Billecart-Salmon Brut Champagne Cuvée Nicolas François 2002

99 points Tyson Stelzer (The Champagne Guide): "(disgorged in 2012; 60% Montagne de Reims pinot noir, 40% Côte des Blancs chardonnay; 18% barrel-fermented in old oak casks; partial malolactic fermentation; 4g/L dosage)... Even at 13 years of age it upholds brilliant primary definition of icy lemon citrus, with only subtle graceful evolution of nougat and butter, promising decades of potential yet. As always, the greatness of Billecart is proclaimed not by impact or power, but by slowly rising complexity and profound chalk mineral presence. Its cascade of minerality is very fine, to the point of silkiness, yet simultaneously poised and confident. Delightful poise and intricate craftsmanship proclaim one of the great Billecarts of the modern era, a champagne with many characters and subplots to reveal, to be enjoyed slowly in the presence of the most intimate company--and ideally not for at least another decade... (2016-2017)"

98 points Michael Edwards (The World of Fine Wine): "(A classic NF Vintage assemblage: 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay from the house's greatest parcels on the Montagne de Reims and Côte des Blancs, 20% vinified in oak barrels; dosage 4g/l). Still very youthful, stunning yellow-gold. Lace-like mousse and fabulous texture. At 16 years of age, this outstanding Vintage can still be drunk with pleasure on its primary fruit but is likely to become legendary in its second and third life. Pinot sings, with touches of honey and friandise. Very long, seemingly eternal life, to 2030 and beyond. (Issue #64; 2019)"

98 points James Suckling: "Very impressive depth and detail here. The freshness is staggering. Citrus and grilled-hazelnut aromas lead to a palate that has a very concentrated, slightly creamy and taut feel. Super long and dense with lemon curd, white peaches and a toasty build to the finish. Superb! Drink or hold. (9/3/19)"

98 points Peter Moser (Falstaff) (11/24/17).

97 points William Kelley (Wine Advocate): "The 2002 Brut Cuvée Nicolas François was disgorged in January 2015 with four grams per liter dosage, and it's showing superbly, wafting from the glass with a complex bouquet that mingles confit citrus, peach and dried papaya with nuances of iodine, brioche and honeycomb. On the palate, it's full-bodied, broad and vinous, with a rich and layered core that's underpinned by serious structure and tension, concluding with a long and precise finish. This is one of the finest wines Billecart has released in the last decade, and it is well worth seeking out. Drink: 2018-2038. (Aug 2019)"

96 points Decanter: "Subtle nose of lemon-spiked raw pastry and a harmonious palate of incredible finesse. Scented and perfumed notes of lemon balm, shortbread and lemon zest fill the mind and senses. Utter elegance and happiness follows. Drinking Window: 2019-2035. (Jan 2019)"

96 points and 'Cellar Selection,' Wine Enthusiast: "With its ripe fruits, rich texture and layers of toast, this is a great wine. It shows the quality of the great 2002 vintage brilliantly. It's complex and concentrated with an array of mature fruit flavors that combine to a structured whole. It will improve with age, so drink this great Champagne through 2025 and perhaps longer. Alcohol 12.5%. (Dec 2013)"

95 points Wine Spectator: "There's a buoyant, almost ethereal quality to this elegant Champagne, offering a rich range of blackberry pâte de fruit, crystallized honey, grilled nut and oyster shell flavors, set on a fine, chalky mousse. Long and mouthwatering, with a clean, citrus-infused finish. Drink now through 2027. 1,500 cases imported. (11/15/15)"

*** Peter Liem (ChampagneGuide.net)