2008 Billecart-Salmon 'Cuvée Nicolas Francois' Brut Champagne
A beautiful golden yellow, glinting with bright sparkles, is set off by an eruption of finely chiseled bubbles. Both complex and refreshing on the nose with fine, intense notes of orchard fruits, combined with nuts and stone fruit (lightly roasted flaked almonds, frangipani, candied mandarin peel) and accentuated by the radiance of a floral persistence (acacia flower and rose petal). The fullness of the wine (fresh yellow raspberry, fresh quince, honey biscuits and lemon caviar) is symbolized by fresh fig, licorice and pigeon heart tomato. It has a texture with a strong personality, limestone and an incredible intensity curbed by its fully integrated low dosage. The finish develops towards notes of toasted bread and bergamot. This is an impressive vintage with great depth. Tense and mineral, it is characterized by an elegant vinosity and offers you all the distinction of a well-aged champagne.
The word "Billecart" holds a special place in the hearts of Champagne aficionados. Brought into the United States by an importer known for hand-selecting accounts, even being able to offer "Billy Bubbles" carries a certain badge of merit. But it's more than just the chase that makes Billecart special… what's in the bottle more than justifies the reputation of this Champagne house. Founded in 1818, and now under the seventh consecutive generation of family ownership and winemaking guidance, Billecart is known primarily for its elegance and balance (especially in rosé). The house style always includes a three-vintage blend with the cuvée built for consistency from release to release (the basic formula has remained unchanged since 1945). Utilizing mostly Grand Cru vineyards - largely centered around Épernay - and blending all three of the traditional Champagne grapes, the winemaking team has an enviable spice rack at their disposal. The result is a product which one notable colleague refers to as "lingerie for the mouth." In one of the world's truly unique wine regions, Billecart-Salmon continues to set itself apart.
James Suckling
Lovely precision and drive to this with aromas of lemon curd, brioche, praline, apricots, pomelos, mandarin zest and salted caramel. It’s held together by a sharp, citrusy backbone of acidity, balanced with a fine, silky mousse. Both structure and softness here. Citrus fruit brightness on a beautifully elegant and seamless finish. 60% pinot noir and 40% chardonnay. 150 months on lees. 2.9g/L dosage.
Wine Advocate
The 2008 Brut Cuvée Nicolas François was disgorged during the third quarter of 2022 with less than three grams per liter. It has a delicate, pure, clean bouquet with aromas of orchard fruits, spring flowers, honey and licorice, with hints of brioche and pastry with aeration. Medium to full-bodied, chiseled and crystalline, with racy acids and a chalky texture, the palate is tense and the finish is long, penetrating and salty. It exhibits perfect Billecart style, yet tension is present, a sign of the vintage. It is a blend of 60% Pinot Noir (sourced from Aÿ, Mareuil and Verzenay) and 40% Chardonnay from Mesnil, Chouilly and Cramant, and it matured 83% in tanks and 17% in old oak barrels.