-
100
/ 100
Tyson Stelzer -
98
/ 100
Jeb Dunnuck -
97
/ 100
Decanter
Sparkling
Classification
Chardonnay / Pinot Noir
Variety
2008
Vintage
750ml (Bottle)
Bottle Size
France
Country
Champagne,
Region
13.5%
Alcohol %
Drink Now
Cellaring
Scores
100 / 100"Long have I anticipated Nicolas François Billecart 2008 and my first encounter came with Antoine in the dining room of the house in Mareuil-sur-Aÿ. I spent a full 20 minutes riveted by its evolution in the glass, moving me to tears. The profound precision and intricate, molecular detail that defines Billecart is transported to a higher level of fidelity in 2008, illuminating a brilliant display of fine chalk minerality of the highest proportions. A saline chalk core erupts from its depths, framing the most pure lemon fruit and strawberry hull; emphatically, unrelentingly and sublimely primary, without even the slightest movement toward evolution. In time, pinot steps forward in the most gloriously pure red cherry fruits. Even 17 months post-disgorgement, it is still intricately, tightly coiled, with an undeterred line and unrelenting persistence; a high-tensile spring of taut, pure energy that screams out for a lifetime to uncoil. This is an NFB with sixty years of glorious life stretching before it, and strictly must not to be approached for at least another decade yet."
- Tyson Stelzer
98 / 100
"…Full-bodied, it’s supple in texture, with a rounded mousse, and has a long-lasting, mouthwatering finish. Exceptionally well-balanced, it comes together seamlessly on the finish. This will be a wine to enjoy over the next three decades."
- Jeb Dunnuck
97 / 100
"On release this is reserved, taut and subtle, with sourdough, confit lemon and gentle blackberry Pinot fruit presented with daring dryness (just 2.9g/L residual sugar) and intensity. The texture surrounding the firm acidity is cool, clean and lightly creamy, the mousse beautifully delicate. Somewhat inscrutable and firm at the moment, this structured and lean Cuvée Nicolas François stands to gain considerable expressiveness with time under cork. Made from 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay from 83% grand cru vineyards. 17% oak-vinified with 150 months on lees, disgorged in summer 2022."
- Decanter
Tasting Notes
Family run since the 19th century, the Billecart Champagne house delivers large number of bottles which are always well made and of the highest quality.
This prestigious cuvée, created in 1964 as a homage to the founder of the Champagne house, is the result of an assembly which has remained unchanged since its creation. The vinification, partially in traditional barrels, asserts a well-rounded and generous character, favouring a subtle and natural elegance. Formulation: 83% grand crus and 17% premier crus; 60% pinot noir from the premier and grand crus of the Montagne de Reims and Grande Vallée de la Marne, 40% chardonnay from the Côte des Blancs; 17% vinified in oak barrels; aged 10 years on lees; 2.9g/L dosage; cork.
A beautiful golden yellow, glinting with bright sparkles. The glittering, crystalline appearance is set off by an eruption of finely chiselled bubbles. It combines all the richness of an aromatic curve, both complex and refreshing. Fine intense notes of orchard fruits, combined with the characters of 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 balance of a tension achieved by the fullness of the wine (fresh yellow raspberry, fresh quince, honey biscuits and lemon caviar) symbolised by the conduct of noble flavours (fresh fig, liquorice and pigeon heart tomato). A texture with a strong personality, with its limestone imprint and an incredible intensity, curbed by its fully integrated low dosage. The finish with a rare complexity develops towards notes of toasted bread and bergamot.
This impressive vintage with great depth, tense and mineral, characterised by an elegant vinosity, offers you all the distinction of a well-aged champagne. Served at cellar temperature (11°C to 12°C), this cuvée will bring out the flavours of an excellent sole in lemon butter or a delicious milk-fed veal chop with chanterelle mushrooms.
Tasting Profile
- Light
- Full
- Low Tannin
- Tannic
- Sweet
- Dry
- Low Acidity
- High Acidity