Billecart-Salmon Champagne Le Rosé 2015

When Billecart decides to step outside their usual rhythm, we pay attention. Historically, the house has offered two pink bubbles: the iconic, reliable NV  and the rare, top-shelf Cuvée Elisabeth Salmon. But the 2015 ‘Le Rosé’ is a different beast entirely.

Think of this as a “declassified” Elisabeth Salmon. It’s only the second time in over 200 years that the house has bottled a straight vintage rosé, and the result is nothing short of spectacular. While the 2015 vintage was defined by heat and drought, Billecart managed to trap that intensity without losing an ounce of their signature airy grace.

A  blend of 52% Chardonnay and 48% Pinot Noir (mostly Grand Cru fruit), with a splash of still red wine from ancient vines in the Valofroy vineyard. It spent nearly nine years (100 months!) resting on the lees before disgorgement. That time in the cellar has rounded out the edges, trading the primary bounce of the NV for a deep, vinous complexity. Dosage (4.7g/L)