Description
// 60% Pinot Noir from Montagne de Reims and the Grande Vallée de la Marne (Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, Aÿ and Verzenay), 40% of Chardonnay from Côte des Blancs (Mesnil-sur-Oger, Chouilly, Avize)
"My first time with Nicolas François was with the vintage 1988 and it was a truly magic moment.
After more than 10 years of ageing, the Nicolas François 2012 is showing beautifully with a really pleasant freshness, some yellow fresh fruits and citrus touch. I truly believe that the minerality is just “wow”. The small part of oak brings a touch of vivacity and depth to wine." - Lucas Reynaud-Paligot
"After the taut 2008 – a wine that leant heavily on the austerity of the year – the 2012 Nicolas François maintains an admirably frank and fat-free take on this intensely ripe, bright and concentrated vintage, further intensified by the recent move to lower dosage at the house. With its aromas of raspberry, pear and candied orange, the maturity of the year is certainly evident, although the wine carries a real squeeze of dried lemon-like maturing Chardonnay, feeling tight and racy right through to the close. Already showing some nutty maturity and brown pastry richness, it's a cuvée which has proven itself to age with aplomb over the last two decades. With a slightly finer natural balance and harmony than the 2008, the 2012 looks well set." - 95 points, Tom Hewson for Decanter
"The 2012 Brut Cuvée Nicolas François Billecart shows all the natural radiance of the year. There's gorgeous resonance and texture here. Apricot, spice, tangerine oil and lightly honeyed notes infuse the palate with notable depth and persistence. This rich, expansive Champage has a ton to offer. This release was disgorged nearly two years ago, which also adds to its complexity. Dosage is 3.8 grams per liter. Disgorged: May 2023." - 95 points, Antonio Galloni
"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. Disgorged in the second half of 2024. Drink or hold." - 97 points, Claire Nesbitt
