Bright, Complex Oak-Aged Chardonnay Champagne
This vintage further evidences the excellence of Billion's offerings, and, perhaps, tastes the most like his neighbor Champagne Salon. It is both yeasty/toasty and bright like Salon, however a little different in that the wine is aged in oak and released a bit sooner. The 1995 is the best vintage in two decades along with 1985 and 1990. The this vintage is, perhaps, closer in flavor to the 1985, in that the grapes still had quite a bit of acidity (which helped contribute to their longevity). The color is a very pale yellow, with yeasty toasted brioche aromas and flavors, while the complexity of oak aging adds a touch of vanilla and richness. Bubbles are small and produce a creamy mousse. The characteristic roasted hazelnut is quite restrained now, but should be more expansive with another year or two of bottle age.While many prefer this wine with additional bottle age, this is already a magnificent Grand Cru Champagne with a very complex and rich character well-balanced by exquisite acidity. Another top-notch Mesnil from Billion!