Billecart-Salmon Brut Champagne Cuvée Nicolas François 2008

100 points Tyson Stelzer (The Champagne Guide): "(83% grand crus, 17% premier crus; 60% pinot noir from Mareuil-sur-Ay, Ay, Ambonnay, Bouzy, Verzenay and Verzy; 40% Chardonnay from Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Chouilly, Cramant and Vertus; 17% vinified in oak barrels (pinot noir); partial malolactic fermentation; aged 150 months on lees; 2.9 g/L dosage; disgorged November 2021). Long have I anticipated Nicolas François Billecart 2008 and my first encounter came with Antoine in the dining room of the house in Mareuil-sur-Ay. I spent a full 20 minutes riveted by its evolution in the glass, moving me to tears. The profound precision and intricate, molecular detail that define Billecart are transported to a higher level of fidelity in 2008, illuminating a brilliant display of fine chalk minerality of the highest proportions. A saline chalk core erupts from its depths, framing the most pure lemon fruit and strawberry hull; emphatically, unrelentingly and sublimely primary, without even the slightest movement toward evolution. In time, pinot steps forward in the most gloriously pure red cherry fruits. Even 17 months post-disgorgement, it is still intricately, tightly coiled, with an undeterred line and unrelenting persistence; a high-tensile spring of taut, pure energy that screams out for a lifetime to uncoil. This is an NFB with sixty years of glorious life stretching before it, and strictly must not be approached for at least another decade yet. (Edition VII; 2024)"

98 points Audrey Frick (JebDunnuck.com): "Based on 60% Pinot Noir and the rest Chardonnay, with 17% raised in barrels, the 2008 Champagne Nicolas François spent more than 150 months on its lees, with 2.9 grams per liter dosage. It pours a rich straw hue and is layered and long with aromas of truffle, apricot, croissant, floral orange blossoms, and marmalade. Full-bodied, it’s supple in texture, with a rounded mousse, and has a long-lasting, mouthwatering finish. Exceptionally well-balanced, it comes together seamlessly on the finish. This will be a wine to enjoy over the next three decades. Disgorged in January of 2022. Drink: 2023-2053. (11/17/23)"

98 points Bettane & Desseauve Guide (2024).

97 points James Suckling: "Lovely precision and drive to this with aromas of lemon curd, brioche, praline, apricots, pomelos, mandarin zest and salted caramel. It’s held together by a sharp, citrusy backbone of acidity, balanced with a fine, silky mousse. Both structure and softness here. Citrus fruit brightness on a beautifully elegant and seamless finish. 60% pinot noir and 40% chardonnay. 150 months on lees. 2.9g/L dosage. Drink or hold. (5/9/23)"

97 points Wine Enthusiast: "[$250 list] A blend of fruit from mainly Grand Cru vineyards, this beautiful Champagne is now fully mature. With toasty characters, touches of fresher fruit and taut acidity, the wine has a little spice from wood fermentation. It is a great Champagne ready to drink. (Dec 2023)"

96 points William Kelley (Wine Advocate): "The 2008 Brut Cuvée Nicolas François was disgorged during the third quarter of 2022 with less than three grams per liter. It has a delicate, pure, clean bouquet with aromas of orchard fruits, spring flowers, honey and licorice, with hints of brioche and pastry with aeration. Medium to full-bodied, chiseled and crystalline, with racy acids and a chalky texture, the palate is tense and the finish is long, penetrating and salty. It exhibits perfect Billecart style, yet tension is present, a sign of the vintage. It is a blend of 60% Pinot Noir (sourced from Aÿ, Mareuil and Verzenay) and 40% Chardonnay from Mesnil, Chouilly and Cramant, and it matured 83% in tanks and 17% in old oak barrels. Drink: 2023-2050. (Apr 2023)"

96 points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "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 id 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. Drink: 2023-2038. (May 2022)"

94-96 points Essi Avellan, MW: "(60% Pinot Noir, 40% Chardonnay) Billecart-Salmon are one of the last houses to bring out their 2008 prestige cuvée after having it spend glorious 150 months on lees. The age-complexed nose is creamy with toffee layers as well as notable oaky presence. Sweet honey tones mark its autumnal red fruit profile of intriguing aromatic complexity. The palate comes with a refreshing contrast to the nose with its linear and driven palate of mouthwatering acidity. Some of the racy contrast comes from Billecart-Salmon going for as low a dosage as 2,9g/l, as they felt more would have masked the fruit and brought heaviness. Structure-wise it is suggesting great longevity and I am greatly looking forward to following its evolution. (Mar 2023)"

95+ points Sarah Mayo (The Wine Independent): "The Nicolas Francois 2008 Brut is a 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay predominantly from Grand Cru vineyards with 17% sourced from Premier Cru parcels. Cold fermented in stainless steel with 17% of the cuvée vinified in oak, it was cellared for prolonged aging sur latte and finished Extra Brut with a 2.9 grams per liter dosage. Bursting from the glass with crisp aromas of ripe yellow apple, lemon tart, cold butter on fresh brioche and flower honey plus airy notes of crushed oyster shell and verbena, the medium-bodied palate has palpable energy with a dynamic acid line carrying lithe and ethereal notes of stone fruit and chalk to a wonderfully balanced and refreshing finish. A classic, fresh Billecart style that should continue to age beautifully for 15+ years. Disgorged in the third quarter of 2022. Lot: L84307. Drink: 2023-2035. Alcohol 12.5%. (11/8/23)"

95 points Tom Hewson (Decanter): "On release this is reserved, taut and subtle, with sourdough, confit lemon and gentle blackberry Pinot fruit presented with daring dryness (just 2.9g/L residual sugar) and intensity. The texture surrounding the firm acidity is cool, clean and lightly creamy, the mousse beautifully delicate. Somewhat inscrutable and firm at the moment, this structured and lean Cuvée Nicolas François stands to gain considerable expressiveness with time under cork. Made from 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay from 83% grand cru vineyards. 17% oak-vinified with 150 months on lees, disgorged in summer 2022. Drinking Window: 2028-2038. (May 2023)"

95 points La Revue du Vin de France: "We like Nicolas Francois 2008 for its pep and firm yet powerful mouthfeel. (2024)"

94 points Wine Spectator: "A vibrant Champagne, with vivid acidity enmeshed with the lacy mousse, creating a fine frame for flavors of black currant and apricot fruit, preserved lemon, toast and ground coffee. Reveals minerally hints of oyster shell and brine that linger on the finish. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Disgorged spring 2022. Drink now through 2030. (9/20/23)"