2007 Billecart Salmon Cuvee Elisabeth Rose

A Champagne of precision and class, the 2007 Brut Rosé Cuvée Elisabeth is light, airy and finely cut. The blend is 50% Pinot Noir from the Montagne de Reims and the Vallée de la Marne and 50% Chardonnay from the Côte des Blancs, with a touch of still Pinot from Mareuil-sur-Aÿ. Not surprisingly, the Chardonnay plays a significant role in shaping the wine’s personality and overall feel. Citrus, orchard fruit, crushed berry and floral notes are all nicely lifted. Partial malolactic fermentation keeps the flavors and textures vibrant. Dosage is 6 grams per liter. (Originally published in August 2020)

Aromas of red berries, orange rind, dried flowers, warm brioche and spices introduce the 2007 Brut Rosé Cuvée Elisabeth, one of the highlights of this tasting chez Billecart. It's full-bodied, broad and vinous, with an enveloping attack and a bright underlying spice of acidity, revealing plenty of chalky dry extract and concentration, concluding with a long and precise finish. Despite the style of the vintage and the fact that malolactic fermentation was largely blocked, this is quite a textural, powerful wine.

Beautifully toned red fruit with background mushroom and spice aromas, too. This is very fresh and gently complex. The palate has a vibrant array of zesty and succulent red berries and delivers an impressive, fluid and gently tart, strawberry finish. Drink or hold.