1996 Billecart-Salmon Brut Cuvée Nicolas-François Billecart
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Tasting notes
The 1996 Brut Cuvée Nicolas François is a brilliant example of the vintage and likely ranks as the finest rendition of this cuvée produced in the 1990s. Mingling notes of candied peel, citrus oil and dried white flowers with nuances of smoke, iodine and freshly baked bread, it's medium to full-bodied and ample but incisive, with a tensile and concentrated core, racy acids and a long, mineral finish.
Critic scores
Andy Howard MW, Jancisrobinson.com
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Mature, with great energy. Malty, fresh mushroom aromas, then generous red apple fruit on the palate. A surprising hint of passion fruit. Persistent elegant bubbles, satisfying texture. Very pretty, no signs of oxidation. (AH)
Fabulous nose combines lemon, orange zest, quinine and steely minerality with suggestions of toffee and brown spices. Wonderfully precise and vivid on the palate, delivering an impression of outstanding concentration and grip with a light touch. Extremely fine-grained Champagne with strong but integrated acidity. As young as this is, it's harmonious from the outset. The building finish is pristine, chewy and extremely long. (Robert Chadderdon Selections, New York NY
The 1996 Brut Cuvée Nicolas François Billecart is in fine shape. Rich, heady and tropical, the 1996 is peaking today. Baked apple tart, passion fruit, honey, hazelnut and espresso infuse the palate with tremendous depth. The 1996 is a fine choice for drinking now. I certainly don't see it improving from here. In 1996, the Nicolas François was done entirely in steel. Dosage is 4.3 grams per liter. Disogrged: December 2005.
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.