Billecart-Salmon : Cuvée Nicolas François Billecart 2006

Created in 1964 as a tribute to the house’s founder, the newest release is the 2006 Millésime Brut Cuvée Nicolas François, a blend of 60% Pinot Noir from premier and grand crus in 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 intermingled with chalky notes and brioche/nougat nuances. The palate is intense and concentrated in its rich fruit and substantial depth yet also tight, highly elegant, and perfectly balanced. The typical finesse of Billecart-Salmon is palpable and impressively pure, with the persistent structure of a great Champagne. The 2006 already drinks dangerously well, but there is no need to rush; it will go a long way. My sample is from lot L 193A815 45578, disgorged in April 2018. Tasted in November 2018.

Full bottle 1,662 g. 60% Pinot Noir from grands and premiers crus villages in Montagne de Reims and Vallée de la Marne, 40% Chardonnay from the Côte des Blancs. 5% of the wine was vinified in 15-year-old oak casks. Dosage 5 g/l. Very firm nose and a tingling, grapefruit-juice sort of flavour. Really lingering palate with definite richness. Less austere than some recent releases from this house. Really intriguing and rewarding. (JR)

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. (Originally published in August 2020)

Light golden yellow; fine mousse. Delicate yeasty aromas underpin ripe yellow tropical fruit, a hint of caramel, tobacco nuances, floral notes, a touch of cherry and honey. Juicy, silky, elegant texture, creamy, yet powerful body, lovely core fruit expression, finesse, richly structured with a long-lasting finish and fine nougat echo. Still very youthful, plenty of further development potential in the bottle.

In this full-bodied vintage, Nicolas François 2006 offers comfort on the palate, with breadth as well as a lovely, lively backbone. Enjoy without rushing and, above all, serve at the table.

A fairly broad Champagne, with concentrated notes of lemon, ginger, and a smoky touch. The palate is generous, lifted by lovely freshness.

Named after the founder of the house, Nicolas François Billecart (who married Elisabeth Salmon), this wine is now at its peak. It is poised between fresh apple fruits and broader, riper maturity. This balance gives a ripe wine hinting at toast and almonds while still with a dry aftertaste. Drink now, although in 2019 it will be even better.