Billecart-Salmon - 'Cuvee Elisabeth Salmon' Brut Rose Champagne 2012

The Cuvée Elisabeth Salmon 2012 vintage is the expression of the finest Pinot Noir and Chardonnay terroirs. It offers a unique and sensorial experience, the fruit of more than a decade of patience.

Its appearance is luminous, with soft, coppery shimmers and a sustained salmon pink hue. The nose has a refreshing sensorial experience of citrus peel and red berry jelly. With the exquisite sensation of a rich and complex aromatic generosity (Plougastel and Mara des Bois strawberries, pêche de vigne). Pretty, refined and mature olfactory notes that bring out the inimitable fragrances of sweet spices and wild raspberry pulp. On the palate has a measured strength which is delicate and charming at the same time, with the harmonious maturing of flavors (mandarin, blood orange, and Reinette apple tart). An ample and full character in the mouth unveiling a chalky edge and persistent finish of citron zest as well as red and white currants.

This great and highly refined wine presents its personality with wonderful delicacy of texture and flavor. The aromatic charm of a rare mineral aspect to pair with beautiful poulet de Bresse with crayfish or a few Breton langoustines royales.

"The 2012 Brut Rosé Cuvée Elizabeth Salmon offers up hints of red berry fruit, ginger, spice, rosewater, mint and crushed flowers. There is a feeling of classic austerity that runs through the 2012. I would prefer to cellar this for at least a few years, as it is quite reticent at this stage. Chalk, mint, white pepper and bright saline accents linger on the pointed finish. Dosage is 3.8 grams per liter. Disgorged: first trimester 2023." - 96 points, Antonio Galloni Vinous

"Elisabeth Salmon 2012 shows all the signs of being a true classic for Billecart-Salmon, beautifully balanced between the most alluring Pinot aromatics – black cherry juice, peach melba and fresh raspberry – and an engine of pure, persistent Chardonnay energy of bright clementine and zesty length, all lifted with subtle details of allspice, rose petal and nougat and delivered on an effortlessly silky mousse. Open for business, yet without the showiness that the wines of this vintage can sometimes display, it’s a rosé of assured refinement and quiet intensity that seems set for a long future. 55% Chardonnay from Chouilly, Avize, Cramant and Le Mesnil-sur-Oger with 45% Pinot Noir from Mareuil-sur-Aÿ and Ambonnay, with 8.3% red wine addition from Mareuil-sur-Aÿ. 2.9% fermented in barrel, and released after 115 months on lees with a dosage of 3.8g/L." - 95 points, Decanter

Producer: Billecart-Salmon

Country: France

Region: Champagne

Varietal: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir 

Appellation: Champagne

Vintage: 2012

Size: 750ml