Blend: 60% Pinot Noir, 40% Chardonnay
97 Points James Suckling
This complex Champagne has delicious aromas of waffle cones, vanilla beans, apricots and pastry with touches of white chocolate and salted caramel. It’s electric on the palate, which is creamy yet structured and focused, with a fine bead of bubbles and a zesty, tangy backbone of acidity. Long and tense finish. 60% pinot noir and 40% chardonnay (all premier and grand cru), 10% of wines are vinified in oak casks. 10 years on lees. 3.8 g/L dosage.
96 Points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
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. This vintage was characterized by a prolonged flowering period, significant rainfall and mildew pressure, resulting in a small crop. 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
95 Points Vinous
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...The significant increase in quality at Billecart-Salmon is no longer news, but it’s still worth mentioning. Quite simply, the Champagnes here have never been better.
Winemaker Notes
A beautiful golden-yellow hue adorned with bright, patinated gold reflections. The glittering, crystalline appearance is complemented by a rise of finely chiselled bubbles. The intensity and richness of the fruit are complemented by a mineral complexity and enchanting aromas of maturity. Fine, intense notes of orchard fruits, combined with the characteristics of stone fruits and nuts (slightly roasted sliced almonds, Lorraine mirabelles and juicy clementine flesh), all accentuated by the lingering perfume of woodland flowers (acacia and hawthorn). The balance of a tension, enveloped by the wine’s fullness (honeyed biscuits and lemon pulp), and symbolized by noble and pastry flavors (pear clafoutis, Bourbon vanilla, and lime leaf). A texture with a strong personality, with its limestone imprint and an incredible intensity, curbed by its fully integrated low dosage. The elegant finish evolves into notes of cigar boxes and sweet spices (cinnamon and white pepper).
Exceptional vintage with a flavourful, long finish, offering a unique and generous gustatory experience. This cuvée conveys the finesse of Billecart-Salmon’s signature champagne styles with significant ageing potential. Served at cellar temperature, the cuvée will bring out the round flavors of sole in lemon butter or a milk-fed veal chop with chanterelle mushrooms.
