Billecart-Salmon Brut Cuvee Nicolas Francois 2008 (750ML)

98 JD / 97 JS / 97 WE / 96 VM / 96 WA / 95+ WI

Based on 60% Pinot Noir and the rest Chardonnay, with 17% raised in barrels, the 2008 Champagne Nicolas François spent more than 150 months on its lees, with 2.9 grams per liter dosage. It pours a rich straw hue and is layered and long with aromas of truffle, apricot, croissant, floral orange blossoms, and marmalade. 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. Disgorged in January of 2022. - AF, JebDunnuck

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. Drink or hold. - James Suckling

A blend of fruit from mainly Grand Cru vineyards, this beautiful Champagne is now fully mature. With toasty characters, touches of fresher fruit and taut acidity, the wine has a little spice from wood fermentation. It is a great Champagne ready to drink. — Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast

The 2008 Brut Cuvée Nicolas François Billecart is an electric, nervy Champagne that very much reflects the style of the year. Crushed rocks, mint, spice, dried herbs, hazelnut, lemon peel and marzipan are all beautifully laced together. The 2008 is just entering its first plateau of maturity, making it a fine choice for drinking now and over the next two decades, possibly more. The blend id 60% Pinot Noir (from Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, Ambonnay, Bouzy, Verzy and Verzenay) and 40% Chardonnay (from Mesnil, Chouilly and Cramant). It's a terrific effort, although I must add that a recent visit made it pretty clear that even better things lie ahead. Dosage is 4 grams per liter. -- Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media

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. - YC, Wine Advocate

The Nicolas Francois 2008 Brut is a 69% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay predominantly from Grand Cru vineyards with 17% sourced from Premier Cru parcels. Cold fermented in stainless steel with 17% of the cuvée vinified in oak, it was cellared for prolonged aging sur latte and finished Extra Brut with a 2.9 grams per liter dosage. Bursting from the glass with crisp aromas of ripe yellow apple, lemon tart, cold butter on fresh brioche and flower honey plus airy notes of crushed oyster shell and verbena, the medium-bodied palate has palpable energy with a dynamic acid line carrying lithe and ethereal notes of stone fruit and chalk to a wonderfully balanced and refreshing finish. A classic, fresh Billecart style that should continue to age beautifully for 15+ years. Disgorged in the third quarter of 2022. Lot: L84307 - Sarah Mayo, Wine Independent