1996 Billecart-Salmon Brut Rosé Cuvée Elisabeth Salmon

The exquisite, well-made 1996 vintage Champagne is a backward, long-term proposition that remains 1-2 years away from its apogee. The 1996 Cuvee Elizabeth Salmon Rose reveals a light pink hue as well as vivid strawberry, raspberry, and berry fruit with hints of smoke, crushed rocks, and even a touch of rhubarb in the background. Boldly-flavored, with crisp acidity, with most of its character at the back of the mouth, this is a brilliant, medium to full-bodied vintage rose to drink over the 10+ years. Importer: Robert Chadderdon Selections, New York, NY; tel. (212) 332-4999. Reviewed by RMP

The exquisite, well-made 1996 vintage Champagne is a backward, long-term proposition that remains 1-2 years away from its apogee. The 1996 Cuvee Elizabeth Salmon Rose reveals a light pink hue as well as vivid strawberry, raspberry, and berry fruit with hints of smoke, crushed rocks, and even a touch of rhubarb in the background. Boldly-flavored, with crisp acidity, with most of its character at the back of the mouth, this is a brilliant, medium to full-bodied vintage rose to drink over the 10+ years. Dec 2005, www.robertparker.com