2006 Billecart-Salmon Cuvee Nicolas Francois Brut (750ml)

Pinot Noir from Champagne, France

B-21 Top Recommendation
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I'm bowled over by a place like La Cigale, the gilded 1900 brasserie on Place Graslin in the heart of Nantes. Outside, the guy on the street is shucking shiny Gillardeau No. 4 oysters; inside is a Sistine Chapel for gourmets where every ceiling and wall is ornately painted and tiled. And in pride of place, a full line-up of Billecart-Salmon except this one!

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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.

95 points, William Kelley, Wine Advocate (Issue # 244 - Aug 2019)

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.

95 points, Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast (Dec 2018)

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. Drink now through 2030.

94 points, Alison Napjus, Wine Spectator (Dec 2018)

Fresh honey and bright poached apples with dried flowers, cherry pastry and richness that flows to the palate. A ripe array of white peaches, baked cherry pastry and a complex, smooth fleshy build in texture. White peaches and brioche to close. Drinking well now, but it will deliver plenty in the next decade on cork.

94 points, James Suckling (Sep 2018)

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$124.99

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