2006 Billecart-Salmon 'Cuvee Nicolas Francois' Brut Champagne

Winemaker Notes:  A lovely color of sparkling yellow gold veiled in luminous golden reflections. Fine malted notes associated with orchard fruit (white peach, nectarine, Lorraine plum) refined by the purity of the complex mandarin zest aromas. There is a balanced tension controlled by the blossoming of the wine (seeded and stone fruit, citrus fruit, warm madeleines) and embodied by the line of noble resinous flavors (spruce and juniper berries from Houlle). It will expose the flavors of a beautiful creamy, roasted poultry or a delicious slice delicious turbot in a creamy sauce.

CRITICAL ACCLAIM

Wilfred Wong - "Billecart-Salmon is on my shortlist of five all-time favorite Champagne producers. I'll let you guess the other four. The 2006 Cuvée Nicolas François provides an exceptional savoring experience. This wine exhibits complex and alluring aromas and flavors of frisky and mature fruit. Enjoy it in a special moment with your significant other, and make sure you get at least half of the bottle. "


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. "


Robert Parker's Wine Advocate - "The 2006 Brut Cuvée Nicolas François is showing superbly, bursting with aromas of warm bread, citrus oil, wild berries, smoke and gingerbread. On the palate, it's full-bodied, broad and voluminous, with a concentrated and fleshy core, chalky dry extract and lively acids despite the vintage, concluding with a saline finish. It was disgorged in April 2018 with 5.5 grams per liter dosage, and it's the usual blend of 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay, derived from Verzenay, Ambonnay, Ay and Mareuil-sur-Ay, as well as the Grands Crus of the Côte de Blancs, emphasizing Mesnil. "


Wine Enthusiast - "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. "


Wine Spectator - "Fine and creamy, this harmonious Champagne layers a firm backbone of bright acidity with a lovely range of orange pâte de fruit, marzipan, lime blossom and toasted brioche notes. Tightly meshed and racy, with a long, lightly spiced finish. "