Henri Billiot, 'Cuvee Laetitia' Ambonnay Grand Cru Brut, Champagne, France, NV

Overview of the Wine
Billiot is the fourth generation to estate bottle Champagnes at this Domaine in the Grand Cru Village of Ambonnay. Her Great Grandfather Louis Billiot bottled small amounts of Champagne, but it was his son and Laetitia’s Grandfather Henri that created this estate today. Laetitia’s father Serge took over in 1954 quickly establishing himself as a top producer, producing a range of wines from his Grand Cru holdings in Ambonnay. Today, Laetitia continues the tradition, working 5 hectares in Ambonnay. Of the 18 parcels that Billiot works, all but one of them are mid slope, in the most desirable sections of this famous village. “Billiot’s wines are packed with plenty of flavor, yet at their best, they combine their depth with a rare elegance and harmony that sets them apart from many of their peers.”

Grape / Blend
Chardonnay, Pinot Noir

Origin
Champagne, France

Winemaker's Tasting Notes
The NV Brut Cuvée Laetitia is terrific, especially in the way it balances energy with the richness of Ambonnay. The addition of reserve wines back to 1983 adds considerable nuance and complexity. Lemon oil, white flowers, mint, crushed rocks and a whole range of Chardonnay inflections add brightness to a core of Pinot fruit. This is a fabulous edition of the Laetitia.

94 Points - Vinous
The NV Brut Cuvée Laetitia is terrific, especially in the way it balances energy with the richness of Ambonnay. The addition of reserve wines back to 1983 adds considerable nuance and complexity. Lemon oil, white flowers, mint, crushed rocks and a whole range of Chardonnay inflections add brightness to a core of Pinot fruit. The are some rough edges, but also enough personality to look past them. This is a fabulous edition of the Laetitia. Disgorged: December 6, 2018.

93 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Disgorged in July 2018, the latest rendition of the NV Brut Cuvée Laetitia is based on the 2013 vintage blended with a perpetual reserve that dates back to 1983. Offering up aromas of burnished orchard fruit, toasted walnuts and citrus rind, it's medium to full-bodied, fleshy and sapid, with ripe but racy acids and a tangy, saline finish.

Product size: 750ml