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Founded in 1818 by Nicolas Francois Billecart and his spouse Elizabeth Salmon in Mareuil-sur-Ay, this is one of the few houses that have remained in the same family. Seven generations on, the house is led by the very talented Francois Roland-Billecart. They espouse three principal aims are finesse, balance and elegance and the Brut rose is testament to this. Pale salmon pink in colour, the nose shows lifted red fruits and fresh pear. The Pinot has given structure to the blend while the Chardonnay has given a wonderful elegance and delicacy. A blend of 40% chardonnay, 20% Pinot Meunier, and 40% Pinot Noir. Of the Pinot component 8% is still wine from the family vineyards in Mareuil.

It begins first with the aromas of fresh red fruits (strawberry, raspberry, cherry) combined with citrus fruit fragrances (grapefruit) that match perfectly with the lightly spiced notes of cinnamon and vanilla revealed once allowed to breathe. Finally, dried fruit and brioche notes delicately add to the richness and complexity of its aromas. Full-bodied, structured and energetic palate. A perfect reflection of the nose, its minerality reveals generous red fruit aromas from the Pinot Noir (Morello cherry) combined with notes of slightly candied citrus fruit from the Chardonnay. Hints of sweet pastries point to the wine's long and slow maturation on lees. Lastly, marrying with the juicy freshness of the fruit, the power of the tannins is perfectly balanced, leading to a delicate and silky finish of surprising length, simply gorgeous.

Pommery Blue Sky - another way to think Champagne! The fruit of a new Pommery experience with a traditional blend. A Champagne that opens up towards a happy moment. An intense savour which will surprise first of all through its richness before freeing an invigorating freshness. At first we perceive notes of dry figs and dried almonds. Then we find touches of almond paste, millefeuille, marshmallow and honey. All these flavours blend with simplicity and elegance with lemony and dried orange notes and several hints of spices.A Champagne designed to pour in a large glass and over ice (+/_ 5 ice cubes). To be enjoyed on its own or perfectly paired with dessert.

The Vintage Brut is white gold in colour with a fine sparkle. The nose displays both mineral and chalky notes giving way to elegant grapefruit and white fruit aromas. On the palate it is lively, the wine has depth with a persistent freshness and notes of bitter orange and lemon on the finish.

Bollinger B13 Champagne Bollinger has also released an iconoclast. B13. An extremely limited wine crafted across five indomitable Crus, half of which is equal parts Äy and Verzenay. The wine is a testimony to the frigid nature of the 2013 vintage and the late harvest that was necessitated through the eye of a needle marked by sleet, snow and frost. It was this slim window of opportunity that Bollinger perceived as one of marginality; extremes and the sort of challenges that demand courage. For it is these qualities that define the worlds very greatest wines. Aged for more than seven years on lees, bolstered by old reserve wines aged in magnums and the signature skilled oak handling, this is a one-off prestige cuvée in every sense of the term. Power, precision and immense potential, all signatures. Jangly stone fruits and a smoky, pungent mineral underbelly. Richard Juhlin, the worlds pre-eminent commentator on the region opines that it is precisely the symphonic harmony that impresses most, before suggesting that the wine needs time in the cellar. Essie Avellan MW calls it my favourite of Bollinger Limited Editions so far! The Champagne received 95 points from each.

PEHU SIMONET Face Nord Millesime Grand Cru, Champagne