The Champagnes of Henri Billiot in Ambonnay are dominated by their high Pinot Noir content and impress by their filigreed, precise fruit and astonishing depth. The wines of Billiot do not undergo malolactic fermentation (dosage is between 7 and 9 gr/L) and are therefore always very fresh and insanely beautiful, yet age magnificiently. Already the Brut Réserve offers an excellent introduction into the house style though the sweet spot in terms of price/quality ratio lies perhaps in their vintage cuvee (current vintage is 2005). the best Champagne of Billiot is, however, the Cuvée Laetitia, a Chardonnay-based blend where parts are contributed by a solera blend that includes up to 20 back vintages. A finesse-styled Champagne at the highest level that can easily compete with the prestige cuvées from the large Champagne houses...