2013 Billecart-Salmon "Cuvée Elisabeth Salmon" Extra Brut Rosé Champagne

My goodness, what an absolute treat. I'm not typically someone who likes surprises, but if more surprises were like this, I would probably be much more amenable. This is the latest vintage release the Cuvee Elizabeth, and why oh my this is just all kinds of wonderful. The nose is just shining with these really pretty hints of rose, and this super pure Alpine Strawberry note, then there's a little bit of red apple skin, and this little touch of lemon oil on the finish all with this kind of slightly toasted brioche note wafting through the whole bouquet. The palate is so crisp and refreshing, with this kind of hidden juiciness that pops in on the mid palate and works through the finish. There's a touch of blood orange, lemon peel, green apple, more brioche, and a lingering mineral finish really pushes it over the edge. This is one of the best Champagnes I've tasted this year, absolutely outstanding and worth every penny. I might have this one for my birthday that's coming up, it really tickled a lot of the right places for me.