Billecart Salmon “250th Anniversary” 2018

As I reflect on my time in France, Champagne is definitely on my mind. Today I'm pleased to offer a special cuvée from Billecart-Salmon: the "250th Anniversary" Extra Brut 2018.

This is a special release marking the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence of the United States, as well as the 200th anniversary of the House. The United States has always been one of the House's most significant export markets, and Billecart wanted to celebrate with this special bottling. It just so happens that 2018 is one of those exceptional vintages.

The wine is crafted from 100% Grand Cru and Premier Cru fruit — 65% Pinot Noir (Montagne de Reims) and 35% Chardonnay (Côte des Blancs). Three percent of the cuvée was aged in oak, with the remainder in stainless steel. It spent 63 months aging sur latte and was finished as an Extra Brut with 4.9g/L dosage.

The Pinot Noir shows beautifully on the nose, with hints of red and blue fruits as well as violets. This is a subtle, refined wine that reveals its true class on the palate — a powerful, energetic mid-palate gives way to a chalky, beautifully structured finish that is pure and precise. What I love most is that the wine shows real power with no heaviness whatsoever. The Chardonnay lends that finely chiseled structure.

Available in both 750ml and a limited number of magnums — and we all know how much better Champagne drinks from magnum. In stock April 15. Order yours today!