Billecart-Salmon Cuvee Nicolas Francois 2012 (750ml)

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Producer	Billecart-Salmon
Country	France
Region	Champagne
Varietal	Sparkling Varietals
Vintage	2012
Sku	43113
Size	750ml

 

WA

96

JS

97

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 flavours of sole in lemon butter or a milk-fed veal chop with chanterelle mushrooms.

Blend: 60% Pinot Noir, 40% Chardonnay

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

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 (20% was blocked in 2012). This vintage was characterized by a prolonged flowering period, significant rainfall and mildew pressure, resulting in a small crop. The harvest of fruit, which contributed to this cuvée, took place between September 17 and 22. "It was crucial to select only the ripest fruit, as maturation varied significantly between plots," explains Billecart’s head winemaker, Florent Nys. But what of the wine itself? Disgorged in May 2023 with a dosage of 3.8 grams per liter, 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, hinting at the savory complexity that has emerged with such notable bottle age. Compared to the 2008, which remains tightly coiled, the 2012 is broader-shouldered and more demonstrative. Anticipated Maturity: 2026-2047