Champagne Billecart-Salmon, Les Rendez-Vous, No. 2, Extra Brut

A ‘small’ bottling that was initially designed as an experiment, not to be sold. Edition No. 2 is a 100% Pinot Noir (No. 1 was a 100% Meunier), of which 78% is wine from 2014 and the balance from 2012 and almost entirely from Ambonnay and Verzenay. Vinified in stainless steel with over five years on the lees and 2 g/l residual sugarBeautiful nose of ripe red apples and raw cashew nuts – stunning. The palate is fine, rich and supple with a mineral streak – a lovely streak of acidity and a chalky finish. Elegant and very fine and long. Still tightly coiled and expressive – lean, dry and overridingly attractively chalky – a floral tinge towards the finish.Drink 2021 - 2035Alistair Cooper MW, JancisRobinson.com (December 2021)

This is 100% Pinot Noir from the villages of Ambonnay and Verzenay in the Montagne de Reims from the 2014 vintage, with 22% of reserve wine from the 2012 vintage. Vinified entirely in stainless steel tanks. With a slight hint of butter, the bouquet appears fresh and pastry. With time, aromas of dried herbs, violet, citrus, pear and peach emerge from the glass. It has a very chalky palate with bright acidity, a chalky finish and a perfectly balanced structure. Not powerful, but layered and elegant. Perfect as an aperitif. Dosage: 2g/L.Drink 2022 - 2024Yohan Castaing, Decanter.com (December 2021)

This has a deep, attractive nose of baked apples, spiced pears, plums, chamomile, pomelo peel and pastries. Hints of anise and walnuts. It’s medium-to full-bodied with vibrant acidity and a soft mousse. Caressing and round, yet delicate. Very fresh and pure fruit with subtly bitter cocoa and anise character at the end. 100% pinot noir. 78% base wine from 2014, with reserve wines from 2012. 2g/L dosage. Six years on lees, disgorged December 2020. Drink nowjames_suckling, jamessuckling_com (July 2022)

Disgorged with two grams per litre dosage in December 2020, the NV Extra-Brut Les Rendez-Vous de Billecart-Salmon No. 2 is based on the 2014 vintage, complemented by some 22% reserve wines from 2012, all vinified in stainless steel. Offering up aromas of citrus oil and crisp green orchard fruit, it’s medium-bodied, bright and chiseled, with a pure core of fruit, tangy acids and a delicately chalky finish.Drink 2021 - 2030William Kelley, Wine Advocate (January 2022)