1998 Billecart-Salmon, Cuvée Elisabeth Salmon Rosé

"Billecart is well known for their Rosés with the Cuvée Elisabeth, right at the top of the tree. An equal blend of Pinot - Chardonnay, with 10% red wine added by assemblage, this has a beautiful copper-pink hue and an attractive nose which marries hazelnut, red berries and spice. The palate is a equally enigmatic, both delicate and ripe, with a lively mousse yet a harmonious richness, persistent and deeply satisfying. 1998 is being compared to 1995, more approachable and balanced at the moment than 1995, with better acidity and depth of flavour than 1999 and 1997. This wine is a worth benchmark of both the vintage and the burgeoning deluxe Rosé category." Simon Field, MW (BBR Buye