Billecart-Salmon Le Clos St Hilaire 2009

Noah Williams — Stunning but hard to justify the price

8/10

Tried this at a wine dinner event and it's genuinely brilliant — perfectly balanced, bone dry acidity, gorgeous fruit. But £525 is a LOT of money. I've had champagnes at half the price that got me 80% of the way there. If someone else is buying though, say yes immediately.

Ryan Mitchell — This is what the fuss is about

9/10

I've been slowly working my way through the big champagne houses and Billecart-Salmon Le Clos St Hilaire is right up there. The 2009 vintage has this confident maturity to it — everything is perfectly in place from the second you pour. The acidity is precise without being sharp and the finish just lingers beautifully. Treat yourself if you can.

Hannah Brooks — Beautiful champagne, brutal price tag

7/10

Saw this on the list at a fancy restaurant and split it with friends. It's elegant and structured with great acidity that keeps it fresh and lively. But at this price point I wanted to be completely blown away and I was only mostly blown away. A very good champagne that costs like a great one.