Domaine Bois Vieux
Billecart-Salmon
Brut Sous Bois Champagne Blend
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. — 25 days ago
Daniel-Etienne Defaix
Domaine du Vieux Château Vieilles Vignes Chablis Chardonnay 2010
Wow aged nicely. Minerals floral notes followed by firm biting texture laced with mature fruit notes and long finish. — a month ago
Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe
La Crau Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc Clairette Blend 2009
Sixteen-year south Rhône white with staying power. — 3 months ago
Vieux Château Palon
Montagne-St. Émilion Red Bordeaux Blend 2022
Deep ruby, medium opacity, full bodied black fruits and herbs, well balanced tannins and acidity — 5 days ago
Le Vieux Donjon
Châteauneuf-du-Pape Red Rhône Blend 2000
A little orange bricking on the edge, this lovely aromatic 25-year-old Chateauneuf seems mature and ready to drink, still shows lively acidity which nicely lifts the red fruited flavors, good weight, lingering finish, should pair beautifully with the bison ribeye I will soon be grilling!! — 25 days ago
Daniel-Etienne Defaix
Domaine du Vieux Chateau Vaillon Chablis 1er Cru Chardonnay 2007
Not as deliberately oxidative, but still too oxidative to be Chablis. — 4 months ago
"Odedi"
Dark ruby in color with a wide reddish rim, and medium plus intensity.
Pretty nose of raspberries, strawberries, light cedar, earth, herbs and chocolates.
Medium bodied with medium acidity.
Dry on the palate with raspberries, currants, plums, cooked cherries, spices, light oak, chocolates and peppercorn.
Long finish with round tannins and tangy cherries.
This young Grenache based blend from Châteauneuf-du-Pape needs a few years in the bottle to mature properly, but already enjoyable, even by itself.
This great 2022 vintage is starting to drink nicely now. Well structured and nicely balanced, with a great mouthfeel.
Will continue to age nicely in the next 20 years.
Elegant and robust. Rich and fruit forward. Tannic and tangy. Interesting stuff.
A blend of 65% Grenache, 25% Mourvedre, 5% Syrah and 5% of other local grapes. Aged in used French oak barrels.
15% alcohol by volume.
91 points.
$100. — 16 days ago