Billecart-Salmon Brut Champagne Cuvée Nicolas François 2006 1.5L

97 points Stephan Reinhardt (Wine Advocate): "Created in 1964 as a tribute to the house’s founder, the youngest release is the 2006 Millésime Brut Cuvée Nicolas François, a blend of 60% Pinot Noir from premier and grand crus from the Montagne de Reims and the Grande Vallée de la Marne and 40% Chardonnay from the Côte des Blancs. Almost entirely fermented in stainless steel (only 5% was vinified in oak barrels) and aged for 11 years on the lees, this is a beautifully ripe and rich yet pure Champagne with ripe fruit flavors intermixed with chalky notes and brioche/nougat flavors. The palate is intense and concentrated in its rich fruit and substantial depth but also tight, highly elegant and perfectly balanced. The typical finesse of Billecart-Salmon is palatable as well as amazingly pure, with the persistent structure of a great Champagne. The 2006 already drinks dangerously well, but there is no need to hurry, this will go a long way. My sample is from lot L 193A815 45578 that was disgorged in April 2018. Tasted in November 2018. (Dec 2018)"

97 points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "The 2006 Cuvée Nicolas François Billecart is shaping up to be a jewel of a wine, but it needs time to be at its best. I am surprised by how tightly wound it is. But that only makes me think what it might develop into with time in the cellar. Lemon confit, white flowers, mint, crushed rocks and sage meld together in a bright, crystalline Champagne endowed with terrific purity. The 2006 is 60% Pinot Noir from the Montagne de Reims and the Vallée de la Marne and 40% Chardonnay from the Côte des Blancs, mostly done in steel, with just a touch of oak, around 5%. Dosage is 6 grams per liter. Drink: 2020-2032. (Aug 2020)"

96 points James Suckling: "A rounded vintage, with very attractive white peach, apricot and nectarine fruits as well as lemon and yellow grapefruit, dried flowers, orange rind and some clotted cream. The palate has an assertive, sturdy and punchy feel to it. Bright acidity that's lime sorbet-like. Good length and plenty of fresh stone fruit flavors. Fleshy and lively. Drink this now. (1/7/18)"

96 points Decanter: "Nicolas François 2006 possesses an impressive aromatic richness of hazelnuts, white fruit and spring flowers. This is a vinous, chalky, visceral Champagne from Billecart, with brioche and a laser-like texture. This could become a reference point. Made from 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay, with 20% vinified in oak barrels. Dosage: 6g/l. (Nov 2019)"

95 points Tyson Stelzer (The Champagne Guide): "(40% Côte des Blancs chardonnay, 60% pinot from Aÿ, Mailly-Champagne and Rilly-la-Montagne; 10% vinified in oak barrels (15% of pinot and 5% of chardonnay); partial malolactic fermentation; aged 10 years on lees; 6g/L dosage; cork; 60,000 bottles)... A powerful Nicolas François that ricochets with the ripe 2006 vintage. The rich generosity and fast-evolving mood of this generous season is heightened by the toasty, spicy complexity of a little oak vinification, lending subtle, savoury smoked charcuterie notes to a core of rich grilled pineapple, fig and mirabelle plum... (2020-2021)"

95 points and 'Cellar Selection,' Wine Enthusiast (Dec 2018).