H. Billiot 'Cuvée Julie' Brut

91

2020-04-30

Derived entirely from the 2010 vintage, the latest rendition of the NV Brut Cuvée Julie was disgorged in October 2017 with six grams per liter dosage. Offering up aromas of macadamia nuts, crisp yellow orchard fruit and white flowers, it's medium to full-bodied, tight-knit and muscular, with a deep and introverted core, racy acids and a saline finish. This is quite a youthfully firm rendition of this cuvée, and another year in bottle should see it relax appreciably.

92

2013-12-20

(75% pinot noir and 25% chardonnay from Ambonnay): Light, bright pink. Spicy, floral aromas of red berries, white peach, honey and toasted bread. Juicy, penetrating red berry and citrus fruit flavors show impressive clarity and pick up a mineral quality with air. Notes of candied rose and orange zest carry through a long, sappy, perfumed finish.

92

2020-11-18

Apricot, peach, nutmeg, anise and spice notes flesh out in the NV Brut Cuvée Julie Grand Cru. Vinification in oak shapes the wine noticeably, especially in its sense of volume and pure texture. Still, all the elements are in the right place. There is plenty of vintage 2006 power and personality, but it is impossible to wonder what the Cuvée Julie might be like with a bit of a lighter hand in the cellar with respect to cooperage. Layers of fruit continue to blossom as this expressive Champagne opens up further with air. Cuvée Julie is equal parts Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, all vintage 2006, aged in a combination of neutral and new oak. This bottle was disgorged in May 2013.