Champagne Louis Salmon Brut Blanc de Blancs 2008 (Autographed)

Winery Background

Billecart-Salmon, founded in 1818, is a prestigious Champagne house, renowned for its focus on finesse and balance in its wines. The Louis Salmon Blanc de Blancs is a tribute to one of the founding family members, Louis Salmon, and focuses exclusively on Chardonnay from Grand Cru vineyards.

Producer

Billecart-Salmon is based in Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, in the Champagne region, and is known for its meticulous blending and long aging processes, which give its wines their signature refinement and complexity.

Vineyard

The 2008 Louis Salmon Blanc de Blancs is made from 100% Chardonnay sourced from four Grand Cru vineyards in the Côte des Blancs: Chouilly (40%), Cramant (33%), Mesnil-sur-Oger (20%), and Avize (7%). These sites contribute to the wine’s precision and minerality  .

The Wine

This Champagne is a Brut Blanc de Blancs (100% Chardonnay), a style known for its freshness and elegance. The 2008 vintage has been particularly praised for its clarity and aging potential, showcasing the best of the Chardonnay grape.

Vintage

The 2008 vintage is considered one of the best in recent Champagne history, characterized by a long growing season, cool conditions, and a late harvest. This allowed the grapes to retain high acidity while developing intense flavors, giving the wine both freshness and complexity  .

Vinification and Aging

The wine underwent partial malolactic fermentation, with one-third of it fermented in oak barrels. It spent 11 years on lees, which contributes to its creamy texture and depth. The wine was disgorged in 2021 with a dosage of 7 g/l  .

Grapes

• 100% Chardonnay

Tasting Notes

• Appearance: Pale gold with a fine mousse.

• Nose: Aromas of lemon zest, white flowers, brioche, and hazelnut, with hints of minerality.

• Palate: Fresh and elegant, with flavors of green apple, pear, almond, and a touch of toasty brioche. The wine has a long, mineral-driven finish with brisk acidity  .

Food and Wine Pairing

This Champagne pairs excellently with:

• Oysters and other shellfish

• Seared scallops

• White truffle dishes

• Light fish and poultry  .

Service

Serve chilled at 8-10°C (46-50°F) in a large glass to allow the wine’s complexity to shine.

Storage

With proper storage, this vintage has significant aging potential, capable of developing further complexity for another 20-30 years .

Scores

• Decanter: 98 points

• James Suckling: 96 points

• Robert Parker (Wine Advocate): 96 points  .

This vintage is highly regarded for its balance of freshness and complexity, making it a prime choice for both immediate enjoyment and long-term cellaring.