-faire. 92% Pinot Noir, 4% Chardonnay and 4% Pinot Meunier with 50% of the wine vinified in oak casks. This blend of 8 Grands Crus from the Côte des Blancs and the Montagne de Reims is made from a selection of exceptional wines originating from 4 harvests (2000, 2003, 2008, 2012). Dosage is 4.5g/l. Tasting Notes: To the eye, hints of a pale gold intensity, wrapped up in a dazzling luminosity with golden yellow glints. Abundant and persistent delicate bubbles travel to the top of the glass in a controlled yet energetic manner. On the nose, a dignified and distinguished aromatic expression with a chiselled complexity of floral notes, orchard fruits and lightly roasted dried fruits (carnations, William pears and lightly grilled hazelnuts). A natural and vibrant brilliance nuanced toward fragrances of citrus zest (Australian finger limes and calamondin oranges). In the mouth, a tension which is both broad and dense at the same time with a texture which slowly reveals itself from under a mastered and exhilarating acidity. The palate environment offers a distinguished balance which is winey and almost saline, under the gustatory impact of an immaculate ageing (vine shoots and light tobacco). This different and special cuvée, under the intense dominance of the great Champenois Pinot Noir, will develop further depths of complexity as it blossoms over time. Serving: Serve at cellar temperature (11/12°) and pair with dishes of elegant garden vegetable ravioli or creamy celerisotto with sweet chestnuts from Cévennes. Background Information: Billecart-Salmon, a medium-size Champagne House in Mareuil-sur-Ay, was founded in 1818 by the original owners Nicolas Francois Billecart and Elisabeth Salmon who combined their names on marriage to create the brand. It is one of the few remaining Champagne houses to remain family owned. Most of Billecart-Salmon’s fruit comes from a small vineyard holding, though this is supplemented with grapes bought in from the Marne Valley and the Montagne de Reims. Meticulous production techniques, from the use of their own cultured yeast to its long, slow, cool fermentation, ensure that the family has 100% control of production. Billecart-Salmon is renowned for the quality of its delicate Rose, whilst the Brut Reserve (a blend of three vintages) is a beautifully harmonious and balanced wine. All have the ability to age very well. The Cuvee Nicolas-Francois Billecart 1959 won the title in the Champagne of the Millennium 1999, out of 150 of the finest 20th Century champagnes. A magnum of the winning champagne later sold for £3,300.