2007 Billecart Salmon Cuvee Nicolas Francois
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Tasting notes
Last time I tasted this I wondered whether the bottle was in perfect shape so I welcome the chance to retaste. 79% grands crus, 21% premiers crus. 60% Pinot Noir, 40% Chardonnay. 15% of the wine was vinified in 15-year-old oak casks. Dosage 6 g/l. Medium-deep gold. Quite an intense nose but there still seems to be a slight lack of freshness on the palate and then a light bitter note. It's definitely better than the bottle I tasted in October 2021 but rather than being too dry, this bottle seems a little loose. There is some density and persistence however. I may be being too critical. (JR)
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
Originating from an early September harvest, the 2007 Brut Cuvée Nicolas François, disgorged in November 2020 with a dosage of six grams per liter, represents a comparatively lean and somewhat more restrained rendition of this cuvée. It rises from the glass with aromas of pear, quince and orange peel, mingled with hints of sage and a subtle note reminiscent of cabbage, likely deriving from reduction. Medium-bodied, taut and incisive, the palate is propelled by tangy acidity and built around a tightly knit core, concluding in a long, resonant finish. To my palate, it lacks the harmony that distinguishes the most compelling editions of this cuvée.
The 2007 Brut Cuvée Nicolas François Billecart is positively stellar. Elegant, polished and sophisticated, the 2007 dazzles with effusive aromatics and gorgeous balance. It's not an obvious wine, though, but rather a Champagne built for long, patient cellaring. The 2007 is 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay taken from Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, Ambonnay, Verzenay and Verzy for the Pinots and Chouilly, Avize, Cramant and Mesnil for the Chardonnays. In other words, as good as it gets for villages. The wine was done mostly in tank with about 15% of the lots vinified in oak. Dosage is 6 grams per liter. (Originally published in May 2021)
Tightly woven nose. This doesn’t taste especially old, and is very dry on the end. This bottle is not showing its luxurious nature at the moment. Just a little suppressed. I wonder whether it has light TCA? There’s no obvious fault other than a tight dryness. Score applies to this bottle only. (JR)
About the producer
Founded in 1818, Billecart-Salmon is one of the region's oldest continuously family-owned Champagne houses and has a fine reputation for crafting exceptionally elegant and pure Champagne wines.