Zachary Heller

8.9

Nose: gold apple, lemon, white flowers, limestone, chalk,

Pallet: tart gold apple, granny smith, ripe quince, lime, limestone

Medium plus acid, medium alcohol, medium body — 13 hours ago

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. — a month ago

Lyle Fass

Founder Fass Selections

9.8

Stunning as usual. Nose is dense almost like a pastry aromatic texture if that makes sense. Gorgeous green apple and some pear and huge minerals but you smell the opulence of 2022. Lots of brown sugar as well. Rich, energetic and just full of fruit. Huge fruit which is just brilliant here. So complex and concentrated with the fruit veering more towards fruit skin. Exquisite balance and drop dead purity. Wow this is clean. Stunning inner mouth aromas. Chewy and dense unreal depth. Finish leans saline and the juiciness keeps pumping the fruit skin, little bit of fruit flesh and unreal length that also has tiny accents of spice. Brilliant. What a finish. Lingers like a bad zit. I love 22, has all the opulence, but also all the minerality and all the energy. Brilliant. Ah wow, after 6+ hours open this is a delight. It’s so filigreed and elegant with sweet minerals and so much juiciness backed by the most unreal precision ever. — 3 months ago

Bob McDonald

9.1

Pale lemon in colour. Creamy and mealy on the palate. More citrus than stone fruit. M plus intensity on Medium bodied palate. A great effort for a village white burgundy. Adjacent to the Hill of Corton with many of its attributes. Points off for a ridiculously heavy bottle - seems to be PYCM Policy. — 23 days ago

Lyle Fass

Founder Fass Selections

9.6

This is a superstar wine in 22 and now 23. They also could not be more different. Stunning nose of ripe mid to late season cherry and a hit of kirsch. Stunning fruit clarity. Gorgeous stoniness and elegant herbs. Terrific tiny berry fruit intensity. Elite finesse and shows the silkiness of this brilliant site. The tannins are stoney and big but ripe and sweet. This doesn’t have the decadence of the 2022. Great freshness and has that chord progression fruit that is a signature of 2023. Unreal silkiness. Gorgeous wine but will be better with a few more hours of air. Oh it’s getting opulent like this site does and wow the energy is off the charts. Tannins melting into fruit. After 5-6 hours this is just insane. The energy of 23 and the opulence of 22. Genius!
— 2 months ago

Wilf Gobert

8.9

Viking cruise wine tasting. Some thought it wasn’t as creamy as expected. I find it smooth and subtle. — 2 months ago

Sébastien F

9.3

̂Nez gourmand avec de très discrètes notes oxydatives sur la pomme, citron notes beurrées et herbacées.
Grande fraicheur en bouche.
Top — 9 days ago

GaryWEdwards

9.4

Nice floral complimented with lemon zest and firm acidity. Characteristics improved as we enjoyed the bottle through dinner, indicating it’s still a bit young and not quite ready for prime time. — 19 days ago

Diane Heyboer

8.9

Really enjoyed this one. Some raspberry and cherry and a hint of apricot and watermelon. Floral on the nose and a hint near the finish. Would buy this one again. — a month ago

with Matthew, Ethan and 2 others

Jol

9.0

Anne boisson très valable — 4 months ago