x
  • Country ranking ?

    1 042
  • Producer ranking ?

    24
  • Decanting time

    30min
  • When to drink

    Now-2040
  • Food Pairing

    Grilled scallops, Toast Skagen & vol-au-vent

The Tb points given to this wine are the world’s most valid and most up-to-date evaluation of the quality of the wine. Tastingbook points are formed by the Tastingbook algorithm which takes into account the wine ratings of the world's best-known professional wine critics, wine ratings by thousands of tastingbook’s professionals and users, the generally recognised vintage quality and reputation of the vineyard and winery. Wine needs at least five professional ratings to get the Tb score. Tastingbook.com is the world's largest wine information service which is an unbiased, non-commercial and free for everyone.

Close

The Story

"In the 1950s my grandmother set aside this park-like space next to our house in Mareuil-sur-Aÿ with vines, flowers and fruit trees, for our enjoyment. Realising this outstanding terroir's potential, my family decided to plant the first Pinot Noir vines here in 1964. We tried using the Pinot Noir to make white wine in small Burgundy barrels: an outstanding champagne was about to be born. After several years of painstakingly tending the vines, ...

Close

Wine Information

In 2003 they only harvested 4,300 kg of grapes inside the clos, therefore the production was just above 2,700 bottles, which is far less than normally. Finally only 1,000 bottles were labelled under Le Clos Saint-Hilaire label while the rest were left for reserve wine. 

The champagne was aged 15 years on lees, and degorged in July 2019. The dosage was 3.5 g/L.

Close

Vintage 2003

A challenging vintage for Champagne in the face of an unprecedented heatwave during the summer months. The wines are characterised by the year's unusual circumstances. Large-scale frosts destroyed most of the projected yield and they were followed by hail and an extremely hot summer. Harvest was kick-started early on August 21st and yields remained minuscule at 8,100 kg/ha. Atypically round, ripe, sun-kissed wines that miss freshness and backb...

Close

Average Bottle Price

2020
320€

This data comes from the FINE Auction Index, a composite of average prices for wines sold at commercial auctions in 20 countries. The average prices from each year have been collected since 1990. This chart plots the index value of the average price of the wines.

Latest Pro-tasting notes

<10 tasting notes

Tasting note

Be the first one to make a 20s tasting note!

Written Notes

Smallest production at 1000 bottles. At the time, Matthieu thought he’d be downgrading 2003, the year of the heatwave, but the heat doesn’t show in the wine. Alcohol level at picking 11.1, dosage 3.5 g/l, disgorged July 2019. Concentrated, rich and intense with lovely toasty richness and some nutty characters, as well as dried herbs and a touch of honey. Lovely depth to the pear and peach fruit on the palate with some citrus brightness coupled with broad, rich flavours. Very expressive with some lovely depth and roundness, but with a spicy framing. 95/100

  • 95p

The 2003 Le Clos Saint-Hilaire is a tiny release of just 1,000 bottles. A Champagne of substance and power, the Clos Saint-Hilaire shows the exoticness of the warm vintage and yet has a good deal of supporting energy. I can't wait to see how it ages. The breadth and texture of Pinot come through so well. Dosage is 3.5 grams per liter.

  • 95p
Load more notes

Information

Origin

Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, Champagne

Grapes

100% Pinot Noir

Drinking temperature

7-9C

Other wines from this producer

Billecart-Salmon Brut Réserve

Blanc de Blancs Vintage

Cuvée Elisabeth Salmon Rosé

Cuvée Louis Salmon Blanc de Blancs

Cuvée N.F. Vinothèque

Cuvée Nicolas-François Billecart

Demi-Sec

Extra Brut

Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs

Grande Cuvée

Rosé

Rosé Millésime

Sous Bois

Vintage

Incorrect Information
If you found some information that is wrong, let us know
Are you sure you want do delete this wine? All information will be lost.
Are you sure you want to recommend this wine?
Are you sure you want hide this written note ?
Are you sure you want show this written note ?
UPGRADE MEMBER PLAN
Upgrade your membership now, it's quick and easy. We use PayPal, the world's largest payment system, it accepts all credit cards. Once you've chosen your membership level, you'll go directly to PayPal. You can cancel your membership at any time.
Thank you for your support!
 

Member

 

Pro Member

 

Winemerchant Member

 

Winery Member

 

User

 

Insight Member

 
Type a message ...
Register to Tastingbook
Sign up now, it's quick and easy.
We use PayPal, the world's largest payment system, it accepts all credit cards.
Once you've chosen your membership level, you'll go directly to PayPal, where you can sign up for a free 7-day trial period. You can cancel your membership at any time. We wish you a rewarding journey to the world of Fine Wines.

Free 7 days Member trial

 

Member

 

Pro Member

 

Winemerchant Member

 

Winery Member

 

Insight Member

  Register