Billecart Salmon Clos Saint-Hilaire Blanc de Noirs 2006

2006, another year of anguish.

The winter was cold and long, even prolonged by a few spring frosts.

A rainy spring which at least had the merit of replenishing the soil with water, as summer set in violently from July onwards.

First with hailstorms that caused considerable damage in places.

Then with a Brutale heatwave that lasted until August.

This was followed by a new period of rain, and it was once again the month of September, warm and Sec, that saved the vintage.

An abundant year that enabled the winegrowers to sort on the vine and thus make some very fine wines.

This cuvée Blanc de noirs, made exclusively from Pinot Noir grapes, is named after the patron saint of the village of Mareuil-sur-Aÿ.

It's also a clos, i.e. a plot of land in one piece, enclosed by a fence (here a wall) and featuring a complete on-site winemaking facility.

The grapes from these one-hectare old vines (60 years old) are vinified in barrels and then aged on fine lees for 13 years.

After disgorging a very light dosage of 2g/L is carried out.

La robe is a deep golden yellow and the bubbles, though graceful, seem softened by time.

The nose is carried on warm notes of hazelnuts, Secs cookies and white pepper, racy and noble at the same time.

The mouth, rich and full of flavors, is a true concentration of ripe fruits, pear in syrup, candied greengage, tangerine pulp, panettone confits ... lifted by a mineral and deliciously chalky finish.

This bewitchingly charming mono cru has all the qualities of a great wine.

In its company a simple turbo sauvage olive oil a la plancha could be your lunch of the year.