SKU: 210000016570
Billecart-Salmon Cuvee Nicolas Francois Billecart Brut 2008
- v96
$249.00
Category | Sparkling Wine |
Varietals | |
Brand | Billecart-Salmon |
Origin | France, Champagne, Vallée de la Marne |
Alcohol/vol | 12% |
Other vintages
This beautiful, delicate, and rich wine owes much of its character to the fact that it was fermented in conventional oak barrels. Brilliant golden hue that sparkles and shines. Finely carved bubbles erupt, accentuating the sparkling, crystalline appearance. The wine's evolution from fruity to floral (peaches in syrup, fine apple pie, and mountain butter) to fruity to floral (fresh fig, wild berry) to floral again achieves a harmonious tension. It has the depth of an aromatic curve that is both complex and invigorating. Orchard fruits with a lengthy, floral note (hawthorn) that bursts with intensity and evokes the flavor of stone fruits (Mirabelle plum and sweet cherry). All the sophistication of a mature Champagne is yours to enjoy in this tight and mineral vintage. The nuances of a Bresse roast chicken or a wonderful milk-fed veal chop with chanterelle mushrooms will shine through when paired with this cuvée and served at cellar temperature (11° to 12°).
Vinous
- v96
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 is 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.