Freddy R. Troya

9.5

Champagne Billecart-Salmon Brut Sous Bois NV
Champagne, France 🇫🇷

Overview
This distinguished cuvée from the esteemed family-run house (est. 1818) earns its name “Sous Bois” (“under wood”) by being fully vinified and aged in oak barrels. The blend features ~34% Chardonnay, 33% Pinot Noir, and 33% Pinot Meunier—a balanced trio that brings both richness and finesse. The oak elevates its texture, resulting in a strikingly layered and structured Champagne that’s a step above the usual non-vintage Brut. 

Aromas & Flavors
Lively orchard fruit like pear, green apple, and citrus mingle with decadent notes of brioche, roasted nuts, vanilla, and a tertiary spice layer from the oak. A mineral undertone provides brightness underneath the creamy, toasty character.  

Mouthfeel
Full-bodied yet refined, with a fine and lingering mousse. The palate feels velvety and textured, balanced by bright acidity and a satisfying, mineral-driven finish.  

Winemaking Notes
Fermentation and aging are conducted entirely in oak barrels at cool temperatures. A portion of the wine includes reserve wines, which contribute depth and consistency. Lees aging ranges from 6 to 7 years. No malolactic fermentation in most lots, preserving freshness and clarity.   

Food Pairing
A versatile and luxurious Champagne—ideal with roasted poultry, creamy shellfish dishes (think lobster or scallops), and earthy mushroom preparations. Works elegantly as both an aperitif and a gastronomic accompaniment.

Verdict
Champagne Billecart-Salmon Brut Sous Bois NV is a masterclass in barrel-fermented Champagne. It blends textural richness with precision and finesse—bold yet balanced, complex yet harmonious. A standout choice when you want something unforgettable and elegant. — 18 days ago

Sagee Aran

9.1

A Golden Chardonnay. Oak noticed, full body with apple strudel notes. — 7 months ago

Spencer Dodd

9.0

A solid budget “Beauj”. This actually tastes like terroir and you can tell the winemaker is trying to not get too involved in the cellar unlike last nights moulin a vent. A lightness and tartness that is quite fun raspberry notes of fruit and a lot of acidity lead to a good drinking wine. Perhaps cherry notes in the middle? The finish isn’t huge but it does linger after swallowing. Actually the nose is quite pretty. Lilac notes? A flower. Highly recommended. The light tartness on the finish might a little much for some people. Maybe air will mellow it. Will buy again.
Edit: after 20 or 30 min of air the tart end integrates and the wine smoothed even more out. This probably deserves a higher rating than 9. Highly recommended — 2 years ago

"Odedi"

9.1

Dark ruby in color with a wide reddish rim, and medium plus intensity.

Pretty nose of raspberries, strawberries, light cedar, earth, herbs and chocolates.

Medium bodied with medium acidity.

Dry on the palate with raspberries, currants, plums, cooked cherries, spices, light oak, chocolates and peppercorn.

Long finish with round tannins and tangy cherries.

This young Grenache based blend from Châteauneuf-du-Pape needs a few years in the bottle to mature properly, but already enjoyable, even by itself.

This great 2022 vintage is starting to drink nicely now. Well structured and nicely balanced, with a great mouthfeel.

Will continue to age nicely in the next 20 years.

Elegant and robust. Rich and fruit forward. Tannic and tangy. Interesting stuff.

A blend of 65% Grenache, 25% Mourvedre, 5% Syrah and 5% of other local grapes. Aged in used French oak barrels.

15% alcohol by volume.

91 points.

$100. — 8 days ago

romo

9.3

En Mag. Resolved and balanced with a quiet confidence. — a month ago

Jeremy Shanker

Sommelier at RN74

9.3

Overperformed expectations. Fresh and full of life still. Best Matrot red I’ve ever had. — 10 months ago

romo

9.0

Not bad for a CdP blanc, which is still not that good. — 6 days ago

romo

9.1

Focus on the finish, inverse of CdP. — 6 days ago

"Odedi"

9.0

Dark ruby in color with a wide reddish rim.

Nice nose and medium plus in body with medium acidity.

Showing red fruits with light oak, licorice and chocolate notes.

Nice length on the finish with round tannins and tangy cherries.

This is a very tasty 5 year old GSM blend from Lirac. Nicely balanced and elegant, with mild complexity. The high alcohol is well integrated by now.

Easy drinking and good by itself as a sipping wine.

A blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre. Aged in concrete tanks and 15% large French oak barrels.

15.5% alcohol by volume.

90 points.

$35. — 5 months ago

Conrad Green

9.2

Light oyster shells, lime, limestone, salinity. Light and pretty and long — 3 years ago

with Gregg