The great house of Billecart-Salmon is a family-run empire that has survived and thrived for seven generations, over two centuries, in the heart of Mareuil-sur-Aÿ. They own 100 hectares of their own grapes and contract out with some of Champagne’s greatest growers for another 300 hectares – all spread across sites throughout the Champagne region. Their vintage cuvees get the choice picks of the top lots – mostly Grand Cru and Premier Cru fruit from the Montagne de Reims, Côte des Blancs, and Vallée de la Marne.

The 2013 cuvee is based on 62% pinot noir, 24% chardonnay, and 14% pinot meunier – with 85% of the fruit hailing from Grand Cru and Premier Cru parcels. The wine has developed incredible complexity over the 89 months spent aging on the lees, and a deft 3 grams per liter dosage has amplified this pristine offering impressively. The freshness and linear minerality of the 2013 are evident here – and make this a prime candidate for added development over the next decade. The wine opens toasty and powerful, with an iron ore aroma, and crushed rock intensity. In the mouth, cherries, raspberries, and myriad orchard fruits wash over the tongue, revealing layer after layer of intensely powerful fruit, harnessed by equally impressive acidity and structure. 

This lingers on the palate like a $200+ bottle of Napa cab, and will likely age for every bit as long. It’s all class and pedigree – and worthy of the designation as one of the greatest Vintage Extra Bruts in Billecart Salmon’s illustrious history. This wine just pumps on all levels! Ok, you know you want it…but are you fast enough? To the fastest fingers go the spoils today!