Billecart Salmon: Champagne Cuvée Nicolas Francois Grand Cru Brut 2012

Begrænset

: Pinot Noir 60%, Chardonnay 40%

: hvid, tør; Fermentering på flaske; Perling; 12,5% Vol.; Drikkemoden: 2028–2052

: mineralsk; fyldig og rund; eksotisk & aromatisk

: Lobenberg: 97–98+/100; Parker: 96/100; Decanter: 95/100; Galloni: 95/100; Jeb Dunnuck: 95/100

: Frankrig, Champagne, Vallée de la Marne

: Allergener: Sulfitter,

Tapperi / Importør: Champagne Billecart-Salmon, 40 Rue Carnot, 51160 Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, FRANKREICH

Hele 150 måneder på gæren og derefter degorgeret med mindre end 4 g/l dosage - det er et statement for en årgang fra en af de største årgange i Champagne. Cuvée Nicolas Francois er Billecart-Salmons prestigecuvée, som er en hyldest til Grüner. Den er blevet produceret siden 1964 og er en af de store klassikere i Champagne. Den kombinerer de bedste Pinot Noir-druer fra Montagne de Reims og Chardonnay fra Cote des Blancs. Nogle af basisvinene modnes altid på træfade for at give cuvéen en unik smag. Et utroligt tryk på næsen med mandarin, varm brioche, honning, let lakrids og fin karamel. Et fyrværkeri af smagsoplevelser skyder gennem næse og mund, så glat og tæt, noget mere cremet og smidig end forgængeren fra den ekstreme 2008. Grandios citrusfriskhed fejer hen over ganen, derefter masser af sød kalksten. En vanvittig champagne! Langsomt drikkelig frem mod midten af 2026, men denne vin har masser af tid. Servér den ikke for koldt, og brug de størst mulige vinglas for at opleve denne påfuglehale af en champagne fuldt ud. Degorgeret i midten af 2025 med mindre end 4 g/l dosering.

Parker om: Champagne Cuvée Nicolas Francois Grand Cru Brut

Billecart-Salmon’s 2012 Nicolas François marks the first release since 2008 and stands as another success. The fundamentals remain unchanged: settling and fermentation at low temperatures, a small proportion vinified in oak barrels and partial malolactic fermentation (20% was blocked in 2012). This vintage was characterized by a prolonged flowering period, significant rainfall and mildew pressure, resulting in a small crop. The harvest of fruit, which contributed to this cuvée, took place between September 17 and 22. "It was crucial to select only the ripest fruit, as maturation varied significantly between plots," explains Billecart’s head winemaker, Florent Nys. But what of the wine itself? Disgorged in May 2023 with a dosage of 3.8 grams per liter, it exudes aromas of candied lemon, honeysuckle and ripe peach, mingling with nuances of beeswax and orange zest. On the palate, it is full-bodied, ample and enveloping, boasting a layered, concentrated core, a chalky structure and mouthwatering acidity, despite the warm vintage. It concludes with a persistent, saline finish, hinting at the savory complexity that has emerged with such notable bottle age. Compared to the 2008, which remains tightly coiled, the 2012 is broader-shouldered and more demonstrative.

Decanter om: Champagne Cuvée Nicolas Francois Grand Cru Brut

After the taut 2008 – a wine that leant heavily on the austerity of the year – the 2012 Nicolas François maintains an admirably frank and fat-free take on this intensely ripe, bright and concentrated vintage, further intensified by the recent move to lower dosage at the house. With its aromas of raspberry, pear and candied orange, the maturity of the year is certainly evident, although the wine carries a real squeeze of dried lemon-like maturing Chardonnay, feeling tight and racy right through to the close. Already showing some nutty maturity and brown pastry richness, it's a cuvée which has proven itself to age with aplomb over the last two decades. With a slightly finer natural balance and harmony than the 2008, the 2012 looks well set.

Galloni om: Champagne Cuvée Nicolas Francois Grand Cru Brut

The 2012 Brut Cuvée Nicolas François Billecart shows all the natural radiance of the year. There's gorgeous resonance and texture here. Apricot, spice, tangerine oil and lightly honeyed notes infuse the palate with notable depth and persistence. This rich, expansive Champage has a ton to offer. This release was disgorged nearly two years ago, which also adds to its complexity. Dosage is 3.8 grams per liter. Disgorged: May 2023.

Jeb Dunnuck om: Champagne Cuvée Nicolas Francois Grand Cru Brut

A blend of 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay, the 2012 Champagne Nicolas François was aged in mostly stainless steel, with 10% in oak barrels, and was disgorged after a lengthy period on lees in March 2024. Rich and toasty, it’s brothy and lush with notes of baked apricot, preserved citrus, black cherry, and ample spice. Fleshy and full-bodied, it is ample in concentration, with a frothy mousse and a lasting, structured finish. Disgorged in April 2023 with 3.8 grams per liter dosage. Drink 2025-2040.

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