Tastings, winery:
40 Rue Carnot, Aÿ-Champagne, Grand Est, FranceExperimental phase: initial rating derived from official awards and critic reviews
Falstaff - 99
Cuvée Louis Blanc de Blancs 1988 is a Champagne of remarkable classicism and longevity, perfectly capturing the essence of the legendary 1988 vintage. Crafted exclusively from 100% Chardonnay grapes sourced from the most prestigious Grand Cru vineyards of the Côte des Blancs, this cuvée is a tribute to Louis Salmon – a visionary winemaker and the brother of Elisabeth Salmon, co-founder of the Billecart-Salmon House.
In the glass, this Blanc de Blancs shines with a luminous golden hue and fine, persistent bubbles. On the nose, it reveals a complex bouquet of candied mandarin, limoncello, and ripe pear, enhanced by a delicate chalky character that brings clarity and elegance.
The palate is creamy and refined, with precise minerality and layers of lemon zest, almond biscuit, and white pepper, leading to a long, expressive, and aromatically memorable finish. With an exceptional balance of maturity and freshness, this cuvée pairs beautifully with delicate dishes such as veal sweetbreads in cream sauce or seafood risotto.